Fork Retainer Nightmares

[87cody]

I spent about 2 hours last nights trying to get the fork c clips out on my 81 XS. They are rusty but free. I pryed the inner fork down and just cant seem to get the clip out. When i pry it with a pick it slides down into the grove on the inner fork. Does anyone have an easy trick for getting these out? I have my lower fork legs off and am replacing the seals and while im at it i wanted to inspect the springs and clean the internals

 

[jmd_forest]

There are pliers especially made to remove c clips. I struggled with them for years until I broke down and spent the $19.99 on the special pliers.

 

[226dark]

This was my trick, second part of this post http://xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5606&highlight=work+smarter

If i remember right it seems that the easiest way for me was also to use a pick. . . once the inner was compressed. But used the pick to free and push downward on one end of the Circlip, then get it dug out from there since you have both hands to work with.

 

[drewpy]

this job is where my wife, for once, comes in use.

I push down, she flicks it out

 

[HoughMade]

I push the cap down with a big phillips screwdriver and pull the ring out with a hooked pick. Being able to put 230# pressure on it helps.

 

[bcXS400-81]

Definitely helps to have a second person for this job. Get them to push the cap down while you work on the c-clip. That said, I just did them myself, using a large philips against my sternum to push the cap down, then I got in there with a small flat-bladed screwdriver and some small hemostats to get the clip out. Prepare for a bruised sternum though.

 

[87cody]

Thanks for the help guys, I managed to get them out finally. Almost ready to finally ride it!