Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

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Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

10 Apr 2015 18:26
#667444
I just replaced my fork seals and bushings on my 1985 GPZ900r. Now my forks don't compress at all hardly. Haven't ridden it yet, but in the garage I can not get the forks to move. While putting the 10wt oil in I pumped the fork legs to get the air out. Filled to the correct level. Used the factory service manual.
1980 KZ 550A1
1985 GPZ 900R

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  • SWest
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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

10 Apr 2015 19:17
#667445
You might have over filled it. Open the drain screws and let some on the oil out. Once it stops, close them and pump them again.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

10 Apr 2015 20:14
#667457
When you filled the fork legs did you have the front tire off the ground and use the measurement (from the top of the fork tube to the oil) as specified in the manual? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • StreetfighterKz
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Re: Re:Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

10 Apr 2015 21:11
#667463
I know on the newer bikes that fork oil level is measured with the spring out and fork slider compressed. I know on all the bikes I've changed seal on both cartridge and damper rod, I've always done that way.

Later, Doug
1978 z1000 Streetfighter
1976 z900 Stripfighter
1979 z650 Resto-Mod
1983 Gpz750 Resto-Mod
2018 Z900RS

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Re: Re:Re:Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

10 Apr 2015 21:59
#667468
StreetfighterKz wrote: I know on the newer bikes that fork oil level is measured with the spring out and fork slider compressed. I know on all the bikes I've changed seal on both cartridge and damper rod, I've always done that way.

Later, Doug
Saw it the same on some training/how-to vids.
2010 Camaro 2SS
1983 Kawi KZ1000P ... bag of bolts

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  • Flyndrive
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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

11 Apr 2015 06:47
#667488
Yes I measured from the top off the fork tube to the oil. 357mms with tube extended per the SM. The tire was not on the forks when I filled them. I might try letting a little out to see if it helps.
1980 KZ 550A1
1985 GPZ 900R

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  • martin_csr
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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

11 Apr 2015 07:15
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What seals & bushings did you install? ... wondering if the fit is wrong or something. ???
1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

11 Apr 2015 07:30
#667491
I did that. I had just replaced my seals for the 2nd time and one still leaked. I let some of the oil out and the leak went away. Before I couldn't compress my forks ether. Had to start over.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

11 Apr 2015 14:14
#667523
How much should you be able to compress the forks by just pushing or bouncing on the handlebars. I rode up and down the street and it felt fine, but there really aren't any bumps to see if thing moved.
1980 KZ 550A1
1985 GPZ 900R

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Re: Replaced fork seals, now my forks barely move HELP

11 Apr 2015 18:25
#667538
You shouldn't be able to bottom them.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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