1980 CM400A Hondamatic master cylinder

[thatdogcanhunt]

Doing full re-work of brakes on 1980 cm400a hondamatic... Pretty sure I have the correct rebuild kits for the caliper and master cylinder (Brakecrafter) and new line (Galfer)...Having trouble getting the snap-ring out of the master cylinder... I have 4 pairs of snap-ring pliers that are either too short to reach it or too fat to access it... Does anyone have a set of pliers that they recommend? Also, at what point is corrosion too much corrosion? The caliper cleaned up fairly nice and the piston looks useable (Not perfect, but what little pitting there is I am pretty sure I can live with (very small and I don't think it will touch the seal other than during assembly)...The master cylinder on the other hand...well, let's just say I am hoping for the best... THANKS!!!

 

[ancientdad]

Amazon has a fair selection of circlip/snap-ring pliers.

https://www.amazon.com/long-snap-ring-pliers/s?k=long+snap+ring+pliers

I have a couple pair of Kowa Honda circlip pliers I bought back in my days at dealerships, Kowa still sells them through Webike but the shipping is ridiculous.

KOWA : Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18]

Product Description: KOWA Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18] : Fits::For holesThe claw closes when you hold it, and it is fo... - Webike

japan.webike.net

Snap-On (through H-D) amazingly shows them for retail price, not sure of shipping costs

KL-7-18, Snap Ring Pliers (to Close the Ring)

hd.snapon.com

 

[Flyin900]

If you have a new snap ring in the rebuild kit then use a fine pick to grab and get into it to pull out of the groove and upwards. It helps to depress the metal piston to gain access to the hole in the clip. Don't be shy here as your replacing the parts in there. Just don't bodge the groove the snap ring sits into down there. I have tried many different pliers and custom ground some, yet sometimes it just isn't worth the effort when you have replacement parts in a new kit.

 

[thatdogcanhunt]

If you have a new snap ring in the rebuild kit then use a fine pick to grab and get into it to pull out of the groove and upwards. It helps to depress the metal piston to gain access to the hole in the clip. Don't be shy here as your replacing the parts in there. Just don't bodge the groove the snap ring sits into down there. I have tried many different pliers and custom ground some, yet sometimes it just isn't worth the effort when you have replacement parts in a new kit.

I was able to get it out with an awl...I am still hoping to find pliers that work to do the install...Was just kind of hoping someone jumped in with a "I have these, they work great" answer...Thanks for the advice/help...

 

[thatdogcanhunt]

Amazon has a fair selection of circlip/snap-ring pliers.

https://www.amazon.com/long-snap-ring-pliers/s?k=long+snap+ring+pliers

I have a couple pair of Kowa Honda circlip pliers I bought back in my days at dealerships, Kowa still sells them through Webike but the shipping is ridiculous.

KOWA : Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18]

Product Description: KOWA Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18] : Fits::For holesThe claw closes when you hold it, and it is fo... - Webike

japan.webike.net

Snap-On (through H-D) amazingly shows them for retail price, not sure of shipping costs

KL-7-18, Snap Ring Pliers (to Close the Ring)

hd.snapon.com

I was able to get it out with an awl...I am still hoping to find pliers that work to do the install...Was just kind of hoping someone jumped in with a "I have these, they work great" answer...Thanks for the advice/help...

 

[thatdogcanhunt]

Amazon has a fair selection of circlip/snap-ring pliers.

https://www.amazon.com/long-snap-ring-pliers/s?k=long+snap+ring+pliers

I have a couple pair of Kowa Honda circlip pliers I bought back in my days at dealerships, Kowa still sells them through Webike but the shipping is ridiculous.

KOWA : Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18]

Product Description: KOWA Snap Ring Pliers (Closed) [KL-7-18] : Fits::For holesThe claw closes when you hold it, and it is fo... - Webike

japan.webike.net

Snap-On (through H-D) amazingly shows them for retail price, not sure of shipping costs

KL-7-18, Snap Ring Pliers (to Close the Ring)

hd.snapon.com

Those KOWA pliers look nice, but that DHL shipping fee, Holy Cow!