CB700SC fork tools needed?

[OneMoreHonda]

Hi all, going through my 1985 700sc, but looking at the shop manual, I need special tools to pull apart and reassemble the front shocks. Part numbers 07930-KA50100 is for shock piston holder and 07930-KA40200 is the long rod essentially. For those that have replaced seals, what tools did you use? Should I just have the dealer replace them?

[mollusc]

You don't need those tools.  Stick a broom handle down inside the fork to jam against the nut at the bottom, and use an impact driver on the bolt head.  It will come right apart.

[Bob H]

Have you started taking things apart yet? If everything is still assembled on the bike, you can also try to start loosening that fastener while the springs are holding everything under tension.

I have a small 12 volt impact that works great for breaking things loose - you don't need a massive impact that you might use for lug nuts on a truck.
Mollusc is totally right on using an impact, if you try it with just typical hand tools you risk stripping the head on fasteners. And the broomstick if things are already apart.

For those that have replaced seals, what tools did you use?

I used PVC pipe and although successful it was a pain in the ass. If I had to do it over again I would purchase the metal seal drivers that are generic and not too expensive. Even if I only had to use the tool once, it would have been worth it to me. I think they are like $30 to $40 (knockoffs of the factory or Motion Pro tool)

Should I just have the dealer replace them?

Most dealers won't touch older bikes. Some independent mechanic shops will, but this is your opportunity to get to really know your machine. If I don't know how to do something I read the shop manual, watch a bunch of videos, and set aside more time than I think I will need.

[mollusc]

Also -- a Top Tip for working on forks:
When you start, only loosen the top pinch bolts.  That should allow you to loosen the top cap while the lower pinch bolts hold the fork tube for you.  If you try to loosen the cap with the top pinch tight you won't be able to do it because it is squeezing the tube.

[Larry Fine]

As Bob said, remove the front wheel and impact-loosen the bottom screws first.

[OneMoreHonda]

I dont have a pneumatic impact wrench (usually just use my breaker bars without issue). I'll just rent one for the time being to avoid stripping out the head. I have the right side shock off already, but its not apart, and I did loosen the cap on it prior to pulling it out. I can easily put it back in, bike is setup for front tire replacement that is underway. I'll get the seals, maybe a seal driver, and a broomstick and see how it goes. Also, this seems like a 2 person job, jab broomstick in top end to hold bolt, and have other person impact-loosen bottom screws. Thanks!

[Larry Fine]

[OneMoreHonda]

I have one of those (kind of), I'll see if it works with the 8mm hex head. If not, rental, since I didn't buy the Harbor Freight EARTHQUAKE XT 1/2 in. Super Compact Air Impact Wrench when it was on sale 2 weeks ago.

This is what I have, not as strong since its the Surge hydraulic drive version and not an impact driver with about double of what this does.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/2760-20

[Bob H]

Your tool should work.

...since I didn't buy the Harbor Freight EARTHQUAKE XT 1/2 in. Super Compact Air Impact Wrench when it was on sale 2 weeks ago.

I would not use that for front fork work - it is massive overkill. Great for lug nuts rusted in place, tie-rod ends, etc.

[mollusc]

It's not really a two person job.  Stick the fork tube over the broom handle and push the broom up against a wall.  It doesn't require a lot of force -- all you're trying to do is hold the nut still while you jolt the bolt loose with the impact wrench.  Once it's free it should spin out nicely.