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Need Help How to Raise Fork Tubes? They Fell :(

hondaguy

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Hi, my first post - I just got a 2015 NC700X, & am in the process of lowering (short rider). Installed a low center stand & 140mm lowering links, then got stuck trying to raise the fork tubes .5 in. Had the bike on the center stand, & supported by a jack on the oil pan so the front wheel was slightly off the ground. The forks were loose enough to twist, but would not budge upwards when trying to move them one at a time. So I tried loosening both sides, but then both forks suddenly dropped down around 1 inch towards the bottom of the upper clamps. I thought the jack support was supposed to avoid that, but I guess I set it wrong? How do I get the fork tubes to move back up? At what height should I set the jack under oil pan/ around how high should the front tire be above the ground to move the forks back up? I'm scared they'll keep dropping through down thru the upper clamps. Thanks
 
If I understand what you were doing, the front wheel is STILL on the bike? It would be difficult to raise the tubes one at a time with the front wheel still on. To move both up , I think you could just put a lever ( crowbar, 2X4, etc) under the front wheel, and carefully lift it, or, conversely, let the jack down a bit ( slowly) to move the tubes back up. They should go right back up.
I've always taken off the front wheel when servicing the forks, so never had them "fall down".
 
If the upper and lower clamp bolts are loose and the wheel assembly with fender and brake caliper is disassembled there is nothing to stop the fork tubes from dropping down and out and conversely from being pushed up. They have some weight to them so you do have to push up with some force.

If the wheel is still attached to the fork tubes can you just ease the jack down little by little so the front wheel touches the ground and pushes the fork assembly up in the clamps? The natural balance of the bike on the center stand should place weight on the front wheel as you lower the jack. Alternatively you could place a block or spacer under the front wheel so the jack does not have to be lowered as much to begin pushing the fork tubes up in the clamps.
 
Gravity, when you jacked the front wheel off the ground, and loosed both clamps, the weight of the wheel dropped the forks down..drop the jack down,,,the weight of the wheel should push the folks back up and then raise the jack a little at a time and let gravity put the forks in the spot you want then tighten the clamps...
 
Haha.. Ok, so I got the forks moved up, but when I measure, do I measure flush with the flat edge of the fork cap? Or to that line 1/4 inch below the top edge? Can't remember if it was flush or to that line initially.

Also, noticed the fork seals are cracked with striations. Is that normal for a less than 5yr old bike with only 10,000 mi? Should I replace with OEM seals, or is there another kind that might be better?
 
Haha.. Ok, so I got the forks moved up, but when I measure, do I measure flush with the flat edge of the fork cap? Or to that line 1/4 inch below the top edge? Can't remember if it was flush or to that line initially.

Also, noticed the fork seals are cracked with striations. Is that normal for a less than 5yr old bike with only 10,000 mi? Should I replace with OEM seals, or is there another kind that might be better?
Do you mean the fork seals are cracked, or the dust seals above the fork seals? Was the bike left outside in the sun? I would think if the fork seals were cracked, you‘d have oil running down the lower fork leg.

If you mean the dust seals, I’ve not seem anyone on the forum have trouble with the Honda units. My are fine after 8+ years and 47,000 miles.
 
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Hey we all learn and no one is born with heads full of knowledge.

I typically measure from the top edge of the fork tube. When screwed down in place the top of the cap stands about 3 mm above the top edge of the tube.

The seal you see is a dust cover and not the actual oil seal. If exposed to UV for 5 years it might show some degradation and cosmetic damage.
 
Ok, cool on the fork tube measuring, I measured from the top edge.

Ah - dust seals. Not sure how the original owner stored the bike, but there's just vertical cracks all around the top edges of both seals. As long as it's not a safety issue. Thanks again guys!
 
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