Fork Spring Retaining Clips

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Did they upgrade on this item?

And also, check out my cool tool to help me hold against the spring pressure!

[montmil]

The circlip retainer would be much easier to remove/install than the OEM "push one side down, yank it out and search shop" clip.   Monte

[Barry]

I don't have a photo but here's my method of removing the circlip without an assistant. I insert an allen key in the filler plug then with a large screwdriver I depress the whole plug and hold it down while turning the allen key until it wedges under the handle bar. Don't know if it would work with high bars
 
I then have both hands free to remove the circlip.

Rob

Wouldn't that conventional circlip hold the top plug in a lower position?

[Bob_Roller]

The groove in the fork tube, is not  'square shouldered', it's just a semi circle, I would be hesitant of putting a snap ring in there, it may come out at a very inopportune time .

I devised a method to depress the top plug, I take a piece of inner tube, wrap it around the fork tube, and then put a small three jaw puller around the outside of the tube, and then place a worm gear hose clamp around the jaws of the puller and tighten it up , then used the threaded screw of the puller, to press down on the plug and push it down out of the way, to gain access to the circlip .

[nhmaf]

Ain't necessity a mother (of invention) ?!?

Some good ideas in here !

I also agree, that the rectangular profile circlip may not be the best idea for that semi-circular groove inside the fork tube.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I forgot to mention, that the square profile snap ring is what Max BMW sent me last year when I was ordering parts for a fork rebuild.

That's why I asked if BMW had done an upgrade.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Never mind - I called Max BMW and talked to the parts guy.  
The fancy clips go down toward the bottom, somewhere, inside the fork.

He had the standard round-profile clips in stock, so I ordered two, along with two of the o-rings that go around the top plug.

They even had a reflector in stock to replace my smashed one!

[Barry]

Ahh.. Now it makes sense. That circlip goes in the bottom of the stanchion and holds in the damper valve body.