Hi just successfully changed fork seals on a 30 year kawasaki zephyr 550 using your video as guidance... never done fork seals before! What a fuckin excellent video mate... so well explained will be back for more... cheers!
I have never ever left a comment on RU-vid, but your solution for a seal driver was brilliant and saved my ass! Fork seals done and I can’t thank you enough.
Superbly simple explanation which is easy to follow. No annoying music, no irritating contrived comments flashing up on the screen (as the Americans seem to love doing!)...just someone who clearly knows what he's talking about telling us in plain English how to do the job! Many thanks, Del - you've made the job so much easier! P.S. Very useful tips too.
Got to agree, this is far the best video, simple, easy, no gimmicks or stupid music and in a workshop just like most of us, no a surgical unit like on other clips. Keep it up Del.
Thanks Jeff, good to hear from one of our fellow bikers down under... hope the winter is treating you well down there... thanks for your kind comments, really appreciated mate, all the best, D&P
I've been riding and wrenching on my bikes since the early 80's and this is the clearest and cleanest explanation of how to do fork seals I've seen! I too build my own tools so i LOVED that large allen wrench DIY tip (i use a giant welded nut on a bolt for my GSXR front axle removal tool). I've always paid the pro's for suspension work, but I'm ready to take on a ZR750S in the garage now! Thank you! 👍
Done this before many years ago before RU-vid and even as an engineer struggled. Just thought I'd check this out before I attempted another and glad I did forgot about trying to press the new seal in, now I'm prepared. Thanks for making the job so much easier.
Hi Delboy, You truly are the man!! Also great camera work by your wife/partner!! Your videos, tips and guidance are so clear and professional, setting a great example for all tutorials. My SV650s (1999) fork seal is leaking and I''ve just ordered the kit (Oil seals, Dust seals and Fork oil) off the net. To be honest, I'm not looking forward to the job, but your video has have me more knowledge, confidence and DIY ideas than anything else I've read or watched. Thanks a million bud for sharing your craftsmanship with all of us, and please please keep up the top quality work. Priceless!! Cheers! Belfast fan
My word, thank you so much for those really kind comments, I'm glad the video can help you ... it's not a difficult job, just a matter of knowing the anatomy... good luck with it, hope it goes well for you mate, and thanks for watching, ride safe, Del
Thank you very much for this outstanding video. You are a gifted teacher who has easily taken the "fear" out of a "scary" job from many of us, at least from me. I must also compliment on your camera operator, she has a steady pulse, does not jerk the video and keeps focus on what she needs to focus on, the class. You make an excellent team. Thanks again.
Hi buddy, how nice to hear from you, and thank you for your kind words...! Am glad the videos can help you, and give you the confidence to have a go at it.. Penny says thank you too, sje takes a great pride in the filming, and as you said, makes a great job of it ... much appreciated! All the best and good luck with your own projects!
We are a small family run motorcycle training school in the north west of the UK and we've just followed your steps for replacing the fork seals. We have completed the replacement of fork seals on 2 Yamaha xj600's without any problems. Thank you so much for your video and advice. You have saved us a small fortune. Thank you again..............So happy!!!
Hi Peter, that makes me so happy to hear, there is no business i have more respect and admiration for than a Motorcycle Training School... you bring new bikers into the fold, keep our young fledgling brothers and sisters on the right path to a safe career in biking....and more then anything, you take the time to demystify and help them through the joke that is licensing legislation....if it wasn't for you and the hard work you folks do in all weathers, then people wouldn't bother any more and biking would die out in a decade....so if we have been able to help you out in a small way, even if its just with some maintenance, then the pleasure is all ours.. Thanks for watching, and all the very best to you in your business...Kind Regards. Del.
Delboy. Thank you for giving me the confidence to replace the forks seals and a set of bushes on my FJR1300. And I went on to replace a stanchion and seals on my GPZ900. Both sailed through the MOT's. It was at the cost of the materials and satisfaction that I had done it. (and knowing that it was done properly). Once again thank you.
Hi Andy, that's great news mate... we so love to hear that people have got stuck in and taken on simple jobs, it's not complex, as you found, just a little alien to some people with the obvious worry that you may do something you don't understand... but like with all things, once we see it done it's easy... good on yer mate, happy fettling! All the best, Del
You are a teacher, a rare gift in most of the help videos I watch. The evidence being no unanswered questions that we have to go search for to finish the task. Keep up the good work. Ricky-NY
Why thank you most kindly Ricky....you are welcome, and im glad you liked the video...always feel free to drop us a line of you get stuck with an unanswered question in one of those "other" videos..lol. happy to help.. all the best.. Del.
wow tools in general are expensive and the only thing i dont have is the 17 alan key but thanks for the tip on making one.i would of never thought of it in a million years.thanks a lot man
darren legg Hi Darren, yeah, simple little fix eh?? I used to make 24mm allan keys out of huge chassis bolts when I was a bus fitter, we needed them for the sump plugs on bus engines... mainly cos the SnapOn man offere a 24mm socket mounted allan key, but it was £70!! So you know how it is, you get busy with the blow torch !
