GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 04:09:11 AM

Title: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 04:09:11 AM
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  :thumb:
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: The Buddha on September 04, 2008, 11:47:22 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: scottpA_GS on September 04, 2008, 01:02:29 PM

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

(http://home.pacbell.net/scoveney/joes_files/Shock-tool-target.gif)

Tool creation info is here:

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

:cheers:
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 02:54:34 PM
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?
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: Mandres on September 04, 2008, 04:47:56 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: sledge on September 04, 2008, 04:53:23 PM
Its either 8 or 10 mmAF
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: The Buddha on September 04, 2008, 05:34:45 PM
Quote from: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 02:54:34 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 05:45:34 PM
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  8)
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: the mole on September 04, 2008, 06:49:44 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: scottpA_GS on September 04, 2008, 08:01:58 PM

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  :thumb:
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: Mandres on September 04, 2008, 08:39:32 PM
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.

Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: beRto on September 04, 2008, 10:06:20 PM
Quote from: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 05:45:34 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: The Buddha on September 05, 2008, 06:28:09 AM
Quote from: beRto on September 04, 2008, 10:06:20 PM
Quote from: AyeKay on September 04, 2008, 05:45:34 PM
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 ...  :2guns:
Can I use a circlip instead ??? I guess I'll find out.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Dampner Rod Hex Size
Post by: AyeKay on September 05, 2008, 04:47:41 PM
Wow, just wanted to say, getting the tool was so easy. Went to lowes and was in an out in 5 min.   :thumb: