Topic: CB400/4 Fork Disassembly

[merlewood]

I am struggling to remove the socket head bolt in the base of the forks so that I can strip the forks down. The bolt is turning but whatever it is fixed to inside the fork is spinning. I have tried removing the bolt without removing the main spring in the fork leg so that it is providing a load onto the insides of the fork. Anyone got any ideas.

[bryanj]

Strip down the internals and insert a broom handle to stop the damper turning inside.
If all else fails use an 8mm drill and drill off the head of the allen bolt carefully (there is a copper washer that will stop you damaging the slider if you take care) and replace it (the threaded bit will unscrew from the damper after its out)

[Kevin400F]

Another trick I've used which often works is to rig a tie-down strap or similar means to compress the fork as much as humanly possible with the spring still inside, then shock the bolt loose with an impact gun.

Kevin

[Bodi]

Impact gun is the way to go. Either reassemble the leg with spring to hold the inner part down a bit or try the broomstick, but the screw will often just spin out without any such help if you use an impact gun. Any car shop should do this for you for free or almost.