dumb question...but here goes...

**MVA-Voyager** · 02-23-2020, 04:34 PM

trying to change out fork oil. With fork still in triple-tree, I have loosened the top fork nut, and I have the top plug compressed down (i think what is enough - won't really go down much more than it is). Question is how to get the retaining ring out? There is nothing to get the snap ring pliers onto. I see that inside circlip pliers are mentioned, but cannot find anything on them

Suggestions? I assume I'm making this a lot harder than it needs to be

Keyword:
fork oil change

Peg · 02-23-2020, 05:17 PM

I used a pair of itty bitty screwdrivers to pry one end of the circlip out of it's groove and upwards. You'll find that the rest follows easily enough.

MrMikey · 02-23-2020, 05:18 PM

I did mine last year...think I just used a seal pick and hooked the end of the wire, comes out quite easy..............Mike

**MVA-Voyager** · 02-23-2020, 05:39 PM

I tried using a pick, but couldn't get it. Well give it another go. Thanks !!

**Sabre-t** · 02-23-2020, 07:05 PM

I think I used a very small jewelers screwdriver and/or a pick to get it out.

You really should take them off the triple tree to change the oil. A lot of acidic sludge builds up in the bottom of the forks. The only way to get it out is to invert the fork and pump it a few times. I put in a small amount of fresh oil, pump it a few times upright then invert it and pump it to get as much of it out as possible.

MrMikey · 02-23-2020, 11:35 PM

Quote:

You really should take them off the triple tree to change the oil.

Yup, I took mine right down to the separate pieces, changed the seals, sliders etc. Hard to believe the amount of crap that ends up in the tubes.
It's not that much more work actually........Mike

**smokier** · 02-24-2020, 05:24 AM

Another vote to remove the tubes. It is not that much more work. Getting at the spring clip will be easier and the tubes really need to hang upside down overnight at the very least to drain....

Ride safe,
Smokier

02-23-2020, 05:17 PM	#2
Peg Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West Coast, North Island, New Zealand Posts: 1,375	I used a pair of itty bitty screwdrivers to pry one end of the circlip out of it's groove and upwards. You'll find that the rest follows easily enough. __________________ Nothing screams poor workmanship like wrinkles in the duct tape '02 1500 blonde Nomad (Sold) '97 800 burgundy Classic (Sold)
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02-23-2020, 05:18 PM	#3
MrMikey Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 403	I did mine last year...think I just used a seal pick and hooked the end of the wire, comes out quite easy..............Mike __________________ '09 Voyager
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02-23-2020, 05:39 PM	#4
MVA-Voyager Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 83	I tried using a pick, but couldn't get it. Well give it another go. Thanks !! __________________ Randy A. Mechanicsville VA 2011 Voyager - Blue/Silver - "Addie"
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02-23-2020, 07:05 PM	#5
Sabre-t Join Date: May 2015 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 838	I think I used a very small jewelers screwdriver and/or a pick to get it out. You really should take them off the triple tree to change the oil. A lot of acidic sludge builds up in the bottom of the forks. The only way to get it out is to invert the fork and pump it a few times. I put in a small amount of fresh oil, pump it a few times upright then invert it and pump it to get as much of it out as possible. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-24-2020, 05:24 AM	#7
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	Another vote to remove the tubes. It is not that much more work. Getting at the spring clip will be easier and the tubes really need to hang upside down overnight at the very least to drain.... Ride safe, Smokier
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