PITA fork tube

[moesterman]

I posted earlier a request for information on how to release the fork tubes from an Accutronics triple-tree. I did determine they were secured with a cam lock which I did remove. The right tube spun right out:however, the left is being a PITA! I have doused it with penetrating oil, iced the fork tube and heated the triple tree. I have destroyed two strap wrenches--rubber and nylon and beat the hell out of it with a rubber mallet. My next thought was to use a couple of large pipe wrenches but not sure what to wrap the the fork tube with to protect it and will not slip. ANY ideas would be appreciated.

 

[woodbutcher]

have you tried it as if it is reverse thread????????????

 

[moesterman]

No, I have not but I am positive I am turning it in the right direction. Turning the same direction as the one I removed. Secondly, I contacted Accutronixs to confirm. I am not sure where it is jammed-upper of lower tree, I just know it will not release. My other concern is if it is the upper tree threads and it releases at the tube an leaves the cap in the tree-that would be consistent with the way things are going. AT least there is snow on the ground and freezing temps so I am not loosing an ride time.

 

[pknowles]

Pb nut blaster. But it at just about any auto supply

 

[moesterman]

I assume that is some type of penetrating oil? I have doused it with two types already but if it is seized in the upper tree it will be very difficult have any oil migrate to the threads-flush top triple tree.

 

[05 old dog]

last resort...mail that bad boy to accutronics...they probably have a soft jaw vise and the strap or friction wrench to break it down...pipe wrench = bad idea.

 

[moesterman]

The problem is, it attached to a bike with no way to remove it unless the tube releases. That would require allot of stamps and a huge envelope. (J.K) When I spoke to tech support at Accutronixs thy indicated they have never had this porblem--leave it to me to create one. I would love to send it somewhere right about now! Frustration level is elevating.......

 

[HMAN]

Have you tried a combination of heat n cold? Use some dry ice n freeze one side while heating the other. We use liquid nitrogen at work to achive the same thing. Try cooling the tube while heating the triple. This will expand the OD threads and shrink the ID threads thus allowing you to spin the tube out...just my thoughts.

 

[moesterman]

I'm with ya and have tried regular ice and heat to no avail. I realize the colder the better and I need dry ice but difficult to find today so I may have to wait. It would be easier if I know for sure where it is seized--upper or lower tree. I just spoke to a friend how has a 1.5" wide 18" long strap wrench. I may give it a try as well. I suppose the next issue will be I pull the bike off the stand onto the floor--problem solved. Thanks, Al

 

[pknowles]

Get a can of the pb blaster and spray the hell out of it. Get two strap wrenches and work it back and forth. It should give . Where do you live?

 

[moesterman]

Frozen tundra--Iowa. I just contacted a buddy who has a "large" strap wrench I am going to give a try. Bigger the better--do I sound like a woman?

 

[pknowles]

It looks like both fork tubes should be the same. You are just a little out of driving range for a day trip. I'm sold on the pb blaster, we use it at work all the time and it works on just about anything we use in the marine environment. I wouldn't use the pipe wrench unless you can protect the tubewith something that you are sure will hold up. You should get a better bite with the strap wrenches. good luck

 

[moesterman]

Heck, VA is not all that far. If you start now I'll leave the lights on. Thanks, I attempt to locate some "Blaster" and give it a try. Like I indicated I am heading to a friend who has a large strap wrench that I am going to try. just do not want it to release at the cap tube threads, that could be interesting.

 

[BWG56]

I posted earlier a request for information on how to release the fork tubes from an Accutronics triple-tree. I did determine they were secured with a cam lock which I did remove. The right tube spun right out:however, the left is being a PITA! I have doused it with penetrating oil, iced the fork tube and heated the triple tree. I have destroyed two strap wrenches--rubber and nylon and beat the hell out of it with a rubber mallet. My next thought was to use a couple of large pipe wrenches but not sure what to wrap the the fork tube with to protect it and will not slip. ANY ideas would be appreciated.

Try a couple pieces of garden hose or slit open a radiator hose, just make sure the hose is thicker than the teeth on the pipe wrench

 

[moesterman]

TA-DA. The larger strap wrench did the job. So bigger is better. Thanks to all for your assistance.

 

[pknowles]

good job and you didn't have to go with the pipe wrench. I don't know what the manual call for on the threads but anti-seize come to mind

 

[Th3InfamousI]

TA-DA. The larger strap wrench did the job. So bigger is better. Thanks to all for your assistance.

Nice!!!

Yep bigger is better....thats what all the girls tell me