Changing fork seals on 1993 NH- any helpful hints?

[HawkFuzz]

I need to change the seals on the forks on my 1993 Nighthawk.  I was hoping someone out there could give me some help from actual experience before I go diving in.  I'm super mechanical but I was wondering if there were any special tools that needed to be purchased or manufactured before starting the project?  Any helpful steps that the repair manuals don't point out?

Thanks.

[BManz]

I did this last week, you have a newer bike so hopefully it will be eaiser for you.  You will need a snap ring pliers with angled tips on them to get the retaining ring out.  You also need 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe if you don't have a oil seal driving tool.  You can check my post in projects area forum under my login name.

[Soupskin]

...I used a 1.25" union fitting with the middle ridge shaved out and a 1.5" schedule 40 piece of pipe on top of that that I had split to fit around the upper tube.  Put a piece of wood on top and smacked the seals into place!  First one took me all day to get done, second one only about 2 hours.

The union fitting has thicker rounded walls and is less likely to damage the seal as you are pounding it back in.

Other than that, you'll need a set of hex sockets.

And patience.  First one took a day (well full evening) because I was taking my time to get it right.  The second was cake.

[HawkFuzz]

Soup,

Thanks for the info.  I figured it would take me 6 to 8 hours to complete the job.  My intention is to be like you and take my time and do it right.  I don't like having concerns that I didn't make it 100%.  The book seems pretty detailed and I have already gathered the replacement seal and dust cover.  I do need to pick up a hex socket for the top of the fork.  I know I don't have a 22 mm hex.  I'm hoping to get it done this weekend.  I was going to do it last weekend but I had a non functioning headlight that kicked my butt.  Of course, I found a great thread on here after I spent 4 hours tracing wires.

[fishmeister]

Does the book outline the bushing inspection/replacement? That's a good idea while you're in there.