1972 CB 175 fork seals.

[rentedshoes]

Hey,
i'm having a difficult time finding fork seals for my 175. I have purchased two sets. One from eBay and one from Bikebandit. Both arrived as 31x43x10.3. I tried like hell to install both sets to no avail. I tried several common installation methods including heating the seals to get a little pliability and as a last resort, shaving them down a little. The stock set mics at 31x41x10. I can't seems to find a seal kit that matches my measurements. Has anybody run across this?

 

[1sttimer]

I went through a set before figuring out the best way to do it. 1) if you heat the seal up you're going the opposite direction. I didn't try to freeze mine but I imagine the same theory applies with seals as it does with bearings. Cool to shrink. But you shouldn't have to. 2) put a little light smear of grease on the outer surface of the seal. It'll help slide it into place and 3) most importantly, use the right tool to tap it in. Got to Harbor Freight or some cheap tool store, and buy an impact socket that fits perfectly over the seal and inside the ID of the top of the fork lower. When you're ready to install, just tap tap tap around the circumference of the seal into place. It will teeter its way in.

Also, I got my seals from Ebay (Rusty Rider I think). But if you want a pretty reputable dealer you can just buy em at Dime City Cycles:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-suspension-parts-31mm-fork-seals-16-1009.html

 

[1sttimer]

Also it doesn't surprise me that your old set measures small. They've been in compression for 40 years. Ha. Measure the ID of the fork lower. Bet it matches.