FAC damper modification to accept Öhlins seals

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Created: 2020 March 24

Updated: 2020 March 24

Thanks to Paul Selmo for sending me this information via email. In Paul's own words:

Some years ago, I had my forks serviced by a suspension specialist on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula (now deceased). He had made a simple modification to run Öhlins seals in the dampers. This made a vast improvement on the damper's durability. When it came time for the forks to be serviced again, I was able to use your information to get the job done.

I would now like to share with you, information about the modification to use a more robust and easily attainable Öhlin seals. I would hope that your readers will find this information helpful.

Modification the run Öhlins seals in FAC dampers

Author: Paul Selmo

With the forks disassembled, remove the front cap from the damper (rod end). I quickly made a special tool with a cheap ring spanner and 5 mm rod.

The front caps retain the seal. The seal seat has to be machined out from 14.25 mm × 11.6 mm, to 16 mm × 9 mm. This modification does leave a step & recess in the bottom of the seat, but the lip on the step is enough to seat the seal.

The seal required is a Teflon coated single unit with opposing lips. The seal is marked with the number K3299, and is used in the Öhlins steering damper. Öhlins part number for the seal is 02222-02. A good suspension specialist that deals with Öhlins should be able to provide you with these seals.

Once the caps have been modified, you can use them again in the next set of dampers once you've completely worn out your current ones.