Hitchcocks Forum

I'm returning to the job of replacing the front fork seals on my 2003 Indian Bullet 500. Previously I had one leaking fork seal and decided that I'd get all the necessary tools and attack the task myself. It all went well, in fact far too well. It went too well because when I came to reassemble and force the suspension tubes into the new seals it all went it a little too easily. I wasn't sure what to do so went with it, not knowing any better but I was suspicious. Needless to say both front forks leaked for fun.

So hear I am again with a new set of front fork seals. I don't mean to be disparaging to the Indian Bullet but I sometimes feel that there's a bit of tolerance on some of the parts. Anyhow has anybody got any advice or tips on getting fork seals in and out? I've managed to forget my enfield book for the weekend so I'm on my own. Tubes already disassembled and came looking for the book.

I see that there are technical notes for this task. Should have checked there first. Sorry

Well job done and replaced the seals but once again they just don't feel very snug at all. They are tight into the fork but then when you thread the tube in it just don't feel like a good seal.

Fork seals don't need to be tight fit on slider they have a built in spring around the inside lip the idea is not to cause drag/sticktion on the slider. The bullet is one of the best I've seen as its got two seals on each leg. You just need to make sure you don't damage them whilst fitting that's the hard part as there easy damaged whilst fitting on all bikes.

Thanks for that Paul, I hope your right and I'm being a nervous Nelly. I'll let you know either way.