stock fork problems

[nastynate6695]

Ok i bought some stock gs forks used bc my other ones were pitted.  We just tried changing the seals on them but the allen bolt at the bottom is freely spinning.  When i say "freely spinning"  i mean i can take it and spin it with my wrench while the whole dapener rod inside  spins right along with it.    Ive reassembled and tried again, still cant seem to get it out.  I would hate to let the gs win by forcing me to take it to a bike shop but i just might have to.  Any suggestions?
Thanks Nate
Daytona Beach Fl

[Trwhouse]

Hi Nate,

From an earlier post I've made:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=31517.0

This is very easy to do with a handheld, hammer-driven impact driver.
Use the proper allen bit -- I bought a long allen key and cut off the L-part of it, then inserted it into the allen bit socket.
Put PRESSURE on the fork leg (have a buddy push it down) as you hit the impact driver solidly with the hammer and it will break free.

Here's an earlier post from today -- somone else has the same issue:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=31547.0

There's an easier way to take the forks apart, and all it involves is a hand-held impact driver that you hit with a hammer. That's how you can loosen the lower fork bolts.
Here's my original Post:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=20119.0

You really need to use an impact wrench -- either an air-powered unit or the old standby, a hammer-operated  impact driver which works just great.
I turn the fork tube assembly upside down (with the top nut on a thick rag on the ground to protect it), then put pressure on the fork leg lower, then use my impact driver and hammer to loosen the bolt. I had to cut the arm off an 8mm allen wrench to give me an allen bit long enough to reach all the way into the fork leg to turn the bolt.
Also, IMPORTANT --- be sure to LOOSEN the fork leg  top nut BEFORE you take the forks apart, otherwise you won't be able to hold it and loosen it later unless you clamp it back into the triple clamps. Save yourself the hassle and loosen the top nut before you take everything apart.
This is NOT a bad job.
Once you remove the lower bolt, the lower fork leg pops right off the inner fork tube and pulls the seal out after you pull it sharply several times.
Let us know if you need more help.

Good luck.
This is very simple to do with the right tool.

Best wishes,
Todd

[manofthefield]

This is very easy to do with a handheld, hammer-driven impact driver.
Use the proper allen bit -- I bought a long allen key and cut off the L-part of it, then inserted it into the allen bit socket.
Put PRESSURE on the fork leg (have a buddy push it down) as you hit the impact driver solidly with the hammer and it will break free.

+1 this is exactly how I did it


... or there's a fork 'tool' you can make that holds the bolt from spinning inside the fork.  See Bad Day Wrenching on the GS thread for some details

[nastynate6695]

thanks for the thread. I have to make a run to the bolt store tomorrow then  The Gs isnt going to win this round...