Just recently rebuild my first set of forks on a 1988 Kawasaki ZX10 after watching your vid. I cant believe just how easy it was, i have always taken my bikes to the dealers when it has come to fork problems. I could have saved a fortune.
There you go Steve... how hard can it be mate! Well done for getting it sorted, and never mind what you could have saved, at least now you can save the money in the future! Cheers, Del
I cant believe that a guy like you have so few views! You have HD footage of a mechanic video that has one of the better explanation I have seen/heard that is relevant and thorough, not only that but you were very interesting to listen to and you can tell you have lots of experience! So glad I found this video, will be changing my fork seals soon, this will be a great refenrence, thanks againg for the great video!
Thanks mate, it's to great to hear that the videos help, and we try to make them simple and straightforward, these jobs are not complex, it's just knowing the anatomy, and just following the steps... if you get stuck, feel free to drop us a line any time and we'll try our best to help... thanks for your support, plenty of videos in the back library, which we hope will also help you, all the best, Del & Penny!
You're awesome Delboy! You have a great talent for teaching. I have been thinking about working on my forks for years. Finally need to get up the courage to do it. I learned two great tips in only 5 minutes of your video.
Wow! that's the best video i've ever seen on fork seal replacement. Simple, easy to understand, no annoying music and job well done. This video is a treat for home mechanics. Thank you for the video.
A massive thanks for this video. After watching it I went about tackling a oil and seal change on my ER5. you made it so easy and the workshop manual made a lot more sense. I've only managed one fork leg at the moment - try and get to go the other one tomorrow. I shall be subscribing. Thanks again
same here; i've never done fork seals before and i'm going to attempt to do my ER-5 in the next few days when the parts arrive. Really awesome video! Gareth how did you get on with the seal tops on the ER5 cos they're not threaded like these are they?
great instructional video ! if you want to do à professional job as a home mechanic taking half an hour to look at this video is very well worth the time investment. Mike clearly knows what he is talking about and knows how to explain. great help !
I replaced the seals on my '82 Suzuki gs1100e using a length of plastic pipe that fit precisely as a driver. I started replacing the seals on a friend's '89 750 katana. When I went to drive in the upper bushing I realized my pipe was too small in diameter to fit the newer bike's upper tubes. Your solution to this problem is both simple and elegant. I cannot wait to try it tomorrow as soon as the local Home Depot opens. Thanks for saving me a lot of time and anguish.
great stuff!! thanks a lot following your great instructions i managed to change my oil seals ,had numerous problems along the way ,i bought a suzuki xf650 not in very good shape neglected,damper rod spring and spacer stuck inside but you helped install in me thhe confidence to go boldly forward!! midnight here tomorow put forks back on bike thanks again great vid
I Have finally found a good DIY video on forks. Normally I just come across the rich guys with all their drivers and torque wrenches and half "ass" explanations or just being to rough with their fork. Thanks Moonfleet41 (Absolutely Brilliant)
Why thank you kindly Lavelle, you are most welcome... it's just basic common sense and you don't need fancy tools (plus I can't afford them anyway lol!)... good luck and take care, all the best, D&P
All your videos have saved me a great deal of head ache.. Now I wont even need luck on my side because I just need to watch this clip while I work on my bike lol. the only luck I need is on the compressed cap shooting off (but then again, I was warned) keep the good advice, hope all stays well mate -Lavelle
Your fork seal driver is genius, this is the only part that stopped me doing this job as I really didn't want to spend a load of money on a driver. Many thanks. Regards
Why thank you Steve, this is a way old video and we're very honoured to have your approval, if you check out the current videos we make on the Channel today, we have improved a great deal since then!
@@Moonfleet41 I’ve subbed a while back after watching how to realign forks and I’m watching lots. Nice and clearly informative, well filmed and no intrusive music. The sort of thing we hope to find on this platform but seldom seem to get. I like doing my own maintenance when I can so areas that I’m not sure about it’s great to find your stuff and l especially like the tips that diy-ers like myself would not think about.
