Do I need a Damping Rod Holder or not????

[creeker]

I have searched TT, other forums and the web and some places say you need the damper rod holder and others say you don't. I am replacing the fork oil and seals in my 00' YZ426f. Do I really need a damping rod holder or can I just extend the forks really hard to get them apart?

Thanks!

[OUCR250R]

You have to have the damping rod bolt out before you can separate the fork legs by pullling them apart hard like you described earlier. You don't necessarily need a damping rod holder. I use an air impact. It spins the nut fast enough that you don't need to hold the inner nut.

[creeker]

I see... that makes a lot more sense then! ?

[grayracer513]

The rod must be separated from the fork cap, but that's done with common tools. The cartridge holder is used to unscrew the base valve from the bottom of the fork, but it is not strictly necessary to do that in order to change oil or seals. It does make it much easier to do a good job of cleaning out the valve assembly, but it isn't absolutely required, either.

[creeker]

I have removed the fork cap, spring, push rod, etc... but the damper rod is still intact, does this need to be removed?

[grayracer513]

The damper rod is a part of the cartridge. As I said, the cartridge does not have to be removed to chnage oil or seals.

[creeker]

Thanks grayracer, just wanted to clarify before I went to forcing the forks apart.

[SC_Spode]

Thanks grayracer, just wanted to clarify before I went to forcing the forks apart.

Please clarify -

Have you pulled the wiper down and removed the fork seal retaining clip underneath it?

You might want to do this before you try to start slide hammering them apart.

?

[creeker]

Please clarify -

Have you pulled the wiper down and removed the fork seal retaining clip underneath it?

You might want to do this before you try to start slide hammering them apart.

?

Yeah, I have slide the wiper down, retaining clip, etc...

[SC_Spode]

Yeah, I have slide the wiper down, retaining clip, etc...

10-4. ?

[creeker]

Tried extending the forks forcefully last night and they came right apart... cleaned them up really good and installed the new seal. Works like a charm!

Some advice please, I read a thread that Grayracer had posted to that said that 110 mm of oil from the top, compressed, worked best for him.

Any suggestions for a intermediate rider that generally rides woods/trails that weighs 200lbs?

[Markopolo400]

I usually go with 100mm from the top as a baseline on my YZ400F, and it works great for me, but I am 230lbs, racing on stock suspension. ?

[creeker]

Took the bike out Saturday with the new fork seals and oil and it was great! I went with 110mm for the fluid and that seemed to work about perfect.