Need advice on front forks

[in2it]

Hey guys I need some advice before I do something stupid ... I'm trying to rebuild my front forks on my 2000 GL1500 ... I have taken everything off the forks ... I have loosened the pinch bolts that holds the forks to the triple tree ... here's my problem I can't get the forks to come off the triple tree ... I have done everything I know of to get them off ... and I don't want to resort to getting a bigger hammer that's why I'm asking for advice ... what I'm I missing???

If I posted this twice my mistake... had company pop in and didn't know If I sent it

[MikeB]

There may be some rust built up around the fork tube under the triple tree clamps. Try using a little penetrating fluid.

They should come out easily once you have all three pinch bolts loosened for each fork tube.

[LAB3]

^^^^^What he said!^^^^^ You also might want to try turning the fork tube to loosen it up, by hand at first then maybe grab it with something like a big pair of channel locks with a rag over the jaws to not nick up the finish.

[in2it]

There may be some rust built up around the fork tube under the triple tree clamps. Try using a little penetrating fluid.

They should come out easily once you have all three pinch bolts loosened for each fork tube.

Thank you, Mike... didn't think of that ... thought of a strap wrench also

[in2it]

^^^^^What he said!^^^^^ You also might want to try turning the fork tube to loosen it up, by hand at first then maybe grab it with something like a big pair of channel locks with a rag over the jaws to not nick up the finish.

rather use a strap wrench... but I understand your thought

[Andy Cote]

Are there three bolts per side or four? If I remember there are two bolts on the top clamp and two on the bottom clamp.

Before twisting the tubes, I would use a block of wood and a rubber mallet to tap on the top of the tubes. That with the oil should pop them out. Place some padding on the floor because once they decide to go, if the bolts are loose, they will definitely crash to the floor.

[MikeB]

Three bolts per tube. One on the upper, two on the lower. Same on the GL1800 as well.

[WingAdmin]

I know it's a dumb question, but I have to ask - you loosened BOTH sets of pinch bolts, upper and lower, on each fork, right?

And if you haven't already seen this: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=16118

[in2it]

I got it figured out ... it's hard to see mostly by feel ... I overlooked the second pinch bolt on the bottom tree ... the forks are out and rebuilt ... also have the triple tree out putting in new bearings and races ... I do thank one and all for advice... guess I was tired and was stumped ... again thank you

[WingAdmin]

I got it figured out ... it's hard to see mostly by feel ... I overlooked the second pinch bolt on the bottom tree ... the forks are out and rebuilt ... also have the triple tree out putting in new bearings and races ... I do thank one and all for advice... guess I was tired and was stumped ... again thank you

I kind of figured that was what your problem was. No worries, glad you got it out and done.

[in2it]

I can see why I needed to rebuild the tree ... here is a bearing with all the grease it had... the other one was dryer than this... I bet this is the only grease it ever had 22 years ago

[WingAdmin]

I can see why I needed to rebuild the tree ... here is a bearing with all the grease it had... the other one was dryer than this... I bet this is the only grease it ever had 22 years ago

If it is original, check the bearing and race for indentations - they tend to create one at the "straight ahead" position, which causes a "click" at the steering center point.



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[in2it]

I can see why I needed to rebuild the tree ... here is a bearing with all the grease it had... the other one was dryer than this... I bet this is the only grease it ever had 22 years ago

If it is original, check the bearing and race for indentations - they tend to create one at the "straight ahead" position, which causes a "click" at the steering center point.



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yes, sir its original and it had an indentation dead center ... as you said ... I take my hat off to you for your homemade tools and showing pictures on "how to do it" that in itself saved several hundred of dollar's ... Scott ... without a doubt you are the most helpful man when it comes to GoldWings ... if I had deep pockets, I would donate to you to help with the cost of the site ... because what you offer here is invaluable to ones who works on their own bike's ... again Thank you Sir

[in2it]

Well ... it's all done ... rebuilt the forks ... new triple tree bearing and races ... after 13,550 with a E4 ... a new E4 on the front ... ready for summer touring