@@steve5825 Welcome aboard then Steve, and thank you for your support mate, always feel free to drop me a line if you get stuck and need a second opinion on something, always happy to help.. :-)
We must think in a very similar way. Clear, simple and concise! You have a gift for cutting through the clutter and making the point very clearly. I have been watching videos, wringing my hands, worried about doing my 2009 Honda Goldwing seals. I was worried because I didn't have a fundamental understanding of how a fork works. This video completely solved that. Thank you so much! From your friend on the other side of the pond! USA
You're most welcome Sir, am glad the video helped you, and thank you for your kind comments... if you subscribe and stay in touch, you'll get regular updates of all the videos we do twice a week!
nudle90 It's all in the videoing mate, which is done by our fabulous PennyPitstop, she captures all the action you couldn't do with a tripod ! Cheers mate, Del
Thanks for taking your time to give tips to all of us garage mechanics! I am rebuilding my 2002 1200xlc front end next weekend and will be using your video as a guide for sure. Haven't see the question here, but on the PVC pipe for 39mm tubes (1.5"+) should I buy 1 3/4" PVC or 2" PVC? Not sure how much play you need in them before I waste my time going to hardware store. Thanks!
Watched and listened to this. replaced my seals on my GSX1400. Explained it so easy and how brilliant to use a bolt instead of allen key. Thanks alot, best video on this bar none
I love these vlogs. They make me capable! I couldn't get the bottom bolt loose quite so easily, but held the spring against the damper rod and a quick snap later... Thank you for posting it. Really useful. 👍☺
Thanks Kenny, that's what we like to hear, these videos are for anyone who just wants to save a few bucks, and get a bit more involved in their machine..plus its a lot of fun too... ride safe buddy... Del.
Absolutely awesome do-it-yourself video brother. Been riding and wrenching since 75 and was a certified mech for most of my 1st career. You are both a gentle man and a scholar mate. You turned what most riders consider a scary bitch into a kitten :-)
Great video Delboy. It is well produced and full of great tips and shop practice. I need to replace the fork seals in my ST1100 and your video was perfect! I have the OEM Honda shop manual and was ready to disassemble the cartridge in the right leg. You showed me that wasn't necessary. I'm sure that saved me a lot of heartache. And your bush and seal drivers were genious. Thanks a lot.
Engineering Genius!!!! I love all the explanations and especially the homemade parts. I have seen people use sand paper to clean the fork tubes using high grit from 400-2000. I also saw other people measure the oil height with springs and stuff in the tube. Those are dirt bikes and might be different.
Great being able to refer back to your videos Del! Tackling this job on my blackbird for the first time, as daunting as it is it's great to be able to see it done and learn from there.
Hi Barry.. its just nuts and bolts buddy, nothing complicated, drop us a line if you get stuck.. but i bet you'll breeze through it mate... good luck, let us know how you get on... cheers, Del.
I just replaced the seals on my 37 year old KZ750E. I bought it new and do to my job I put in the barn 32 years ago. Now that I retired I'm giving to my 24 year old son as I bought another bike so we can ride together. Thank you Moonfleet41 for the memories we will have with your help. I'm grateful.
Hi Tom, same back at ya, you just brought a lot of memories back for me... I was riding this kinda bikes round in the 80's!... so glad the videos have helped, and what a wonderful story... enjoy your travels with your son, ride safe always but most of all, have fun! All the very best, Del & Pennyx
i took you're advise .... it cost me $280.00 to do my sons seals i watched you're video done my seals my mates and my wifes im so glade to have seen youre video the pvc fork tool saved me another $75 cant thank you enough
Doing my Zrx seals this week :) This video is Spot on for the help I need .I do all my own work on my bikes.Brakes,Steering,Bearings the lot.However ! I was a bit Apprehensive about for seals :)
Excellent video! I've already replaced the seals on one of my dirt bikes using this. Had to watch it again so I remember how to the the other a year later. Thanks for posting!
was having a sod of a job changing oil seals on an ER 5 till i watched your clip , great tip with the plastic pipe all done and sorted cheers very helpfull
Excellent! Your guides are easily the best out there. Comprehensive, intuitive and explained in a manner that the layman can understand, with live pictorials (which may sound obvious) but being able to picture and understand what we're seeing is critical to a good guide, but as another poster has said, you do indeed have a gift! Thank you.
Thank you so much Steve, thats very kind of you indeed... We're glad you enjoy the videos, and can make use of them too.. take care and have a good weekend, D&Px
Before i watched this video i was poised with my finger on the buy it now button on ebay for a £50 seal tool, i do a fair bit of plumbing with my job & that is a top tip with the waste pipe & you have saved me a fortune plus a very easy to follow "how to". BRILLIANT !!!!!
Glad i stumbled on this video. I've not been riding long and don't know much about fixing bikes. Noticed my left fork is leaking today when changing the headlights. Been a little concerned about the repair bill but this dont look too hard of a job to do thanks to the quick and simple lesson. Thanks
So glad I found your channel. I'm doing a full resto on my '84 GPZ900R and I've found your videos super helpful! It was also nice seeing you move into your new shop. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much. Your bush/seal driver is really cunning. Well explained especially the little fiddly bits that make DIY life a bit of a roller-coaster. Top video
Hi, Del. Just became a Patron for your channel, mostly because of this video and the head bearings replacement one. Had to do both on a '98 ZX6R which is now fully on the road and running great - your videos were invaluable so thanks very much. I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos so looking forward to seeing more. Cheers
Hi Bob, thank you so much my friend - we saw your Patron notification come in, how generous of you, thank you so much... we were about to write back to you but were clearing these messages first and found you here! The Patron system has made such a difference to our videos, we've been able to take the Channel to levels we never imagined possible... and now you are part of the 'family', it's great to have you aboard ! Thank you again for pitching in, make sure you keep in touch, all the best, good luck with your porjects, take care, Del & Penny!
