Topic: Removing oils seal behind front sprocket - how?

[Shooter]

I need to change the  oil seal behind the front sprocket - '76 CB550

Anyone got a tip on how to remove the old one!

[Bob550four]

From my manual, I'm going to say you're going to have to split the cases, unless I'm wrong.     

thats the least painful way to do this I believe.  good excuse to look at your internals while you've got the case open anyways, so why not?

[Raul CB750K1]

Not a 550, but I have removed oil sprockets in two of my bikes and I didn't need to split the cases. 1. Remove the sprocket. 2. Get a wood screw and a hammer, and gently nail the screw into the seal. 3. Screw it in until you get a good grip, and use pliers to pull it -be careful not to pull too hard, not because of the seal but because of your knuckles. 5. Clean the seal seat and oil the inner and outer of the new seal. 6. Put the new seal into place. 7. This is the tricky bit: put the oild seal over the new one and gently tap with a rubber mallet. The idea is to drive the seal in without damaging it. It is difficult to do it because you need to hammer perpendicular, so if the seal is big, you could be better off if you have a piece of tube and use it to drive the seal in with the hammer.

[Bob550four]

To install like that, I'd use a piece of PVC pipe, and a small block of wood on the outside so you drive it in square as it should go.  not really hard to do. 

[Shooter]

Thanx for tips guys.

I know I do not have to split the case for a fact so will proceed with your suggestions as to extracting the old seal and inserting the new one.

[Jonesy]

I bought a seal puller at the auto parts store. It has a steel curved hook on either end. You dig the pointed hook into the seal (Usually near the seal lip- just be careful not to nick the shaft with it) and pry it out.

[Shooter]

Just done the job and it was much easier than I expected.

Hooked out the old one with a tool similar to Jonesey's  ( "Curved hooked point thingy")

Thought it would have been set in much tighter than it was.

Eased the new one in by using a large socket to cover it as I tapped it in.

15-20 minute job from loosening the rear wheel and chain  to replacing the cover.

Thanx

[Way Way norcal]

In order to remove the front sprocket do you have to loosen the tension on the chain from the rear wheel?  Or can you just pull the front sprocket and put it back on?

[Gene]

Loosen and remove the chain - otherwise you'll just drive yourself crazy.  It's actually easier.

[Way Way norcal]

okay thats perfect thanks