Strugging to install foam rings, lower leg service

[Grannyjones]

This seems to be a problem only I have , because I can't find anything on this anywhere.

I find the lower leg service a particularly difficult job, having done it over 5 times, but the worst stage by far for me is installing the foam rings.

I always get the right foam rings for the fork's. Yet they just won't go in. I don't know if there's a technique to getting them in. The videos just seem to skip on it!

In fact on my last lowers service, I felt like I'd not done a good job, feeling that something wasn't right I took it apart again and noticed one of the foam rings hadn't even stayed in place and had fallen into the lower part of the lowers!

 

[Mteam]

Problems getting the foam rings into the fork lowers, or problems sliding the uppers into the lowers through the foam rings?

I've had problems sliding the uppers into the lowers and through foam rings before - you just need to stretch the foam rings a little before you install them into the lowers .

But putting the foam rings into the lowers is dead simple, you just put them in - I know that sounds facile, but its that simple. Like saying how do I put this box on that table - you just put it on the table.

 

[Paul Mac]

Are you properly soaking the foam rings in oil?
This causes them to swell a bit and stay in place.
They should locate in quite easily, I did mine just yesterday.

 

[Jamze]

I'm similar to the OP. What I do is install the rings dry. And then once installed, soak them in oil with a syringe. I find if you soak them first, they go all floppy and are more difficult to get into the recess in the lowers.

And yes, pushing the lowers back on without trapping a wiper isn't easy either. I always seem to have one leg go in with no issues, but the other snags. Takes a few goes.

 

[RustyMTB]

The secret is to be gentle & patient. Take your time & accept you are fitting something with little inherent strength into a fixed space.

 

[B1rdie]

Why did this remind me Frank Zappa singing "keep it greasy so it goes down easy..." ???
I'm with Rusty and Paul on that the rinngs should be soaked in oil before beying fitted and patiently seated with fingers while wearing nitrile gloves. Then when inserting the uppers, inserting a minimum and first carefully resolve any folding at the lips of the seal on both sides before pushing futher on. Its one leg going in deep at angle that will displace the foam ring, if they go vertical they will remain in place.

 

[Paul Mac]

The secret is to be gentle & patient. Take your time & accept you are fitting something with little inherent strength into a fixed space.

This reminded me of "Fitting foam rings is like making love to a beautiful woman "
??

 

[RustyMTB]

Don't know what you're on about mate.

 

[Andy Mealor]

I saw a good vid on the Tube where they show fitting the foam rings in quite some detail - take a peek and see if this helps