Fork Seal Removal

[Phantom Rider]

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 

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

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.

[Multiman]

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

[Bryanj]

Also dont damage the are the outside of the seal fits on with your pry bar or you will always have a leak

[400 Cafe Racer]

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

[Oddjob]

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

[Phantom Rider]

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)?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

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.

[Oddjob]

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.

[Phantom Rider]

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.

[Matt_Harrington]

Steve, that saved my withering brain any thoughts on the subject!!