I have a 2002 SP 500 HO and I replaced the hub seal. It still leaks a little and I figure I need to replace the Seal Sleeve. Some questions, Is this a job for a weekend mechanic or does it need to be performed by a service man. The service manual say's to put on silicone on it before putting sleeve back on but does not say what kind of silicone, what do most of you guy's use. It looks like it would be difficult to drive the sleeve off, any suggestions or tricks as to getting it off. Thanks for any help.

 

It's not as hard as it looks, they just don't give you much room to work with on the removal. I use a hammer and pin punch to CAREFULLY knock the old sleeve off the magnet. The magnet may start moving, and if it moves too far can break one of the tiny wires feeding it. Find some means of holding the magnet in place (stick, punch, screwdriver, etc.) - and this may call for an extra pair of hands.

Our local dealer suggest replacing sleeves should use the Black RTV. I personally use the Red (orange) because it does not get hard like the black, making the next time easier to do.

The biggest trick is getting the new sleeve on evenly and at the correct clearance - if you have a seal driver it is much easier to accomplish this, but a soft faced hammer (rubber or plastic) or block of wood will work too.