Hitchcocks Forum

Posted here last week on the subject but can't seem to find that thread. Anyhow back then I was trying to work out how you get the fork tubes off so that I could replace the oil seal. Thanks to people here the penny eventually dropped.

So now I've seals in and it's reassembly that's the problem. When I put the tubes back on they only want to go on so that the fork spring stud is flush with the bottom of the fork tube. So I can't get the nut onto the end. Pushing the fork into the tub just moves the spring stud with the fork tube so I'm getting nowhere with putting the nut on.

Those studs are a tight fit. Make sure they are lined up to their holes properly then a sharp clout with a rubber hammer should get them started enough to get the nut on.
The next problem is the stud may spin when you try to tighten the nut. If this happens, do the rest of the assembling (wheel etc) then get someone to bear down on the 'bars while you tighten (or arrange a ratchet strap to compress the forks) this usually gives enough friction to let you do the nuts up.

Thanks Pete,
yeah I went with that and it all worked out but there was a bit more "Tapping" then I might have hoped for. It was just one of the forks which was really stubborn and it just seemed strange. Anyhow all done and I'll test it in the morning.