Cleaning out forks

  • jrider33
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Cleaning out forks

25 May 2020 17:03
#826512
I am in the middle of replacing my fork seals, my question is what is the best way to clean out the inside of the forks? Can I use brake cleaner or will this potentially damage the new seals? I've seen suggestions to use kerosene as well. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
1982 Kawasaki KZ440 LTD Belt

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  • Nessism
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Re: Cleaning out forks

25 May 2020 17:37
#826514
jrider33 wrote: I am in the middle of replacing my fork seals, my question is what is the best way to clean out the inside of the forks? Can I use brake cleaner or will this potentially damage the new seals? I've seen suggestions to use kerosene as well. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Mineral spirits or kerosene are safe to use but be sure it's all removed before installing the fork oil. A flush with ATF after the solvent might be worth the effort since any remnants won't hurt anything.
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Re: Cleaning out forks

25 May 2020 17:55
#826517
If you are replacing the fork seals won't you be taking to forks apart? If so, cleaning the innards should be easy to do just using clean fork oil. Ed
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Re: Cleaning out forks

25 May 2020 20:58
#826527
Yes the forks are currently disassembled now just wanted to clean them out a little better before assembly. Think I'll use Kerosine and flush it out with ATF then assemble and add fork oil. Or is that kinda overboard?
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Re: Cleaning out forks

25 May 2020 21:29
#826528
Clean with mineral spirits, then let dry. During assembly use vaseline on seals and orings.
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