I just had to vent.  I hate changing fork seals. The right side finally gave out and I spent 2 hours yesterday trying to get the inner valve undone.  My special tool broke, so now i need to make a new one. POOP!

it
could be worst....  I read a post on here sayin nothing about a special tool, just said to blip the bottom bolt with an air tool, 2 hours later i was so pissed off that it wasn't worjin, i posted on here an 45 minutes later i was at ace hardware makin my tool.  needless to say, not long after that i was up an ridin again.  No way would i do it again without the "tool"

poop.

Hi there,

I disagree, man.
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

   Re: fork seal removal question
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2006, 09:54:01 PM »
   Reply with quote Modify message
Hi Pres,
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

right, i'm not about to spend $100's on an impact hammer to do this. 

i went to Lowe's to get more parts for another tool. i'll try again this weekend.

Baco99 you goombah,
An IMPACT DRIVER is a hand tool that sells for about $20 at a motorcycle shop.
You can get one at Harbor Freight for less.
It is a tool that holds a bit (or allen socket) at one end and is struck by a hammer at the other end.
You hold it and TWIST it in the desired direction and then smack it with a hammer.
Presto, the bolt or fitting is loosened!



It is a cheap and easy tool to use.
Get one.
It is usable in a myriad of places on every motorcycle.
Here is a place that sells them:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-29200.html        $21.80 on sale!
Another place:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis29200.html
Best wishes,
Todd

Quote from: baco99right, i'm not about to spend $100's on an impact hammer to do this.

Wow.  That was pretty ungrateful.  Goombah is right.. unless that refers to any pork or pork byproducts.  Because pig meat is good.. damn good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IMPACT-DRIVER-1-2-DR-7-PC-SET-LIFETIME-WARRANTY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ002QQitemZ120047833710QQrdZ1

I'm sure if you asked your friends or neighbours, you'll probably be able to borrow one to get the job done.  Although it's probably worth investing in one.  It will save you the headache of removing stripped screws/bolts in the long run.

You can get an impact driver from any harbor freight store for $10.

True that,Mak. But guys...you really DON'T need an impact wrench for this. While your at Harbor Freight, pick up a set of T handle allen wrenches, go to HD/Lowes for the tool and your set. Took me about an hour to do both sides.   

But guys...you really DON'T need an impact wrench for this.

True, But it is a damned useful tool to own anyway.
I'd say it is the one tool that has saved me from most swearing.
I Wouldn't be without one and they are only $10

ah!  one of those!  i thought you meant an air gun.  hmmm....

yeah don't confuse "impact driver" with "impact wrench". Two different tools.