fork disassembly

I started out today with the intention of changing my fork seals on the zn700. I got the forks off the bike, drained the oil, got the top off and spring out, got the bottom allen bolt out and the little tube inside out. Took the dust seal off and the seal retaining spring off.
Now, here's the problem.. I can't get the inner tube separated from the outer tube. Is the fork seal holding the two together ? Will they come apart only after I get the fork seal out ? This is my first attempt at fork seals and I figured that I should be able to separate the 2 tubes and then the seal would be easier to get out. I wanted to disassemble the forks completely, clean everything, put on new seals, put in fresh oil and be done with it.
The kawasaki repair manual was no help at all. I have a haynes manual that said I should be able the pull the tubes apart, but I would have to "pull sharply". It also said something about separating a bushing. Anyway, I'm thinking about just pulling & replacing the seals and clean the inside of the forks as much as possible without separating them if it's going to be a lot of trouble.
Anyone know why I can't get these 2 tubes apart ?

*** Removed duplicate thread - Johnno 10/16/05

Post edited by: Johnno, at: 2005/10/16 23:18

I don't know anything about that model, but I'd bet that Z-doctor would know
If he don't stop by and post the answer, yuo might try sending him a PM.

Hey OldKaw,
Sounds like the forks on your ZN are similar to those on my ZG1200. Yes the seal will pop out with your sharp pull. You will then find a bushing that is retaining the seal on the forktube. It's a split bushing, like a piston ring. Open it just enough to get it off of the fork tube and then you can remove the fork seal. Be carefull on reassembly the seals are directional! Also cover the end of the fork tube with electrical tape before fitting the new seal over it.
Good Luck
KZCSI

Success !! I got the fork seal out with the pointed punch and sheet metal screw trick that I read about from my search on the forum. The pulling sharply wasnt getting me anything but a sore shoulder. The tubes separated quite easily after the seal was released. thanks for the input and helpful hints