Question Re: Fork Oil Seal Removal

[GS750GUY]

GS750GUY A.G.A.I.N.
I'm in the process of removing the oil seals on the front forks of 78 GS750EC. They both leak a little.
Is there a delicate way of removing these seals without damaging the surrounding aluminum shaft?
Are these just made of rubber, or is there also a metal sleeve enclosed inside the rubber as well?
Will I have to get pretty aggressive with a hammer and screwdriver or something to get between the seal and the shaft to pry them out?
And how do I make sure the new seals are seated properly once the old are out?
I know there are porbably special tools for this kind of work but I imagine the do-it-yourselfer's out there probably have your own tricks and tips.
Thanks,
Harold

[rgierer]

I bought a seal puller for less than 10.00 at the parts store that made the job essentially effortless.

[GS750GUY]

Thanks! Seals

Did you get the puller from just an automotive parts store? Or did you have to get from a bike shop?
Harold

[emjay]

I got mine from Sears. There is a metal spring inside the seal that helps it press against the inside of the tube. Also, they're probably pretty hard from age so they're not that easy to remove. DO NOT mar the fork tube. The slightest scratch will wear a leak into your new seals.

[rgierer]

I got mine from the corner parts shop, thats O'Reilleys here in Missouri

[fgh]

GS750GUY A.G.A.I.N.
I'm in the process of removing the oil seals on the front forks of 78 GS750EC. They both leak a little.
Is there a delicate way of removing these seals without damaging the surrounding aluminum shaft?
Are these just made of rubber, or is there also a metal sleeve enclosed inside the rubber as well?
Will I have to get pretty aggressive with a hammer and screwdriver or something to get between the seal and the shaft to pry them out?
And how do I make sure the new seals are seated properly once the old are out?
I know there are porbably special tools for this kind of work but I imagine the do-it-yourselfer's out there probably have your own tricks and tips.
Thanks,
Harold

I've never needed a puller to do this job. I've done 10 or more. Once you get the screw out of the slider bottom and snap ring off the top you can bump the seal out by sliding the tube inside the slider. There's a bushing on the bottom of the tube that will most times push out the seal. Sometimes the bushing will pop through the seal and leave it in. The outer ring on the seal is plastic, hard rubber or soft metal. If it stays in I just pry around the seal pulling it out but keeping it relatively straight as I raise it.

It would be worth the money to buy a manual and follow it. Unfortunately when it comes to manuals for 29 year old bikes the tend to cover several like years and models. They can lack specifics about your model but normally cover enough to get you through the job if your a first timer.

[emjay]

Once you get the screw out of the slider bottom and snap ring off the top you can bump the seal out by sliding the tube inside the slider...

This doesn't always work if the seal's been on a long time. I do always try it first, though. If it works, great. If not, I take out the puller.