Shout out to John for use of the loaner tool kit.
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=983.0
Below are a few links on this topic that were v helpful when prepping for the job and giving guidance from start to finish. Have your manual handy for all fork removal and disassembly/reassembly procedures (yes, disassembly/reassembly are different pages w/ different procedures), and review these pages and you should be ok.
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=907.0
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=12039.msg110145#msg110145
I do want to highlight one specific set of re-installation instructions (pasted below). I had the both forks AND front wheel installed when I realized I did not perform these procedures to ensure the forks were completely even (ie, my front wheel axle was NOT spinning very freely following the first install). Once I performed the below steps, I was good.
Thanks everybody for all the great info, and good luck to the next user of this fantastic tool kit.
Chris
Procedure written by Bruce Triplett:
"This next step is VERY IMPORTANT. This is the PROPER WAY to install forks. ATTENTION – if improperly installed, the forks can’t work to their full potential. First install the left fork (left is determined as if you were sitting on the bike) into the triple clamps. (A little WD 40 sprayed on the fork tubes will make them slide in easier.) The measurement you took before you removed the forks will allow you to reinstall the left fork at the proper height. VERY IMPORTANT – Torque the pinch bolts to factory specs. Next, install the right fork in the triple clamp at approximately the same height as the left fork and LIGHTLY tighten ONLY ONE of the pinch bolts.
This next step is CRITICAL –install the axle into the forks, grab the axle between the left and right fork, and begin rotating the axle. As you rotate the axle, loosen the pinch bolt on the right fork and move the right fork up and down until you locate the place where the axle turns most freely. Now, at this position, torque the pinch bolts to factory specs. Install the wheel and brakes, and tighten the axle and/or axle nut. Torque the axle pinch bolts on the LEFT FORK ONLY.
Now, you need to work the forks up and down. The best way is to tie the cycle down in/on your trailer, or ride the cycle SLOWLY up and down the driveway, and pump the front brake level several times, making the forks move deep into the travel. Now you can TORQUE the RIGHT axle pinch bolts."
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=983.0
Below are a few links on this topic that were v helpful when prepping for the job and giving guidance from start to finish. Have your manual handy for all fork removal and disassembly/reassembly procedures (yes, disassembly/reassembly are different pages w/ different procedures), and review these pages and you should be ok.
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=907.0
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=12039.msg110145#msg110145
I do want to highlight one specific set of re-installation instructions (pasted below). I had the both forks AND front wheel installed when I realized I did not perform these procedures to ensure the forks were completely even (ie, my front wheel axle was NOT spinning very freely following the first install). Once I performed the below steps, I was good.
Thanks everybody for all the great info, and good luck to the next user of this fantastic tool kit.
Chris
Procedure written by Bruce Triplett:
"This next step is VERY IMPORTANT. This is the PROPER WAY to install forks. ATTENTION – if improperly installed, the forks can’t work to their full potential. First install the left fork (left is determined as if you were sitting on the bike) into the triple clamps. (A little WD 40 sprayed on the fork tubes will make them slide in easier.) The measurement you took before you removed the forks will allow you to reinstall the left fork at the proper height. VERY IMPORTANT – Torque the pinch bolts to factory specs. Next, install the right fork in the triple clamp at approximately the same height as the left fork and LIGHTLY tighten ONLY ONE of the pinch bolts.
This next step is CRITICAL –install the axle into the forks, grab the axle between the left and right fork, and begin rotating the axle. As you rotate the axle, loosen the pinch bolt on the right fork and move the right fork up and down until you locate the place where the axle turns most freely. Now, at this position, torque the pinch bolts to factory specs. Install the wheel and brakes, and tighten the axle and/or axle nut. Torque the axle pinch bolts on the LEFT FORK ONLY.
Now, you need to work the forks up and down. The best way is to tie the cycle down in/on your trailer, or ride the cycle SLOWLY up and down the driveway, and pump the front brake level several times, making the forks move deep into the travel. Now you can TORQUE the RIGHT axle pinch bolts."