I recently bought a low-miles 1996 K1100LT. The bike had sat unused for many years; both fork seals require replacement. Yesterday I began the job with the right fork assembly. It's impossible to separate the stanchion from the slider. Apparently one of the fork bushings has been dislodged and jams against the other, preventing the separation of the slider from the stanchion. What options do I have to fix this problem?
It occurs to me: I can buy new or used pieces; I can MAYBE separate the two with sheer physical force, destroying the bushes and maybe the slider; cut the slider off of the stanchion; or, try to remove the circlip and oil seal, then try to slip some shim stock between the stanchion and slider to ease the bush back into it's place. I must say that none of these ideas seems attractive or practical.
How have others resolved this problem?
It occurs to me: I can buy new or used pieces; I can MAYBE separate the two with sheer physical force, destroying the bushes and maybe the slider; cut the slider off of the stanchion; or, try to remove the circlip and oil seal, then try to slip some shim stock between the stanchion and slider to ease the bush back into it's place. I must say that none of these ideas seems attractive or practical.
How have others resolved this problem?