GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Suspension => Topic started by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 06:59 AM

Title: What size Allen key please
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 06:59 AM
Hi All,

Can anyone remind me what size Allen key I need to remove the bolt (Number 5 in the attached image) from the bottom of the front forks?
I ask because I will have to borrow one from a friend..
I dont have a special fork tool for holding the innards but I seem to remember its possible to make a wedge from some broom stick ???
I think thats what I did when I rebuilt Sophies front forks..
Oh and the bike is a 2008 (2007 build) version GSX
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: seth on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 07:54 AM
5 or 6mm buddy I've just done a set but cant remenber which lol
Oh and get 1 as long as possible to make life easier for yourself as most sockets won't reach through the axle hole  :cheers:
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: Tim1954 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 02:44 PM
It is 8 mm allen key. Better use a good quality tool, I spoiled one bolt when I tried to open them. I also had difficulties holding the cartridge in place, especially when tightening to 40 Nm. See my story about that

https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=6629.0

https://www.tengtools.com/se/products/sockets-accessories/standard-sockets/1-2-long-hex-bit-socket-metric-8mm
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 03:14 PM
Thanks very much Tim..
I have ordered that exact socket you recommended.

Thanks again,

S.
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 03:22 PM
I cut the long end off an Allen key and use it in a six sided socket when required.

Try a sharp smack to crack them free, it works better than steady pressure to free them without the cartridge turning.
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: paulr5604 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 03:26 PM
When I did mine I cut some slots in the end of a pipe which worked well to hold the inside still while tightening it back up to undo I used an impact driver to shock it free
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 03:28 PM
Quote from: paulr5604 on Tuesday, 30 August  2022, 03:26 PM
When I did mine I cut some slots in the end of a pipe which worked well to hold the inside still while tightening it back up to undo I used an impact driver to shock it free

Was it copper pipe and can you remember the diameter?
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: paulr5604 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 04:20 PM
Quote from: Speedy1959 on Tuesday, 30 August  2022, 03:28 PM
Quote from: paulr5604 on Tuesday, 30 August  2022, 03:26 PM
When I did mine I cut some slots in the end of a pipe which worked well to hold the inside still while tightening it back up to undo I used an impact driver to shock it free

Was it copper pipe and can you remember the diameter?

No it wasn't it was the bottom section of my wife's old crutches (only thing I had to hand lol) I will measure the diameter of the pipe today and will take a photo of the cut outs I made in the bottom of the pipe and post it in here for you
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: Tim1954 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 04:29 PM
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 30 August  2022, 03:22 PM
I cut the long end off an Allen key and use it in a six sided socket when required.

Try a sharp smack to crack them free, it works better than steady pressure to free them without the cartridge turning.

That's exactly what I did to spoil the bolt!
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: black14 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 05:31 PM
I've had no problems using a decent quality 8mm hex socket and a rattle gun. If it spins use a better rattle gun!  :hat:
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 05:40 PM
Agree Black.
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: froudy on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 05:45 PM
A little tip here is to try loosen the bolt in question BEFORE removing the top cap and taking the guts out :onya:
Title: Re: What size Allen key please
Post by: paulr5604 on Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 06:25 PM
This is the tool I made diameter of the tube is 22mm

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/1/2362-300822182208.jpeg)