HAWK Fork HELP!!

[NickThrash]

So i finally got around to changing my fork oil and to what i thought was going to be an hour job has got me stuck. I started by taking the alan key bolts off and letting it drain the LEFT side came off real smooth but i had trouble getting the RIGHT side off and had to work it.

Well i let them both drain and then started to put the alan key bolts back on... well the RIGHT side went back on, tight, with no problem.

NOW the LEFT side WILL NOT tighten up?! I hate to use this comparison because i CANNOT believe or imagine that a bolt coming off nice, easy and smooth has stripped the slot... but its acting almost like a stripped bolt, just keeps spinning...

ANYONE have a clue what is wrong. i can't figure this out???

[Megadan]

Sounds like it might have been cross threaded from the factory and when you broke it free the threads stripped.

[NickThrash]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Sounds like it might have been cross threaded from the factory and when you broke it free the threads stripped.

Thats the only thing i can think of but thats insane that it broke that easily....

Whats a solution? I have to buy an all new fork?....

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by NickThrash

So i finally got around to changing my fork oil and to what i thought was going to be an hour job has got me stuck. I started by taking the alan key bolts off and letting it drain the LEFT side came off real smooth but i had trouble getting the RIGHT side off and had to work it.

Well i let them both drain and then started to put the alan key bolts back on... well the RIGHT side went back on, tight, with no problem.

NOW the LEFT side WILL NOT tighten up?! I hate to use this comparison because i CANNOT believe or imagine that a bolt coming off nice, easy and smooth has stripped the slot... but its acting almost like a stripped bolt, just keeps spinning...

ANYONE have a clue what is wrong. i can't figure this out???

Ive read that sometimes you have to use a tool to tighten up that bolt. There is a thread here about your very problem. Look around on site and you should find the info you are looking for.

[Megadan]

It's not that surprising to me. Fork cap threads are usually very fine threads. Great for securing the cap and holding the pressure of the fork springs without backing out, but easily damaged. Combine fine threads with what is likely not the highest quality metal, and it wouldn't take a whole lot.
I would say start with what Merlin suggests before moving forward though.

As far as repair - The only thing I would trust would be to at least replace that fork tube, but I don't know if you can just get that tube. Luckily, from what I have seen, the whole right or left fork assembly isn't all that expensive. $55 for one (link below)

http://www.txpowersports.com/ricky_p....100031.01.htm

[JerryHawk250]

The piece that the screw goes into is spinning. put the fork cap back on to with the spring to put pressure on it so it doesn't spin. Also go get a new screw and replace that one you have. Here's a thread that will help. http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18660&page=2

[NickThrash]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

The piece that the screw goes into is spinning. put the fork cap back on to with the spring to put pressure on it so it doesn't spin. Also go get a new screw and replace that one you have. Here's a thread that will help. http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18660&page=2

Hey thanks, i did already try with the caps on thinking the pressure would help, but that didnt work

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by NickThrash

Hey thanks, i did already try with the caps on thinking the pressure would help, but that didnt work

try adding shims like washers or quarters to put more pressure. Go to the hardware store and get a new screw and a tap to chase the threads.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by NickThrash

So i finally got around to changing my fork oil and to what i thought was going to be an hour job has got me stuck. I started by taking the alan key bolts off and letting it drain the LEFT side came off real smooth but i had trouble getting the RIGHT side off and had to work it.

Well i let them both drain and then started to put the alan key bolts back on... well the RIGHT side went back on, tight, with no problem.

NOW the LEFT side WILL NOT tighten up?! I hate to use this comparison because i CANNOT believe or imagine that a bolt coming off nice, easy and smooth has stripped the slot... but its acting almost like a stripped bolt, just keeps spinning...

ANYONE have a clue what is wrong. i can't figure this out???

Is the problem internal to the fork leg, or to the triple tree and tightening it back in place?...ARH

[david3921]

Check this post out. It will explain what is going on.

http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18660

You need to stop the piston from spinning. Get a new bolt as suggested and try the broom handle trick or the putting a section of pvc pipe in to put some tension on the parts. I've had this problem in the past and had to re-tap the hole and re-thread the bolt. Keep at it, you'll get it.

[Megadan]

Are talking about the dampening rod allen bolt on the bottom of the fork? I was thinking it was the spring cap at the top. Ignore my entire last post lol.

For the dampening rod side of things. I use my tried and true wooden broom handle. Has never failed me, but it's a good idea to do this and get the bolts at least snug before filling with oil or assembly. Once the springs are back in and caps installed, then you should be able to properly tighten it.

[Bruce's]

Broom handle trick ( bht) is the answer .

[NickThrash]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Are talking about the dampening rod allen bolt on the bottom of the fork? I was thinking it was the spring cap at the top. Ignore my entire last post lol.

For the dampening rod side of things. I use my tried and true wooden broom handle. Has never failed me, but it's a good idea to do this and get the bolts at least snug before filling with oil or assembly. Once the springs are back in and caps installed, then you should be able to properly tighten it.

ya im talking about the little alan bolt at the bottom

[NickThrash]

Originally Posted by david3921

Check this post out. It will explain what is going on.

http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18660

You need to stop the piston from spinning. Get a new bolt as suggested and try the broom handle trick or the putting a section of pvc pipe in to put some tension on the parts. I've had this problem in the past and had to re-tap the hole and re-thread the bolt. Keep at it, you'll get it.

thanks for the support! looks like i might have gotten it to thread.. it went snug and i didnt want to apply too much more force but gave it a good little bit. So for now its on and not leaking but im not entirely positive it is 100% fixed

[pete]

Sounds like you undone the damping rod bolts .. are not drain bolts..



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