Fork Tube Restore/Replace?

[ToolBoxPop]

I just replaced the seals on my 86 magna, and the left one is still just letting all the new 20 weight oil gush out.  The right one worked out great.  The left side has a very small number of little pits in the travel section, but I sanded them as smooth as I could.  I don't want to buy another set off of ebay and just end up with tubes in the same condition as mine.  Once the tube gets these little pits in them, are they trash or is there a way to restore them?  If they are kaput is there a company that makes a new fork tube, because I have looked all over the internet and can't find anything.

[dgc67]

I have heard of people polishing the pits out, BUT you have to be sure you don't get the fork out of round when doing so or it will leak badly.  If you sanded out each spot likely that is what happened.  Have you looked on ebay for forks?
I replaced mine and managed to put one side in upside down.  It leaked till I took it apart and saw what I did wrong.  the leak was not bad though.

[ToolBoxPop]

My forks had the hazy imprint of the tripple tree so I know I didnt have it flipped over, but I also dont think I sanded enough to out of round it.  I might have left a few burs in there I guess.  You do know that it's possible to smooth out the burs and reinstall the forks, though?  If that's so, then I'll just have to pull them back out and try smoothing it again.  Ebay forks look like they are all in equal or worse condition than mine so I'll just keep working on mine.  I was hoping there was a company somewhere that makes new ones, maybe even a little bit extended over stock length.  Than ks for the input!

[Cadmandu]

Hi Tool Box,
   I hate to ask but: 1. Did u use OEM Honda only parts?
                            2. Could you have installed the one seal upside down?
                            3. Did you protect the lip of the seal by applying protective tape at the top tube and lube all the parts?
                            4. The pros have a tool that they slip down over the top of the tube. Saw it on YouTube
                            5. I think I would go with 10W oil, any others agree

[ToolBoxPop]

Thanks again for the input!  I used seals I got off of EBAY, so I'm guessing they are probably a crappy brand lol.  I made double sure to have them right side up.  I didn't use tape on the top of the tube, so that might have caused some problems.  I didn't use any special tool, I just improvised on driving in the seals and bushings.  I read that the V65 shouldn't use any less than 20 wt since they had a tendency to get front end wobble and dive down under breaking, but that's just what I read from forums and such.  I'm afraid that you're probably right, I bet I buggered it up somehow installing it.  I'll have to just get some Honda OEM seals and maybe look at getting a proper tool then tackle it again.

[dgc67]

My forks had the hazy imprint of the tripple tree so I know I didnt have it flipped over,

I meant the seals.  sorry

[silveradocowboy]

If you have a LOT of fluid coming out check that the washer is on the correct side of the seal. I have had new seals leak and replaced it with another and the leak stopped. Are you certain the springs in the seals did not come out? OEM Honda is best but have used J&L with no problems.

10 or 15 wt. oil is fine, ran it for years. NEVER use ATF.

[TLRam1]

On many parts cheap is not good, especially when you have to redo but if you have pits you can fill them with JB Weld and sand them smooth, this method can have mixed results.

[ToolBoxPop]

I was actually thinking of doing that, but I wasn't sure if the little bits of JB Weld would just fall off inside the shock over time.  When I get the money, I am going to buy the honda parts instead of aftermarket this time for sure..

[Greg Cothern]

Just curious, how do they refurbish the slider tube?  Do they rechrome it?  I have never dug into finding out the info. 

[TLRam1]

Just curious, how do they refurbish the slider tube?  Do they rechrome it?  I have never dug into finding out the info.  

On vintage bikes we Hard Chrome.

[ToolBoxPop]

Do you have to do anything to prep the tube or do you just send it off somewhere and have it re-chromed?

[roboto65]

http://www.reactivesuspension.com/services.php

Theres one place but it almost looks like from what they say to replace than rechrome but hey give them a call..

[ToolBoxPop]

Wow thanks for the link!  I'm so terrible on these dang "think boxes" lol.  I get on the internet and find absolutely squat, but everyone else seems to be able to find links just like the one you shared just fine   Boy that diamond like coating would look wicked on my bike!

[TLRam1]

If you need, there is another guy well known who makes fork tubes also, still, might be less expensive finding a good used set.