Why can't things be easy?

First, I offer my apologies because I know the issues I'm about discuss have been covered countless times on the forum, and in all honesty, I'm just frustrated and at a loss as far as knowing what to do at the moment. It's been some time since I've posted about the bike I purchased this summer, but that's because I was busy painting my tank and side covers.

My forks seals have been leaking so terribly that I've had no front brake due to it being covered in grease/oil. I took the forks off the bike this week, but have yet to tear them down, because I need somebody to help me push the top plugs down while I pry out the circlips. Those plugs are hard to move.

While I've got the wheel off I'm sticking new wheel bearings in. Unfortunately I can't get the old ones out. I've followed the Hayne's manual and recommendations on this forum, but I absolutely can't get either side punched out using the drift through the wheel technique. Anybody have any tips or tricks?

Finally, I figured while the forks and wheel are out of the way is the best time to address my stuck oil filter bolt issue. Where it stands right now, the head of the bolt is ground off flat. Where do I go from here?

Thanks again to everyone. You have all been so helpful in the past, and hopefully you can help me out again!

 

Hi MaverickCS, I feel your pain,,, did many of the same things this summer to my XS400, got the bike home in april or may... just got it safetied last weekend...

Oil filter bolt, on mine I used a dremel with cutting wheels to remove the flange of the bolt, once the pressure was off the flange part, I unscrewed it with my fingers.... just be careful not to cut into surrounding metal....
Be sure to get the EMGO replacement bolt 17mm head.... less likely to strip off round again....

Fork Seals... my most feared of the projects, I did myself ...
Brace the fork against the floor/ground (maybe use a 2x4 or 2x6 the prevent beating it up, I was on my deck) Get a large flathead screwdriver, lean on that with one hand to push down the plugs (I only weigh 135lbs and it worked) use your freehand and a small screwdriver to pry up the circlip, or use small needle nose pliers ( or have one within quick reach)

Wheel bearings I didn't do, but those 2 jobs were the ones that gave me the willies, but were not that bad once you're into it.

I'm a newb at all this, you can do it. Take your time, if you get frustrated or impatient...walk away for a bit and come back more focused.

Good luck

 

Thanks much for the advice and words of encouragement. I was about to grind off the flange, but then decided I should post on here and make sure that would actually help me get the bolt out. Yes, I've figured out the walking away and taking a break when things aren't going well. Unfortunately that's why 5 minute projects sometimes take me hours, and hours long projects take me a week.

 

For the wheel bearings, since you have everything apart take it to the shop and ask them to remove the bearings for you. If they are not busy you might get it done straight away and can watch what they do. Should only cost a couple of dollars and avoids you damaging the wheel. For any small jobs that I don't have the gear for or get stuck on I will take it to the guys in the know.

Best of luck, we all had to start somewhere so good on you for making the effort.

 

Okay. Just finished up the oil filter bolt removal I've been struggling with since I bought the bike in July. Don't worry, I used anti-sieze on the theads of the new bolt, and torqued it to spec. Wow, feels good to accomplish something. Just the forks and bearings to go.

 

Excellent..... feels good, doesn't it?

 

Makes ya wanna do the happy dance. Keep at it you will get this bike on the road!

 

You have to "Dress" the Drift. You need an EDGE on the drift and not a rounded-off end for purchase.

Hold the tool on the exposed edge of the old bearing and drive it out with at least a 16 Oz. Hammer. Once the old bearing becomes un-seated ... it will move out of there.

The most important factor is the newly dressed edge on your drift. Alll the force of the Impact needs to be on the edge that's exposed. A non-dressed, rounded-off (even slightly) drift ... won't cut it!