Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: Phantom Rider on September 20, 2023, 09:35:51 AM
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I'm stripping down my forks to get the stanchions re-chromed. I'm struggling to remove the old fork seals, as I want to replace these when rebuilding the forks. The Haynes manual, and some YouTube videos, advise that the seals are "simply pryed" out - I've tried this without success. Are there any hints/"tricks of the trade" to remove these? TIA
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Have you tried using one or two long thin woodscrews - screw them into the middle of seal sides then use a tool to pull them out with the screw. I'm assuming you have removed the top circlips. Use a piece of wood to protect the fork top if you are levering against the alloy top of the leg.
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Mine were a pig to get out.
I resorted to lots of heat and then leverage, with protection for the top of the slider as Ted says.
Good luck
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Also dont damage the are the outside of the seal fits on with your pry bar or you will always have a leak
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Hi,
This tool available on Ebay
Sealey Rubber Seal Gasket O-Ring Puller Remover removal Tool - AK7000
did a super job for me on the forks and would be versatile enough for other jobs. ;)
Hope this helps.
Dennis
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Got the same type except mine Snap-On. Works well but as Bryan says be careful you don't gouge the alloy wall. I use a thin sheet of metal to protect the top of the fork.
A bit of heat works wonders too
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Thanks all - much appreciated
Circlips are removed - I learnt that the hard way many years ago!
With regard to the use of heat - do you concentrate the heat onto the leg (to expand the metal), or the seal (to soften it)?
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I've never needed heat but it would soften or melt the rubber part of the seal so it might be safer heating the seal than risking melting the alloy. I suspect a hair dryer on the seal would work.
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Heat the alloy, don't use a naked flame or you risk blistering the lacquer, hot air gun will do. As the alloy expands it will allow the seal to pull out easier.
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Success!!
Heat (from hot air gun) onto metal did the trick, and I was able to pry out the seals.
Thanks for all help - much appreciated.
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Steve, that saved my withering brain any thoughts on the subject!! ;)