Questions I need answers to... Fork seal driver, contact cleaner... TIA

 Hey guys!

A couple of quick questions, if I may...

The cheapest Fork Seal Driver that I can find is 59.99.  I ride so
infrequently (and like a wuss) that my present seals are still holding
and they were replaced 5 years ago.  I do service the oil on a regular
basis but if I want to replace the seals as a maintenance item, is
there a way to slam the seals into place without spending the 60 fun
tickets for a tool that's gonna get very little use?  Anyone have a
"home remedy"?

Also, what exactly the heck IS mineral spirits or contact cleaner???
I've used gas to clean parts.  Carb and brake cleaner, too.  Acetone
and paint thinner are considreed mineral spirits, I believe, but that
stuff scares me if the part being cleaned has some plastic or a seal,
etc.  I went to Kragen as well as Auto Zone and neither had a can of
contact cleaner...  What IS the skinny on these things?  What works
well and is safe to use when working on your bike?

Thanks guys (and gals)!

Scott

 "kxdude4" ...

I'll be facing a similar problem whenever I get around to doing my seals. I
have been eyeballing all sorts of tubes and tube-like items to see what
might just work out to have the right diameter. I'd like to find a handy
sized piece of plastic plumbing. So far my best find is a conical plug that
I should be able to cut at the right section and get the job done (as long
as I don't have to drive them too deep).

Mr. Baxter had a good tip on a brand of seals that come with a driver
included, but my seals had already ordered themselves. Check the WP fork
seal tips (or whatever it was called) thread for that info if you didn't
order the seals already.


Mineral spirits should be available at any paint store.
Contact cleaner is for electrical contacts. Maybe try Radio Shack?
Or just stop by my place with some beer.

 I have seen PVC used sucessfully to drive seals. The one I am talking
about is the section with a 90 degree exit on one side. This would be
a fitting and not the pipe. Cut the fitting down the side oppisite the
exit and snap it onto the fork leg using the exit as a handle. The
seal needs to go down far enough to get the snap ring back in place.
If it doesn't leak I would leave it alone. Change the oil once a year
and replace the brake pads when you do the seals OF

 A rubber mallet might help.

 

a SCREWDRIVER!!!!

oh, the humanity...

--
Charles
'99 YZ250