Topic: Front fork tube removal CB550

[quidger]

I took the front forks off and I want to put in new oil seals but I cannot even get the fork tubes out of the bottom fork case. The mainenence manual makes it sound like the fork tubes just slide out. But it doesn't appear to be that simple. I loosened the 6MM hex nut on the bottom of the lower fork case that holds the damper in place but the hex bolt only spins in place and does not come out after it has been loosened. How is the damper supposed to come out? It can't come out to the bottom of the lower casing unless the whole damper unit is only as big in circumference as the 6MM hex bolt, which doesn't look possible.
Any way I'm a little confused and not getting quite how to get to the point of taking the oil seal out to put in a new one. If I can get the fork tubes out at least then I will be able to get to the old oil seals to put some leverage on them to pry them out.
I read about the c-clamp method and it sounds like it works well but I need to get the fork tubes out of the way before and can get to that point.
Please help bail me out with some advice.
Thanks.

[NickC]

you have to completely remove the hex bolt down below. Mine was spinning as well when i tried to remove it.I think i had to apply pressure down on the tube while turning it to get it out

[quidger]

I stuck a broom handle down into the fork tube with pressure and got the hex bolt out.

Thanks for the tip.

[Johnie]

Try taking that hex bolt out before you remove the top bolt and spring. Many times the spring pressure will hold it from spinning.

[hymodyne]

+1 on the broom handle idea. It works well to keep things from spinning as you unscrew the bolt underneath

hym