K11 Owners Group

RTDude

I have performed this task a couple of times on my old RTs, so I thought it would be fairly simple. I purchased the seals, dust covers, and fork oil from my local BMW dealer. Except for removing the insanely difficult spring securing the seal in place Mad

. the left fork was completed in fairly short order. I put it all back together, added the new oil... job complete! Very Happy

I thought the right side would go even smoother since I discovered the secret to the seal spring...... Stupid me. The first step in actually removing the fork is to drain the fork oil. There in lies the rub. Apparently a previous owner over torqued the oil cap at the base of the fork. It is stripped, subsequently I cannot even get started. Sad

Has anyone had this happen to them? What did you do? Fortunately, the right side is functioning fine with no leakage, but I don't want to only replace one side, just not kosher.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 10:24 am Post subject:

Ignore the drain screw. Put a large pan under the fork tube and just undo the large Allen bolt in the bottom opening. A bit messy but effective.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:48 am Post subject: Drain Screw

Sorry, I did not identify the part correctly. It is the bottom plug that I was referring to. Since it is connected to the internals, it is of greater importance.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:22 pm Post subject:

Given how much forks cost I'd run it by a machine shop and have them remove the bolt. They'll have the right tools and experience.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

ljjohns · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:28 pm Post subject:

And while you're at it, put some gaiters on the forks.

Larry Johnson
El Paso TX
_________________
1993 K1100LT (Washington)
1995 K1100LTSE
1996 K1100LTSE (parts)
2003 K1200LTC
1991 K75RT

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:57 pm Post subject: Fork gaiters

I have read a number of entries related to gaiters. Having been the victim of leaky seals discovered at vehicle inspection time, I probably pay more attention to mine than most riders. It seems to me that gaiters would tend to hide the evidence of a leaky seal. That would be detrimental to the rider. Please explain the positive aspect of installing gaiters.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

ljjohns · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject:

Seals start leaking with gritty things accumulate on the sliders and then become embedded in the seals themselves where abrasion eventually occurs. Gaiters keep the gritty stuff--bug carapaces, etc--off of the sliders.

A leaky seal can be detected by a simple drain hole drilled in the rear of the gaiter at the bottom. And that's recommended in any case...

Larry Johnson
El Paso TX
_________________
1993 K1100LT (Washington)
1995 K1100LTSE
1996 K1100LTSE (parts)
2003 K1200LTC
1991 K75RT

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:29 pm Post subject: Gaiters

Ok, I am convinced. Gaiters it is.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:38 pm Post subject:

Are you sure it's stripped? That bolt will rotate all the internals. If you have an impact wrench, that will remove the bolt.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:53 pm Post subject: Impact wrench

No, but I could stop by Harbor Freight and pick one up, Thanks.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

Jim · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: Gaiters

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject:

Might as well buy the tool and have it instead of paying someone to use theirs. Very Happy

I think that will take care of it for you. The first time I did mine both bolts came right out. The second time I had to break out the windy wrench. Go figure.
Also, I am a believer in the ugly gaiters. Don't like the look but I don't need any more practice with changing out the seals.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:51 pm Post subject: Gaiters

What is the best source?
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:56 pm Post subject:

OK everybody....all together now. Laughing

Just kidding.

Rancho #1952 available at many larger auto parts stores. About $6 each.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:15 pm Post subject: Gaiters

Thanks everyone for all the good info, tips, and all around good gauge. I will visit the local truck fixer upper shop and grab a couple of the Rancho products.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:34 pm Post subject:

I'd call first. The shop I get mine from never has them in stock but can have them there the next day. The phone call saves a trip.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

RTDude · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject: Gaiters

Will do.
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

RTDude · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:26 pm Post subject: Fork seal/gaiter install update

Well, I tried the impact wrench solution. It did not work. I only succeeded in further reducing the amount of edge for the wrench. I finally just removed the entire fork tube. I went ahead and installed the new gaiter on the left side. I used a shock boot, purchased from a hot rod truck store for $5.00. Works like a charm.

I took the fork to a bike repair shop this morning. It took them over an hour. The mechanic/owner told me they had just about given up, but tried one more technique. It finally came loose. Best $20 I spent this week. I will pick up the fork on the way home and do the re-install this evening. Supposed to be good riding weather this weekend..... hoorah!!
_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles

Mystic Red · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:48 pm Post subject:

RTDude · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2011 3:17 pm Post subject: Technique`

I knew someone would ask. I won't know till I pick it up. But, you can be sure I will post the whole story after I get the bike together. Very Happy

_________________
Older but not old
1997 K1100LT, 41,000 miles