Fork Seals.

[SirSeanSean]

I tried using the search on the site; but I came up empty handed. I recently installed the "newer" set of forks on my 650 and took it for a test ride. Did not feel good in the slightest. When I parked it back in my drive way, the dust seals were spewing out greasy goo(AKA fork oil.)

I recently went to my local honda dealer, who I must say has treated me well in the past, and inquired about how much it would cost to replace the seals. They said if I brought in the forks, it would be $45 per tube and $50 per set of seals. So for both, I'm looking at around $200.

So I head back home and take another look at my old forks. "Well if the tubes are bent on my old forks, I might as well try taking them apart to see if this is a job I can do," so I thought.

So after reading my manual, I got it mostly taken apart. I got the top cap, washer, dust seal, spring, "Sponge" seal, and plastic washer off. The only thing holding me back was the metal clip ring holding back the oil seal.

And so this is my problem. How do I take out the metal gear looking ring out in order to remove the seal? And is this something that I should try to tackle or just give the shop my forks?

I'll try to take some pictures of it later today.
 

[TDodge7]

It sounds like you're trying to remove the circlip that holds the seal in , there are special pliers for circlips that just have 2 points that fit in the 2 little holes , and then you just squeeze it together and lift it out . In a pinch I've done it with 2 jewelers screwdrivers , but it's nice to have the real tool .

[skramer360]

$50 per side for seal is very high. About $35 for both sides is what I paid. The labor actually sounds pretty reasonable.

[coffee_brake]

The tool to remove the circlip is $10 or less at Harbor Freight...

If we're not answering your questions, maybe show us a blowup of the fork leg and part numbers?

[SirSeanSean]

It's definitely the circlip. Looks like I'm going to harbor freight to pick up some pliers. The seals were OEM. He said the aftermarket one would be a lot cheaper. If I bought a set off of bike bandit, would that include the sponge seals as well?

[TDodge7]

Most aftermarket fork seal kits just come with seals and sweepers , or seals and washers , or just seals depending on where you get them . The parts list for your bike doesn't specifically list a sponge seal , there is something called the grease holder but to me it just looks like a backup to the sweeper , I would reuse the ones you have but I'm sure you could just order those from bike bandit if you have to have them. I've worked on tons of forks I've never had forks with sponges in them so unless honda put them there because they expected the forks to leak then I don't see why you'd need them , the seal will seal if it's doing it's job .
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1984-honda-cb650sc-nighthawk-650-front-fork-83-84/o/m9658sch423022

[Brittles]

Anybody ever tried this?

http://www.sealmate.net/

[ExTex]

I think the Honda manuals I have read said to dispose of the sponge and NOT use any in the rebuild.

Ride Safely,
 

[SirSeanSean]

Sweet. I bought the Circlip pliers today. Hopefully I can work on it later tomorrow. And when I took a double-take at my clymer manual, and it said not to use the sponge seals as well.

[SirSeanSean]

Well the circlip pliers I bought ended up not doing me any favors. So I went to Lowes and bought a pair of snap-ring pliers. Three seconds later, and they came out like a train off its tracks. So I took out the seal from my old forks and it seems like it's barely been used. My old forks never had any leaking issues before; so do you think I could just swap the seals and save a bit of cash? I definitely feel better about changing the seals on my newer forks.

[hppants]

If it were me, I'd give it a try.  Heck, when I recently changed my fork seals, I put in the 1st seal and forgot to put the washer in first.  I had to remove the seal and re-install.  Works fine.

The worst thing that can happen is the seal will leak and you will have to take it down again.

Having done that job, I could do it again in about 1 1/2 hours.  That's worth $50.00 to me.

[ExTex]

Did you polish off any rust or other surface imperfections on the areas of the forks that
slide through the seals ?

I think you can just use a fine whetstone.

Yes, I'd reuse parts that look to be good.

Ride safely,

[SirSeanSean]

I am going to. I just took apart the bent forks to see if I could do the seal change myself instead of bringing them to the shop. I will most likely be doing the actual seal change this Sunday(weather permitting). Now all I need is to get some fork oil and I should have everything I need to complete the job.

I have to say I hate not being able to ride the nighthawk. Although on the other hand, I really enjoy being able to work on it myself; even if it's frustrating sometimes.

[ExTex]

Just Remember that there is a long riding season ahead.
Enjoy the wrench work now and enjoy the riding later.