Fork seals are stuck...

west24 · Posted: May 4, 2009, 3:11 pm Post subject: Fork seals are stuck...

Ive tried using a screwdriver, pliers, soaked them for 10 min, nothing. Any other suggestions? Next would be to attempt to cut them out. Im sure theres a lip that they rest on, correct? I dont have dremel, might be able to barrow one, any other suggestions?? Thanks for the help

yamaman · Posted: May 4, 2009, 3:13 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Did you remove the retaining clip?

west24 · Posted: May 4, 2009, 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

yes, retaining clip and washer was removed. Would heating them help?

Retiredgentleman · Posted: May 4, 2009, 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Yeah, removing fork seals is not a fun job. I found I had to cut through the metal of the seal using diagonal cutter or last time I used a dremel tool with a very small cutting wheel. If using a dremel, you need to be super careful not to cut into the fork itself.

There is a "seal removal tool" available, and others have said they work for them. Available at automotive supply stores. It has a long handle and 2 hooks at the bottom.

xsjohn · Posted: May 4, 2009, 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Did hundreds when I worked yamaha and never had any problems till it came the this XS of mine.........I liked to never got the originals out....finally used a heavy flat blade screwdriver placing the point under the seal and the other side resting on the rim of the leg and bashed it pretty hard with a piece of wood......a friend helping to hold things......if I had it to do again and luckily I do because I didn't destroy anything ....I would build a half moon arrangement and weld it to a slide hammer of some sort.......or ask around to see if someone had a better idea......once the seal is all disfigured it just gets harder to get a bite on it .......and I would put the new ones in with some grease or anti sieize if that would work......

The sad part of all this fiasco is........the originals didn't leak.....thought I was being prudent to change them out since I was refinishing the legs........now they LEAK and the seal surface is not disfigured.....dang it....

xsjohn

west24 · Posted: May 4, 2009, 4:13 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

There is a lip underneath the fork seals correct? I need to wedge the screwdriver between the seal and this lip?

yamaman · Posted: May 4, 2009, 4:18 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Yes, but very carefully. It's a beautiful soft aluminium surface, so easy to damage!
One other way is to screw a self tapping (or 2 - 3) screw into the seal. This gives you something to grab!

west24 · Posted: May 4, 2009, 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Good idea, I'll give it a try tonight, thanks for all the help fellas...

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

John is right about the slide-hammer puller. And I'd be willing to bet that Snap-on or Mac has a solution on the truck. Take the fork leg with you to show the man what you got. He'll have what you need, I bet.

west24 · Posted: May 5, 2009, 12:27 am Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Dont know if you guys are familiar with with the Kreg Jig for woodworking but it worked! Was able to get some space to work it out with a small flathead. Problem is I scratched the inside wall a little. This going to be a problem?? Thanks again for the help

yamaman · Posted: May 5, 2009, 9:46 am Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Should be fine if you sand out any rough edges, keep it as tidy as you can!

Retiredgentleman · Posted: May 5, 2009, 11:52 am Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Yes, I damaged my forks slightly as well, when I removed the seals. I put some 3-bond 1104 around the seal when I installed them and all is well with no leaks.

xsjohn · Posted: May 5, 2009, 11:55 am Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Good luck getting them out next time.........

Could heat the rim to make all this easier.... ?

xsjohn

west24 · Posted: May 5, 2009, 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

I wanted to try to heat them but was unsure if it would damage something. Still have one to go, gonna give it a try. 3 bond is a good idea, anything to keep me from digging into them again for a while. I love working on it, just that fork seals are my new least favorite thing to do. Guess practice is a good thing though.

xsjohn · Posted: May 5, 2009, 12:41 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

I would use a bit of silicone as a sealer .........might be easier to un-do....... xsjohn

280shooter · Full Member Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 59 Location: pa.

oh im so looking to do mine now..NOT. my right sides leaking the left doesnt seem to be, maybe I wont mess with the left one,, if these are so hard to fix,

how comes my Haynes 70 on owners workshop manual doesnt show how hard it is to change out these seals.?

Retiredgentleman · Posted: May 9, 2009, 11:27 pm Post subject: Re: Fork seals are stuck...

Some have reported good luck with a "Seal Removal Tool".

I guess the publishers of the manuals don't want to scare people, so they fail to mention some things. Shocked

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