clutch master cylinder snap ring is stuck

[walker70]

This may be something that is already on the site somewhere but I don't see it,anyway now I am on to the rebuild of my clutch master cylinder and I can't seem get the snap ring out even with snap ring pliers,I do not seem to be able to get the ring to even move, any help is appreciated.

[minimac]

Try a shot of something like PB Blaster. Wrap the whole works first with a rag so there's no chance of getting any on the paint, unless it's off the bike. If you have a real small screwdriver(like the ones for glasses) try to clean the area around the snap ring first. Let it soak for a while and it should break free.

[FM-USA]

This happens a LOT, worst ones are drive shaft U-Joints.
Tap the piston inward then use your ring pliers. If it's still stuck, GENTLY tap around the ring to break it loose.

[how's that throttle lock mini?]

.

[WingAdmin]

If it's crusted in dried fluid, try using some isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the crusty crud. Make sure you're pressing the piston rod in to release any spring pressure on the snap ring before trying to remove it.

[walker70]

Hi,all is good for getting the snap ring out,had to go to Dothan Powersports for a part today so while there one of the mechanics pulled the ring out for me with some very long needle nose snap ring pliers and he told me all I needed to pay him was a six pack of Bud Light,I told him that was ok by me,now I am ready to clean up the master cylinder and put the rebuild kit in.

[walker70]

Hello again,forgot to ask this,I took the cylinder apart last night and it was nasty so now I wondering how to remove some of the crud at the bottom of the bore,also when I pulled the cups and spring out the cup on the piston was so messed up I could not see how the new one goes on and my manual is not clear so does the inner lip of the cup towards the top or the bottom of the piston ,here are some photos

[FM-USA]

Larger side of black rubber cup goes in first.

"Crud Spray"... aka: 'Brake Cleaner' [BC].
Wood stick (so not to scratch the bore). Twist a rag on the stick, soak with BC, insert-n-twist to clean.
Compressed air gunk if needed. lastly, rinse with brake fluid and leave wet.

IF a pix helps... (not Wing but similar)

[walker70]

Hi again,I suppose when you say the large side you mean the side that looks like it has two inner rings,sorry if I sound like a total goof,it has been awhile since I took one of these apart,also thanks for the tip on brake cleaner,I use the stuff for most of the cleaning I do on parts, was not sure about using it on this.

[FM-USA]

USE NO OTHER CLEANER than brake cleaner.
It can and many do leave a residue that swells the rubber brake parts.

2 inner rings?
I think so, I've seen some nothing, looks like a frying pan no handle.
PIX will help.

[walker70]

Hi, FM-USA,maybe calling it an inner ring is the wrong word,this seal goes on the piston at the top of the spiral on the piston,here are maybe some better pics,the other cup I know goes on the inner spring in the barrel of master cylinder,hopefully I am not making anyone's head hurt about this,the last two pics are where the seal goes, does the flat side go out toward the lever or in to cylinder,

[bustedwing]

That seal is a wiper seal and keeps dirt from going into the system, and an easy way to tell which way a seal is to be installed is by looking at the seal; the wire ring goes toward the fluid or pressure side.I hope this helps.

[FM-USA]

Hi, FM-USA,maybe calling it an inner ring is the wrong word,...

Nope, no problem. I knew what you were meaning by double ring, the other side has none.
"Process of elimination, my dear Watson."

Larger of same pix...
.

[walker70]

Thanks,that is photo is much better.

[FM-USA]

Let us ALL know how it went... hard,.. EZ..... impossible(NOT!)

[walker70]

Yes,I will do that,but if you see me answer back with all those little things they put in cartoons that tell you that bad words are being used you know it was tough,

[walker70]

Hello,just a quick question,best way to slide the seal over the piston without to much trouble,I have tried a small screwdriver but all I seem to do is get the seal to try to flip the wrong way.

[FM-USA]

Hello,just a quick question,best way to slide the seal over the piston without to much trouble,I have tried a small screwdriver but all I seem to do is get the seal to try to flip the wrong way.

That seal stretches enough without distortion. Use brake fluid as a lubricant.
Sounds like you're rolling it on, it will walk on with a 2 finger pinch-n-pull it over.

[walker70]

Hi again,got that seal on last night,had to do like mom always told me,leave it alone go back to it later,did that and it slipped right on,now I am cleaning the bore on master cylinder,have got most of the gunk out of it but there is a bit left near the bottom of the bore,used brake cleaner on a rag wrapped around a wooden spoon and it got all of it but what is at the bottom,there is not much left but I do not want to leave any in there if possible,don't know if it will make it stick when I put it together.

[WingAdmin]

Leave it soaking overnight in some rubbing alcohol. That will dissolve it and you should be able to spray it out with brake cleaner the next day.

[walker70]

Hi,thanks for the tip,have to go get more alcohol,don't have enough to soak the cylinder completely.

[walker70]

Hi all,got my clutch cylinder back together and back on my bike,also rebuilt front brake master cylinder while I was at it,now both are back on the bars,thanks for all the great tips.

[FM-USA]

ONLY mentioning since it wasn't in this thread.
Use 'DOT 4' brake fluid.
All the others will swell the rubber parts.
Even tho it states DOT 3 and 4 are the same base, the boiling point is higher in #4.
With today's warmer weather, why risk it for a mere couple cents more for #4. Those few cents lasts for TENS of Thousands of miles.

[walker70]

Hi,I checked into the dot 4 and in my area the only thing I could get was bottles of brake fluid that is for both types.

[WingAdmin]

Hi,I checked into the dot 4 and in my area the only thing I could get was bottles of brake fluid that is for both types.

If it says it is for both, then it is DOT4. DOT4 can be used in (and mixed with) DOT3 systems.

[walker70]

I kind of thought that was the case,I hate going to some of the auto parts places around where I live because most of the folks that work in them do not know anything unless the computer tells them,I knew better than to use DOT3 in a system that says to use DOT4,unfortunately most folks I know around where I stay don't even know what they are doing with vehicles and won't ask,as you guys may have noticed,when I need to know something I ask a question no matter how silly it may sound,it's the only way I learn most things.