Removing fork seals?

edelweiss

edelweiss

Coast to Coast
Having a tough time removing these suckers from my CB500 forks. Can anyone recommend a tool or gizmo to get these seals out? I imagine I have to use some sort of hook to snag them from the bottom and peel them up?
 

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try and use something with a rounded end (like a tyre lever), even preferably something with a hard nylon tip rather than a hook or square ended screwdriver. this could score the alloy surface behind the seal and it will leak from behind the seal.
also try and clean as much of that rust off before you pull the seals, can't hurt to do it and it could prevent any un-needed scoring from dragging the rust covered seal across the alloy surfaces
i guess you know but once out and cleaned up, use fork oil to lube the new seal and hole and then use a socket slightly smaller than the seal to drive the new seal in square. also guessing by the amount of rust you'll be needing new seal retaining circlips or wavey clips (whichever is appropriate)
 
spotty said:
try and use something with a rounded end (like a tyre lever), even preferably something with a hard nylon tip rather than a hook or square ended screwdriver. this could score the alloy surface behind the seal and it will leak from behind the seal.
also try and clean as much of that rust off before you pull the seals, can't hurt to do it and it could prevent any un-needed scoring from dragging the rust covered seal across the alloy surfaces
i guess you know but once out and cleaned up, use fork oil to lube the new seal and hole and then use a socket slightly smaller than the seal to drive the new seal in square. also guessing by the amount of rust you'll be needing new seal retaining circlips or wavey clips (whichever is appropriate)
Click to expand...

Will a tire iron like this one work?
 

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This tire iron worked in 2 seconds. Its perfect for this job, as the ends of the iron are nice and rounded and the bends in the iron ends are perfect to precisely grab the edge of the seal without hitting the inner fork tub wall. After getting the fork seal out, I did see where some nimrod slightly gauged the wall. The seals had no issue with leaking before, and I am only taking them out for powder coating so they don't melt in the oven. I will file that little nicked part down flat.
 
You should be able to yeah.

First I'd measure it and see if you can pick up an assortment at HF or similar.
 
edelweiss said:
I noticed that one of my C-clip rings was in two pieces. Any chance I can buy these new?
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Honda-CR80R-CR125R-CR250R-CB900-Fork-Ring-51447-KL4-951-/190886793054?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c71bd4f5e&vxp=mtr
 
AW: Removing fork seals?

today i removed the seals from my rd fork.

i tried to pry them out like you said with a lever....no chance the seals were totally stuck with what i think old oil and dust.

what i did:i kissed the outside of the fork (the surrounding alu of the seal )with my torch for about 10 seconds...
i saw all the goo running down on the inside then i levered it out...it went out smooth as a babys ass.
:-)
 
Re: AW: Removing fork seals?

Ryan Stecken said:
today i removed the seals from my rd fork.

i tried to pry them out like you said with a lever....no chance the seals were totally stuck with what i think old oil and dust.

what i did:i kissed the outside of the fork (the surrounding alu of the seal )with my torch for about 10 seconds...
i saw all the goo running down on the inside then i levered it out...it went out smooth as a babys ass.
:-)
Click to expand...

Nice! Kissing makes a good external lube. ;) Thanks for sharing. I have 2 more pairs of seals to get out and they are probably going to be like yours. But I think for good measure I will try lip gloss.
 
Re: AW: Removing fork seals?

edelweiss said:
Nice! Kissing makes a good external lube. ;) Thanks for sharing. I have 2 more pairs of seals to get out and they are probably going to be like yours. But I think for good measure I will try lip gloss.
Click to expand...

lip gloss...is that the reason why you are named after a flower?...:-)

no seriously it worked great...the fork boot slightly expands and the seal slips right out!..enjoy!
 
Just another tip that worked for me, as I had the same issue recently, is to use WD-40. I had tried using a penetrant to cut through some of the gunk and dust, and after a couple days of letting it do its thing the seals were still stuck. I tried a quick spray with WD-40 and within a few minutes I could pop them right out. I was shocked because I've never actually has WD-40 work for anything, and this noticeably had an affect.

Just thought I'd mention it.
 
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