Topic: 350 fork seal replacement

[Kevnz]

Hi Guys,
I need to replace the fork seals on my 350F. How do you remove the chrome shroud on the lower leg? It sits on top of the seal, so has to come off to gain access.
Thanks.

[Sw1ssdude]

Those chrome covers are held in place with punch marks. are these the covers you have?

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350f-four-germany_model14635/cover-bottom-case_51402333000/

those two punch marks (better: the punched bumps on the inside) slide in a corresponding notch on the lower fork leg. its visible in these pictures (Last picture):
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350f-four-germany_model14635/case-rfork-bot_51421333000/


you should be able to pull them straight off, however: over time, dirt and rust collects between the cover and the fork, so that the covers are stuck. you might be able to rotate it a couple of degrees, wiggle it back and forth, use penetrating oil to brake debris loose. just tap the cover gently with a soft deadblow hammer around its circumference to work the oil and crud between cover and fork.
its tempting to use a screw driver to pry them off, but you will scratch the soft aluminium and bend the thin chrome cover. if you manage to form a small gap, use a very soft punch (wood, aluminium, plastic) and a small hammer to drive the cover off.

or do it like Jessi in a moment of desperation and 'release the fires of hell onto it' (at the 5:10 mark):

[Kevnz]

Thanks for that. I have a damaged spare that I experimented on (unsuccessfully) , but refined my technique. Heated the leg in boiling water and then soaked in CRC for a while, the expansion allowed the CRC to soak through a bit more. Cold chisel on the back at the cutaway and rubber hammer did the rest, cleaned up the corrosion and looking good.
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.