What size Allen key please

[Speedy1959]

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

[seth]

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 

[Tim1954]

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

[Speedy1959]

Thanks very much Tim..
I have ordered that exact socket you recommended.

Thanks again,

S.

[Hooli]

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.

[paulr5604]

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

[Speedy1959]

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?

[paulr5604]

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

[Tim1954]

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!

[black14]

I've had no problems using a decent quality 8mm hex socket and a rattle gun. If it spins use a better rattle gun! 

[grog]

Agree Black.

[froudy]

A little tip here is to try loosen the bolt in question BEFORE removing the top cap and taking the guts out

[paulr5604]

This is the tool I made diameter of the tube is 22mm