Hi, I've ridden bikes for 35 years but have never stripped and re-built one completely. I am almost there with my 1960 C15, but I have one last piece to complete the strip down. I have got the forks down to the stage shown in the picture. Do I need a special tool to get any further? Thanks in advance for any help.
Just taken the forks apart on my '63 B40 this morning. If they're the same as mine, you need to remove the top nut, tap out the shaft, then you'll need a tool to fit between the chrome seal holder and the shaft. Once you've unscrewed this, its pretty straightforward.
Hi.
I overhauled my C15 forks last summer and I tried without but found it necessary to buy a seal holder tool.
Its part number 61-3586, there are lots for sale on Flea Bay and elsewhere on the internet.
I also found it useful to put a jubilee clip around the tool to stop it spreading, you'll see what I mean if you look at a picture of one.
If you have deep enough seal holders, fit 2 seals per leg.
The top nuts are best loosened before the yoke clamps are undone to facilitate holding the stations firm without damage. Undo them 4 or 5 turns, remove the the clamp bolts and clout the top of the nuts sharply with a soft mallet, or if they're stubborn protect the chrome with some leather or cloth and hit them with a lump hammer. All you have to do is break the taper joint in the top yoke and they should come out quite easily.
Good luck
Thanks both.