Front Fork Rebuild [Archive]

rbonner

10-17-2006, 02:22 PM

I need to rebuild the front forks on my 86 ZL600. One side leaks. I called a dealer and they said it would be $150.00 a side. This is assuming that the tubes don't need replaced. Mine doesn't seem to have alot of scratches so I don't think they would need replaced.

Does $300.00 sound bad for that kind of work? I was thinking of trying to find a set to rebuild before I take the original set off the bike. I'm not sure how difficult it is to repair these things.

Thanks.
Rod

zlMark

10-17-2006, 05:22 PM

What about springs? I'd shop around a little and you'll find out if thats a good price. I'm sure if you are willing to tackle the job yourself you'll find help here.

furchin

10-18-2006, 08:21 AM

You should be able to buy new seals for 10 to 15 dollars. They are available everywhere. If the only problem you have is the leak then the quote from the dealer in my opinion is very, very high. If you need new fork springs did the quote include these as well? I am planning on doing my 600's fork seals soon. Shouldn't be too difficult to do. Furchin

Southernstyle

10-21-2006, 07:49 PM

Check the online prices for a seal kit, caliper rebuild kit, pads, and springs and I think you'll find that the stealer (oops, I meant dealer, really!) quote is very high for just a set of seals. I'm suprised that you actually found a dealer to touch a bike of that vintage. I had to throw a hissy fit just to get a front tire put on mine! (and yes, they screwed it up and I had to go back and do it over myself. Sorry, didn't mean to whine. Anyhow, get the manual, the springs, the seals, and the oil and save yourself some cash for a new set of boots. :D
Later,
SS

rbonner

10-22-2006, 05:42 PM

I actually have already have some of the seals. However, I would need some way to get the front off the ground. I need an excuse to get some kind of lift anyway :P . Eventually I will need to replace the tires.

Any suggestion on what I should get? I thought maybe some kind of engine hoist....

zlMark

10-22-2006, 06:17 PM

I like the motorcycle jacks at sears but have not had the chance to use one on my zl. Used one on my Venture and it was pretty solid. I think they are about $90

furchin

10-23-2006, 08:41 AM

copy that mark, I too use a sears m/c jack. Have used it on all 3 of my eli's and have not had a problem. you just have to be careful of the chrome shields underneath though. I bought mine around 2 years ago on sale for about 70.00. Your venture should weigh about the same as my voyager so i hope when the time comes to lift the voyager that i don't have any problems with the extra weight. Furchin

rbonner

10-23-2006, 02:37 PM

Sounds like a trip to Sears may be in order.

zlMark

10-23-2006, 05:48 PM

Sounds like a trip to Sears may be in order. Check Harbor Freight if you have one of those around you.

zl900_moab

11-02-2006, 05:53 PM

Just got a Sears M/C jack for my wintertime ZL teardown/rebuild, and I love it, they are on sale up here (Minnesota) until today, I think, well worth the cost!!!