Author Topic: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?  (Read 1127 times)

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Offline Kustomizer

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How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« on: January 11, 2015, 01:54:33 PM »
I'm trying to get my fork tubes out of the cases and the hex bolt that is screwed into the bottom of the case that hold the fork tubes in I think just spins?  How do I get the tube and case apart?

Offline thep1pe

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2015, 02:05:50 PM »
Get an old wooden broom handle and hammer down into the tube. This will catch the nut. Then use an air wrench or electric impact gun and it should come out. Worked for me and I only used an ordinary ratchet.

Offline BobbyR

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2015, 02:33:29 PM »
I'm trying to get my fork tubes out of the cases and the hex bolt that is screwed into the bottom of the case that hold the fork tubes in I think just spins?  How do I get the tube and case apart?
+1 Old School trick that works perfectly!
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Offline Kustomizer

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2015, 04:49:41 PM »
Ok, thanks for the info.

One other question, is 18 5/8th" Ok for the internal spring length?

Offline calj737

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2015, 05:16:17 PM »
Another option, but only works if your forks are still assembled and filled with fluid is to loosen that nut first, then disassemble and drain them. If they're draind, the above method is required.

I loosen the bottom bolt, then the fork cap, then drain, then bottom then top. Makes it easier and safer (no flying fork cap nuts across the garage).
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Offline Kustomizer

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2015, 05:38:29 PM »
Another option, but only works if your forks are still assembled and filled with fluid is to loosen that nut first, then disassemble and drain them. If they're draind, the above method is required.

I loosen the bottom bolt, then the fork cap, then drain, then bottom then top. Makes it easier and safer (no flying fork cap nuts across the garage).
Yeah, I already have them taken apart.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2015, 05:59:50 PM »
If you have access to an air or electric impact-just put the spring back in, the top cap back on, I don't think oil is important at this point...clamp the tube in a vice, hold onto the lower and they will usually zip right out.
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Offline Kustomizer

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2015, 08:13:53 PM »
If you have access to an air or electric impact-just put the spring back in, the top cap back on, I don't think oil is important at this point...clamp the tube in a vice, hold onto the lower and they will usually zip right out.
I'll try that.

Offline bjbuchanan

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2015, 02:11:49 PM »
If you have access to an air or electric impact-just put the spring back in, the top cap back on, I don't think oil is important at this point...clamp the tube in a vice, hold onto the lower and they will usually zip right out.
I'll try that.

this is how I do it, but again, impact is necessary.

I usually pop those bottom hex before I take the forks off the bike. Leave a couple threads hanging on then crack the top nut too. Then I take them out of the trees
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Offline 754

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2015, 08:22:32 PM »
Leave the forks on the bike most of the time..
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Offline BobbyR

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #10 on: January 13, 2015, 11:30:51 AM »
Broomstick and a hex wrench. Low tech and cheap and effective.
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Offline goldarrow

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #11 on: January 13, 2015, 11:43:51 AM »
Hand hammer impact driver with 6mm bit never fail
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Offline Kustomizer

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2015, 08:09:39 PM »
Got them out with the springs back in.  Thanks for all the input!

Offline PeWe

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Re: How do I get the hex bolt out of fork?
« Reply #13 on: January 15, 2015, 03:48:01 AM »
My bolts easy to remove with fork fully stretched and keeping it that way while loosening the bolts.
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