Topic: Removing Top Bolt on Front Fork problem

[Bristledisk]

Hi All,
I'm attempting to remove the top front fork bolt (see image). I unscrew it nearly to the top then the thread clicks and seemingly drops back a few threads again. I suspect the thread is damaged or am I missing something. Any ideas on how I can get this bolt out? It's a 350F. Thanks in advance.

[calj737]

For starters, that cap is under serious tension from the internal spring (assuming you haven’t released that via the damper rod at the bottom?). Press down on it while you unscrew it. You should also lightly loosen the fork tube clamp. If you still can’t get it to release, going to need to remove the entire fork leg from the triple trees and take other measures for complete disassembly.

[Don R]

 Wow that's odd, pry or lift under the edge while being ready for it to shoot off?

[bryanj]

If its like the 450/500 and you have it on the centre stand with front in air there is a threaded rod connecting the top nut to the damper at the bottom, you need to push the slider up and you will see a locknut

[ekpent]

Yes what model of bike ? 750's they just pop off unless the oring is holding them and yours isn't having that problem. That little gauge does looks like a 500 maybe.

[Bristledisk]

It’s a 1973 CB350f.

[Shtonecb500]

use an impact drill, apply pressure to the nut to work against the pressure of the spring inside. You are going to have to apply pressure when reinstalling....when that nut comes off your spring is going t want to shoot out and your front end is going to want to drop if you work on both forks at the time time.

apply pressure when removing and installing.

[Little_Phil]

If its like the 450/500 and you have it on the centre stand with front in air there is a threaded rod connecting the top nut to the damper at the bottom, you need to push the slider up and you will see a locknut

+1 on this.  Makes adding fork oil a pain.

[Shtonecb500]

man, i havent replaced fluid with fork still installed in a long time.

[MauiK3]

Need a shop manual.

[Shtonecb500]

Was looking through mine

[Quattrocilindri]

man, i havent replaced fluid with fork still installed in a long time.

Not difficult at all if you use a small funnel or a syringe attached to a flexible hose and you have the 105 cc of ATF measured in a cup ready to pour. If the bike  is on the side stand with the upper fork cap undone and  2-3 spring coils exposed, you have the space to do it with minimal mess.
Just insert the flexile hose between the spring coils and pour the fluid. Then place the bike on the center stand; the exposed spring will drop into the fork tube and the cap threads can be engaged and the cap .can be fully installed.

Repeat the same operation for the other fork. This is how I have changed the fluid on my 350F.

However, if the OP wants to fully dismantle the fork, then it is easier to do fully remove the legs and do that in a bench vise.