QuestionI may have not been clear that I have the forks apart and know how to replace the main fork seal. I'm down to the inner most parts of the rod type fork.
What has me baffled is how to dissassemble the internal DAMPER ROD assembly. It's the inner most part of the fork I'm referring to. There is the steel rod (that runs up inside the spring) and a lower slider (steel tube with an aluminum base). The damper rod slides up and down in this lower tube and sticks a bit in places. It may not be possible to take this apart but I would if I could as I don't like the friction I feel in the damper.
A picture would be worth a lot of words here but I don't see a way to attach one. Any additional input would be appreciated and thanks for your help so far.
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Bill: I'm in the process of putting new seals in some 1973 CB350K4 forks (rod type). While I have them apart I'm wondering about other things that should be done.
The damper rod assembly feels a bit sticky in spots and I suspect there may be o-rings or seals inside this assembly but I can't figure out how it comes apart. The lower aluminum piece seems to be pressed into the steel sleeve which captures the end of the damper rod itself. I can see a hex nut inside on the end of the rod by peaking in through the base of it. Clymer just calls this whole thing a damper rod and makes no mention of the parts inside and how to get to them.
Can/should this assembly be rebuilt? Can you recommend a good book/source that might have this kind of detail?
Thanks, bg
Answer -
Brad, if there is a allen screw in the bottom of the forks, then that is generally what keeps the fork tube and fork case together.. that and the snap ring on top of the seal.
Usually the damper rod is retained by that allen bolt in the bottom case and you generally have to use an air tool to spin it out, otherwise the damper rod just turns inside the fork case. Sometimes you have to use a long tapered shaft or even a wooden dowel with tapered end to push down the top of the fork tube to engage the damper rod while you are turning the allen bolt at the bottom.
Once you have the bolt out of the damper and the snap ring off the top of the seal, you can use it like a slide hammer to hammer out the seal from the recess on the fork case.
Once apart all there is are a series of damper valves, snap rings and the fork bushing. All can be cleaned and inspected for wear or damage, then reassembled with new seals.
Use caution in reinstalling the new seals. You can often use the old seal stacked on top of the new one as a driving surface. Use a plastic mallet to go around the edges and work the seal down inside the fork case. Be sure to lightly oil the seal and the recess area before installing the seal. Use 125-130cc of fork oil to refill the cleaned and completely dried out fork assemblies.
Bill Silver
AnswerBrad, were you able to remove the allen bolt from the bottom of the fork case? That is what hold the damper rod inside the case.
Try to contact:
http://www.honda350k.com/index.html for assistance
or send a digital photo to me at my website: www.vintagehonda.com for more clarification.
Bill Silver