Couldn't sleep well last night as i am confronted with a damaged/leaking front fork but tonight i will sleep like a counter sunk screw, so thank you ingenious solutions and cost effective solutions.
8yrs old this video and it still keeps on giving 👍 just changed the fork seals on my kawasaki. Top video and top tip with the plastic seal saver 👏 thanks man
I know this is an old vid but my god this is one of the best fork seal replacement vid I've ever seen. Of to change my own seals. Thank you for sharing your knowledge my good sir.
Thank you for your kind words buddy, thats very generous of you, Im glad the video could help you.. Yes it is an old video now, but that just makes us more proud that its still helping people out all these years later.. Take care, enjoy your project, and ride safe.. Del.
fantastic! real world advice that helped me feel better about not buying a bunch of useless space robing tools. yet doing it right propper. I will for sure watch more of your vids. thanks from the colorado rocky mountains.
Thanks Chris, great to hear from you buddy....and thanks for your kind comments, There is always a tool company ready to sell you a specialized tool for the job aye..i bought a spring compressor tool for dismantling Softail shocks about 8 years ago, used it once, and its still in the box at the bottom of my tool chest...paid £75 for it, and will probably never use it again.... so i love to make tools that cost nothing and still do the job... ride safe my friend, you live in a beautiful place... take care, Del.
Brilliant video.Got my forks stripped cleaned and ready to go. nightmare trying to get new seals on and started down the shaft.wished i watched this first.think ill order some new seals and start again.following this video this time.many thanks
Awesome vid Delboy! Love the DIY seal/bushing driver! That was my #1 concern - not wanting to mess up the seal etc. on resassmbly. I had heard people talking about using PVC pipe, but I had just guessed they use a long length to fit right down over the fork leg, then you need the exact diameter as well.... this is so much more simple. Genius!
mugget That's great news mate, glad you got it sorted ! The PVC seal driver is something me dad taught me, it's as old as the hills, was certainly around long before fancy billet drivers for 70 quid a time!
Brilliant! Getting ready to do the forks on my 2007 Bonnie and this video really helped to lay out the whole process-start to finish. Always enjoy your videos! Thanks!
This is the best and most understandable demonstration to replace a fork seal I've found on RU-vid so far. I've done this a few times, but I've not known some of your "fork-hacks" yet. Btw: Now I realize why you built this monster of a sturdy workbench in the new garage ... 😂
Hi There from Ozzy too. Fantastic video, clear, easy to follow and understand given me the confidence to do my fork seals on my ZRX 1200 which I am halfway through. Well done.
Can I just say a huge thank you for producing this video and I must say an absolutely top tip for making the seal driving tool. Saved me a fortune when replacing the fork seals on my ZX9R, gave me loads of pleasure tinkering in the garage and a good excuse for some quality father/son time with my Dad who doesn't ride bikes but loves engineering.
Andy, you are Very welcome my friend, im really chuffed that the video is still helping people out after so long, i made this years ago, and had no idea at the time that it would endure so well.. Great also that you had a great garage day, that's what garages are for right.. Take care and our best wishes to you both mate.. D&Pxx!
Really really good clear video, I've been in engineering for 12 years as well as the bike trade for the last two and I've learnt all sorts of little tricks but the "Allan key" bolt trick is something I'd never thought of! And the plumbers pipe is a great idea too. It's great you've taken the time to save others alot of money in the long term
I've change my fork seals Sunday, where thanks to your video, I've got the courage to do it, and for my surprise i've done a great job :D I`m proud of it, even I had some problem with the dumper rood plastic seat but I found a method to insert the seal holding the crome arm upside down :) beside that everything was flawless. I'm proud that I've done all by myself :D The fact that you choose to spread the knowledge with us it`s a nobel gest and i truly grateful for it! Wish you and Penny all the best !
would have never though of a pipe clamp and some pvc pipe to seat bushings or a seal . A very informative video. thank you very much for taking the time too show how to do this very doable and much cheaper than paying someone else.
Excellent video as my forks are leaking Suzuki GSX600F 1997 and I changed the dust seals but now I will have the confidence to tackle the oil seals. Excellent video again and keep up the good work.
Mate I haven’t see your videos this old .... look at you now! Your new work space and tools so awesome to see your progress ! Btw love the seal driver idea!
