Topic: Getting the MC clip out with regular snapring pliers

[Jonesy]

I came up with this one while working on the 550 Master cylinder. There's a lot more room to work inside if the plunger is pressed down. This allows the internal snapring to be removed with average snapring pliers, rather than the specialty ones sold by Honda, Motion-Pro, etc.

With all of the fluid drained out of the master cylinder, remove the brake lever. Thread the lever pivot bolt back into the MC. While holding the MC with one hand, insert a screwdriver so that the tip presses on the plunger while using the lever pivot as a fulcrum. Pull the handle of the screwdriver up to depress the plunger. The snapring can then be removed.

[sandcastcb750]

Interesting idea. Got pictures to show?

[Hittman]

yes I am going through this as well, pics please

[bradweingartner]

Agreed. I've found that if you press the plunger to the point where the groove for the dust boot is in line with the snap ring it comes out no sweat. Sometimes helps to have two sets of hands if its particularly stubborn.

[steven400/4]

i did this myself and i can say it work for me
steve

[dagersh]

Brilliant Jonesy!!!!

I have the Motion Pro's and even with them, it did not go well until I used your method.


Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!

Gersh

[Red750K1]

I did sort of the same thing with a pair of needle-nose vice grips . . . just depress the piston and clamp the vice grips on the outsize (maybe use some paper-towel so it doesnt scratch). this holds the piston down and gives you a good handle to work with.

[rbmgf7]

i just happened to be rebuilding my entire brake system and good thing i stumble upon this post (i already removed the piston from the MC in the pic)

worked like a charm. i placed the screwdriver handle on a tabletop and held onto the MC. i then pulled the MC down and the screwdriver pivoted on the bolt, slid a pair of c-clip pliers in there, and wham, done.

[Jonesy]

Thanks for posting the pic. I already had my MC back together before I posted this. I kinda stumbled on it while in the middle of the rebuild...

[stresssolutions]

I clamped the screwdriver in a vise at first, then found that clamping the MC in a vise and tying the screwdriver to the ceiling worked better.

[Ichiban 4]

All this sounds interesting..

I had no problems removing the circlip..when rebuilding my 550K master cylinder (used the screwdriver trick described).
But when trying to reassamble..with new piston & seals in place..had a hellava time getting circlip back in place..without borrowing Honda pliers from my friendly bike mechanic friend. In fact bent-up one circlip..had to replace with new one.

Am wondering if any of the rest of you had similar problems with removal versus re-installation of circlip??

I just figured I'd bite the bullet..pay the $45.00 for the Honda pliers required in future.  Isn't worth my time struggling for hours..trying to disassemble then reassemble my master cylinder..I figured.

[I sometimes get into these conspiratorial theories about how engineers "plan" these sorts of difficulties..when I'm struggling so much with an otherwise simple procedure].   Just to keep things human here.

Domo

[Jonesy]

I just got the snapring started in the bore with regular snapring pliers near the top. Then I used a small 1/4" socket to push the snapring down into the bore until I heard it snap home into the groove in the MC housing.

[stresssolutions]

socket!  great idea for pushing the clip down evenly and gently and firmly.

[CrashBar]

Modified version of what is described here. This held the plunger down with no hands, and let me get the snap ring out with standard snap ring pliers.