CB400/4 FRONT FORK REFURB BY JULIE

[Nurse Julie]

Just looked up the seals, and different for both bikes, still first time iv'e seen those seals, so special seals then.

Not special as such, just OEM CB400/4

[Bryanj]

I have seen both single lip(one spring) and double lip (2 springs as described here) supplied by Honda under the same number. Both will work to stop oil leaks as it is the lower one that is supposed to keep the oil in, the top one stops secret additive (SH!T) getting to the lower lip (in theory) so the seal should last longer

[JamesH]

Well that sorted that one out. Well done Julie...didn't sport the writing on the seal but obviously that should site outward so good job you had them the right way in...

[K2-K6]

It maybe linked to the old type ordinarily being used with fork gaitors,  does the 350 have fork gaitors?

My 1984 Honda uses the seals in same format as Julie's,  they also then have a further dust seal above that fits in the fork tube I suppose in place of the 400/4 covers that go outside the casting.

I was just looking at Mr Silver's emporium as mine are leaking so I've a similar job to do.

[Nurse Julie]

Well, at least I didn't have to strip them down and start again. But, if I had of got the seals in the wrong way, I would have been quite pissed off with myself more than anything, as I used up a lot of mental energy concentrating on getting them right 

[kevski]

It maybe linked to the old type ordinarily being used with fork gaitors,  does the 350 have fork gaitors?

My 1984 Honda uses the seals in same format as Julie's,  they also then have a further dust seal above that fits in the fork tube I suppose in place of the 400/4 covers that go outside the casting.

I was just looking at Mr Silver's emporium as mine are leaking so I've a similar job to do.

350F has shrouds over the forks, but its the first time i have seen these, not even on all the other Hondas i have owned have i come across them, never had a 400/4 though.

[Nurse Julie]

It maybe linked to the old type ordinarily being used with fork gaitors,  does the 350 have fork gaitors?

My 1984 Honda uses the seals in same format as Julie's,  they also then have a further dust seal above that fits in the fork tube I suppose in place of the 400/4 covers that go outside the casting.

I was just looking at Mr Silver's emporium as mine are leaking so I've a similar job to do.

350F has shrouds over the forks, but its the first time i have seen these, not even on all the other Hondas i have owned have i come across them, never had a 400/4 though.

400/4's are very special bikes, therefore they have very special parts fitted

[taysidedragon]

Well, at least I didn't have to strip them down and start again. But, if I had of got the seals in the wrong way, I would have been quite pissed off with myself more than anything, as I used up a lot of mental energy concentrating on getting them right 

Good news. I'm glad that you don't have to undo your good work.
Being a cheapskate I used pattern seals with a single lip on mine. 

[Nurse Julie]

Surprised you didn't have Philpotts hard chrome them while they were apart Julie, would also have checked the stanchions are dead straight, according to their website most stanchions will be bent to some degree due to the forces exerted whilst under hard braking, they may appear straight to the eye and may even roll straight but could still be a few microns out. May not sound like much but could be contributing to the sticking your having.

The chrome is in excellent condition Ken. There is no pitting or rust in the travel areas and I never had any seepage or leaks. The stanchions were put in 'V' blocks and dial micrometer was used and they measured up perfectly. (Not that I did any of this but Trig did it for me whilst I was cooking dinner, hence no photos!!!).

[Binman180]

Just to confirm what already has been, I recently stripped my forks down for anodising and my new fork oil seals had a spring on both sides of the seal (CB400F). I installed mine the same orientation as Julie has done. on the first page.

[Nurse Julie]

Just to confirm what already has been, I recently stripped my forks down for anodising and my new fork oil seals had a spring on both sides of the seal (CB400F). I installed mine the same orientation as Julie has done. on the first page.

Good, that's 2 of us that have got it right then 

Anyway, front end now all back in the bike after fitting the new seals. Greased up the head bearings etc and Trigger drilled out the old steering lock, which had never located properly anyway and he fitted a new one. The front disk has been skimmed, the pads were new this year anyway so the front end is all done, she will be good for the foreeable. Another job out of the way.

At least now the bike is rolling again, I can get her into the workshop sometime over the next week or two and fit the bottom end of the engine back in the frame.

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[paul G]

Aaaarrrrh, Paranoia is setting in. Just checked them again and they won't seat anywhere other than where they are, so they can stay there. Paranoia moment over 

Thanks very much to the forum member that gave me the seals FOC.....you know who you are.

[/b][/u]

You are getting just like the other half.
Must be spending time in the same room 

[Nurse Julie]

Aaaarrrrh, Paranoia is setting in. Just checked them again and they won't seat anywhere other than where they are, so they can stay there. Paranoia moment over 

Thanks very much to the forum member that gave me the seals FOC.....you know who you are.

[/b][/u]

You are getting just like the other half.
Must be spending time in the same room 

Yes, I am learning from him but I try to stay well out of his way Paul  . To be honest, he can't stand me working in the same room as him when he's working. But, if he does need my help for something, either I'm standing in the wrong place, even though that's where he told me to stand, I do the wrong thing, even though that is what he has told me to do and as for handing him the correct tool, forget it. If he asks for a 10mm spanner, that is what I will give him but no, he didn't mean that 10mm spanner, he meant a different 10mm spanner. But we survive without killing each other somehow. (only just though  )

[paul G]

  just pass him ALL the 10mm spanners

[PatM]

i knew something didn't look right but thats why we are a community!

-bit like the time when I was bolting a 400/4 engine back in the frame and I put one of the LONGER bolts into the front LHS lower engine mounts- and I like things tight...so I tightened it and it went right through the crankcase and destroyed the engine....but, as Ive said on here before- parts were a plenty back in the 80's and i just brought another runner from a breakers for £50...