Topic: Fork oil seal circlip? Dust seal/boot?

[Dimitri13]

Was watching the 550 for seal removal video posted in the how-to section, and the oil seal circlip used was a straight circle with the two ends you need the circlip pliers for, like this.



Can I use a modern circlip like this instead? My honda dealer can't get the old ones anymore.



I also wanted to clean up the front end a bit, and not use the fork gaiters (plus mine are all cracked and worn). Obviously I still need to protect the oil seal, so I wanted to use a regular dust seal. I talked to my parts guy, and he said that not all 35mm dust seals would fit, as it needs to also match the OD of the fork tube. Does anyone know what bike I can use the dust seal from?
I found the 51425-375-003 part number by searching (fits later 550s, 750s, etc), but those are huge and ugly.

[dave500]

a decent bearing supply should be able to sell you the heavier circlip,its a 48mm circlip.

[Dimitri13]

Thing is, I have a set of the modern circlips that are for 35mm forks on hand, and I'm hoping I can use them. If not I'll check out the local bearing shops. It's a 48mm internal circlip, correct?

[dave500]

internal correct,have you a sample or at least rusted remants to take to the shop?

[Dimitri13]

I haven't taken my forks apart yet, but I'm sure I'll be able to produce at least 1 rusty sample. I need this to be a one-day affair, as the bike is currently my daily driver.

I'll probably try using the circlips I have on hand first, and if they for some reason don't fit, I'll go get a pair of the old style ones.

[dave500]

if you have an aircompressor blow the area clean first then use wd40 or similar,you can hook them out with a screw driver if they arent rusted in.

[Dimitri13]

Sadly I don't have an air compressor.. It's on my list of tools I need along with many others.

Anyone know anything about the dust seals?