Dampner Rod Hex Size

[AyeKay]

What size is the Allen for the dampner rod at the bottom of the fork?

Im going to be doing seals and adding springs on monday, I will be using air tools so I'd like to know what size so I can go find a suitable allen and cut it.

Thanks 

[The Buddha]

None exists. Kerry made a tool, search for it.
I am too lazy and I have 3-4 lying about un split even though the uppers are crap.
Of course the clowns took the ones that were good. So I got no good ones. One clown even unloaded it on ebay for 200. Damn ... he only paid 400 for the Kat FE - whole thing.
Cool.
Buddha.

[scottpA_GS]

Yea.. its not a hex head. its this crazy thing:



Tool creation info is here:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=7084.0

[AyeKay]

Maybe I am mistaken but I was reading various Fork Seal threads on here, are you not able to break it loose with an impact wrench and forego the tool part?

Or am i better off just hitting up homedepot and making the tool?

[Mandres]

you are correct, there is an allen-head bolt at the bottom of the fork (that threads into the part pictured above).  Unfortunately I don't remember the size. 

[sledge]

Its either 8 or 10 mmAF

[The Buddha]

Maybe I am mistaken but I was reading various Fork Seal threads on here, are you not able to break it loose with an impact wrench and forego the tool part?

Or am i better off just hitting up homedepot and making the tool?

I have succesfully done this on 1 fork. We clamped the chrome part, and I pulled the lower while my welder hit the allen bolt with a impact wrench. Hardly ideal if we were reusing the chrome leg. We were not, so we tore the upper's chrome up. but it will come off if you put enough load on it, and crank the allen bolt fast enough.
Cool.
Buddha.

[AyeKay]

Well seeing as the tool really should cost about 10 bucks.. I'd be a dumbass to bother messing stuff up any other way.

Anyway, I have everything gathered. Oil/Dust Seals, 15 W Oil, Progressive Springs , My PVC Seal Driver, I think I am ready to do the damn thang!

Thanks Guys 

[the mole]

I just had my forks apart, the allen bolt in the bottom of the slider is 7mm. Its an odd size, most sets jump from 6mm to 8mm. I bought a cheap Chinese set that had a 7mm, loosened the bolts 1/4 turn after I took the front wheel and fender off (and slid the spacer out of the right leg), but before loosening the triples or fork caps. They undid no problem after that, no need for the special tool.

[scottpA_GS]

I say.... Make the tool. there is a 1 in 10 chance that you will get it off w/o it. you will spend 4 hrs playing unsuccessfully with an air gun and 5 mins making the proper tool to do the job 

[Mandres]

well, if you loosen it while the forks are still bolted up and someone is sitting on the bike there should be enough load to keep that sucker from rotating on you.  Once the forks are off though, it's tool or bust.

[beRto]

Anyway, I have everything gathered. Oil/Dust Seals, 15 W Oil, Progressive Springs , My PVC Seal Driver, I think I am ready to do the damn thang!

You may also want to buy new retainer clips; they can get damaged during removal.

[The Buddha]

Anyway, I have everything gathered. Oil/Dust Seals, 15 W Oil, Progressive Springs , My PVC Seal Driver, I think I am ready to do the damn thang!

You may also want to buy new retainer clips; they can get damaged during removal.

Or freaking lost when you powdercoat them ... 
Can I use a circlip instead I guess I'll find out.
Cool.
Buddha.

[AyeKay]

Wow, just wanted to say, getting the tool was so easy. Went to lowes and was in an out in 5 min.