89 fork cap issues

FPMXer · Post by **FPMXer** » October 13th, 2007, 8:59 am

Yesterday after riding at Perris, I was going to replace the fluid in the forks. The caps on my forks are not breaking loose and they are all chewed up I will buy new caps but want to know the proper way to remove the old stubborn caps without damage to the tubes. I thought about a little heat but fear warping the tube tops. Or should I just suck it up and have a shop rebuild the forks? I can do the work if the proper reading material is within reach. Or what years of forks can I scrounge off ebay and slide into those trees. My hundy is down until I get it straightened out.

Post by **AlisoBob** » October 13th, 2007, 9:13 am

Ive seen guys try to remove the top caps without loosening the top pinch bolts..

Your lossened them, right?

A little heat, and a 6 point socket, and that should come off.

Heat the fork tube about 3" below the cap, and let the heat climb up the tube.

The aluminum cap will expand more, and if it gets hot, may make it even harder to get off.

Hold a paper towel with ice in it on the cap to chill it, if it gets warm.

FPMXer · Post by **FPMXer** » October 13th, 2007, 9:32 am

Thanks for the tip Bob. My only issue is that the 6 point socket is out of the question. I did loosen the top pinch bolts and also backed the compression/rebound screws like you have to on other forks to ge the caps to break loose. I will try it today with a little heat.

Post by **AlisoBob** » October 13th, 2007, 11:54 am

FPMXer wrote: My only issue is that the 6 point socket is out of the question.

$4 at Harbor Freight Tools

FPMXer · Post by **FPMXer** » October 13th, 2007, 4:55 pm

AlisoBob wrote:
FPMXer wrote: My only issue is that the 6 point socket is out of the question.
$4 at Harbor Freight Tools

I should have splianed it better. I have the tools but the caps no longer have a six point it's more like rounded now. Anyway I tried the heat and ice method but the caps are in there for good. I ended up removing the bottom threaded parts and drained the oil and then refilled through that same hole. I put in 650cc's of oil and I know that much didn't drain out. They are much stiffer now. Just have to get the pipe repair and she will be ready.

britincali · Post by **britincali** » October 13th, 2007, 5:10 pm

Ive got a set of 89 forks you can have for $60 + shipping.

FPMXer · Post by **FPMXer** » October 13th, 2007, 5:33 pm

britincali wrote:Ive got a set of 89 forks you can have for $60 + shipping.

As soon as I sell some of my KTM parts I will do it. Will the caps come off or are they frozen also? To save on shipping I can meet you at the top of the grade and we can also hook up and ride up in that area if you want to. I'm always down for a ride in new territory.

britincali · Post by **britincali** » October 13th, 2007, 5:58 pm

FPMXer wrote:
britincali wrote:Ive got a set of 89 forks you can have for $60 + shipping.
As soon as I sell some of my KTM parts I will do it. Will the caps come off or are they frozen also? To save on shipping I can meet you at the top of the grade and we can also hook up and ride up in that area if you want to. I'm always down for a ride in new territory.

Hell yea!

iggys-amsoil · Post by **iggys-amsoil** » October 14th, 2007, 12:19 am

Shocktherapy was in Murrieta but moved back to Brea.

But it sounds like you two have it worked out.

Baldy Meas is a free ride place at the top of the 15, Oak Hills.

BannedCR500Riders.com

89 fork cap issues

89 fork cap issues