Topic: 72 cb500 shift shaft seal replacement

[Bobarama]

Do I have to drain the crankcase before I replace the shifter shaft seal? Any tips or tricks to make it easier?

[TwoTired]

No. Just lean the bike toward the opposite side.

Take a small pointy screwdriver and pierce it into the old seal just inside the outer metal frame of the seal.  It is L shaped under that rubber coating.  Then pry it out without scraping the case.  No tools should touch the case or the shaft.  Some prefer to put a screw into the seal's L frame to pull it out.  But, I never found the need for that.

The new one must not get nicked by the splines on the shaft upon installation, so either thin tape it, or be very careful sliding it in place.

If a prior mech buggared the shaft where the lip rides or the case pocket, it will probably still leak with the new seal.

Cheers,

[BenelliSEI]

I usually screw in a black, dry wall screw. They have incredibly sharp ends and screw into the seals easily. Good pull back with pliers and they usually pop out easily. You can also protect the seals from the shaft end by wrapping it with a small strip of plastic “Saran” wrap too.

[dave500]

clean the shaft well first,run some sand paper around it to rid the rust,wire brush the splines out,wrap tape around the splines before you install the new seal.

[Bobarama]

Thank you!