Problem changing fork seals.

[mymastiff]

Easy task turns into big problem. My fork seals have been leaking for a few months on my 08 Mastiiff and I've had the entire kit sitting in a box in my garage waiting for the time to replace them. Left this past week for a cruise and decided to drop it off at the local Harley dealer and let them take care of it for me, the quote was a little high but worth it for me not to have to deal with it and have it done when I returned. Dropped it off on Saturday, I left on Monday and was told it would be done by Tuesday. Got back from my cruise on Friday and went to get my bike, when I got there they brought me into the garage where my bike was still on the rack with the legs off, the bad feeling set in. The pinch bolts in the lower triple tree were frozen and snapped when they tried to remove them, they were trying carefully to drill them out and extractors but were having no luck at all. Dealer is handling very well, so far so I'm not too concerned, looks like we are getting new lower triple tree clamp from BDM, downside is it's polished and not chrome so we will have to send it out to be chromed, they are handling everything so hopefully it comes out well. Sure glad I didn't start it myself, anyone have a chrome lower clamp lying around?

 

[BigDogBro1]

IF you do get it chromed you will need to be a bit careful of the chrome thickness. A lower tree isn't too bad because of the pinch clamps are more forgiving but other close tolerance fit areas can be a problem if not addressed prior to plating.

Make sure that you get the NICKEL - COPPER - CHROME and not just the nickel & chrome only like Meclecs in California does. You could have plating problems down the road. Meclecs is known for this cheaper process. You will only get ONE first time plating chance to get it right so make sure it's a great chrome shop.

Good luck with the job.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Those pinch bolts can be milled out. You shouldnt be paying for a new tree

 

[BigDogBro1]

Or EDM them out...either way they should be able to get them out and salvage the tree.

 

[mymastiff]

I thought they should be able to get them also, they are footing the bill so I will be okay as lo g as j get it back the same, I'm confident they will handle it well.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Their footing the bill
That's impressive

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Their footing the bill
That's impressive

That is quite impressive. Would make me think they are taking ownership of a mistake made by one of their mechanics? But pinch bolts? hell those are like 14-16 ft/lbs nothing serious..

 

[mymastiff]

Yes they are taking care of all cost, even told me they would not charge me for changing the seals. I'm will pay the initial amount agreed upon since they owned their mistake and are making it right. I realize shit happens so I'm not upset at this point, sure do respect their integrity and efforts to make it right. As long as I get it back as it was all is good. Traveling a lot with work for the next few weeks so the down time is no issue either. I hate it happened and was hoping to find a chromed tree and save some expense, but have had no luck.