Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Removing frame plugs

[mike916]

Does anyone know an easy way to remove frame plugs without damaging frame paint?

I fitted a set of ally plugs with rubber oil seal type securing rings to my 916 two years ago. When fitting these I has to grease up the plugs with silicone lube and it still took a lot of persuading with a rubber mallet to get them to seat properly.

Now I need to get them out to remove my engine/swingarm and have a bit of a problem. Is there an easy way to remove them without trying to pry them loose with a screwdriver which will damage the frame paint or is the only way to drill/cut/generally destroy the plugs to get them out

Any ideas welcome

[JPM]

How are they secure? I assume by a bolt etc, can you not unscrew the bolt just enough?

I'd be tempted to put some tape round the frame, where you might be resting the screwdriver etc, maybe some cloth etc too if you end up going down that route...

Do you have any photo's etc?

[mike916]

They fit just by the rubber seal which is a very tight fit in the frame tubes when hammered in! - no bolts or anything so simple.

I thought this would turn out to be a future prob as I was bashing them in as well

[yeti]

Get some strong string (nylon) or similar. Wrap it round the head of the plug between plug and frame, get other ends and wrap around screwdriver shaft then pull. If you got it right, plug should just pop straight out.

[yeti]

Might need to do this with two lots of string so you get an even pull top and bottom.

[JPM]

Looking at the photo, can you not create a lever type movement to pull them out failing Yeti's suggestion..

Get the head of a screwdriver behind the plug, hopefully without touvhing the frame, then rest a piece of wood across the frame, and use that as a pivot to lever them free?

The string idea sounds like a great one, but as Yeti has said it's going to have to be strong, and an even pull to get them to move.

[nelly]

Spray a little WD40 around the edge to. This'll soak the o-ring a little and help them slide out whatever method you end up using.

[yeti]

Originally posted by dogcockred
Don't get the WD40 near your Ohlins stickers though !!!!

[NBs996]

take a generous mixture of Yeti and Nelly's suggestion, then chuck them in the bin and get some of these...

http://a.shirley.users.btopenworld.com/frplug.htm

One central hex bolt and they go in and out easy.

[mike916]

Thanks guys. I will try again this weekend and let you know the results.

Mind you I do like the look of the expanding fixing ones nbs996 so I may not be as carefull of the old ones as I was going to be when taking them out....................................