Removal of damper rod bolts

Use an ordinary "L"allen key for inside the fork--put the ordinary socket on the other end and turn it with the extension bar.All you are doing is extending the outside part of the L SHAPE TO GIVE YOU MORE LEVERAGE

Just did mine today, hand impact driver, about 10 whacks this time. The first time i did it they were locked tighted, i sharpened a broom handle, jammed it in to the damper, then used the hand impact driver. I use the same method to do them up too.

As for the bit i used, i cut the end off an ordinary hex key, it fits perfectly in to my driver as its the same size as the hex bolt

Got driver off ebay for a £5.

The broom method

The hex bolt is attached to the cylinder in the photo, the red dot on the cylinder is a protruded piece of metal. When you whack the shaped broom end into the cylinder the sharp protrusion cuts into the wood, allowing you to hold the cylinder. However the protrusion is very small, but it gripped enough for me. I also heated the hex bit once whilst it was in the hex bolt too, that broke the thread lock.

Sometimes it works with just the impact driver alone.

[TamSV]

I'm with DT, you just need to get some leverage on that allen key.

As far as the spinning fork leg goes, I've got a heavy duty rubber strap wrench I've used for holding forks while undoing top caps and bottom bolts. Like one of those things for opening jars, but bigger. Grips like a vice without damaging anything. Got it off fleabay for a few quid.

[Bibio]

don't mess around with stupid allen keys. go to halfrods and get yourself a proper jobby that fits on a ratchet £3 is better than rounding the bolt. if you can't move it with a ratchet then whack it with an impact driver.

[yorkie_chris]

Perfect excuse to get compressor and impact gun.

Take fork leg out of bike and hold brake caliper mounts in vice.

I have said what I said taking it that the OP did not have a comprehensive workshop at his disposal i.e. compressor,impact tools and vice etc. just a decent set of DIY tools and leaving the forks still fitted to the bike.

[muzikill]

the cutting of allen key worked trick worked. they werent that tight its the flippin thread lock. by the way i used the front axle bolt as leverage. ive got pics to show how i did it this way. ill post em up soon. thanks for the help sv heroes.

Thank gawd i didnt have to use the mrs sweeping brush!

[Winder]

I have had success with the broom pole inside the fork, 8" Allen key in place but going through a ring spanner of the same size. Then just tap the spanner with a hammer. Hope that makes sense.

Originally Posted by muzikill

the cutting of allen key worked trick worked. they werent that tight its the flippin thread lock. by the way i used the front axle bolt as leverage. ive got pics to show how i did it this way. ill post em up soon. thanks for the help sv heroes.

Thank gawd i didnt have to use the mrs sweeping brush!

Now keep it! if you have used cheap seals you will need it sooner than you think like me

[squirrel_hunter]

Originally Posted by Bibio

don't mess around with stupid allen keys. go to halfrods and get yourself a proper jobby that fits on a ratchet £3 is better than rounding the bolt. if you can't move it with a ratchet then whack it with an impact driver.

Unfortunately the Halfords Pro Allen Key ratchet socket are to short to reach the bolt. I know from experience.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Perfect excuse to get compressor and impact gun.

Take fork leg out of bike and hold brake caliper mounts in vice.

But would this work on a fork where the damper rod bolt just spins the damper rod and internals?