Monolever fork nut stuck

Discuss all things 1970 & later Airheads right here.
pxc433
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:31 pm
Location: Edinburgh, UK

Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by pxc433 »

Hi all

So, I have fork alignment issues. Not massive, but they are there all the same.

The big nut that secures the top of the fork tube to the flimsy yoke is seized on one side. At least, I could not get it to budge.

I'm loathed to take a dremmel to it and cut it off, but I am going to replace the yoke anyways with the San Jose item.

But before I get drastic on it, do you have any ideas as to how I might get this thing to budge just using tools?

Cheers
1988 R100RS with Blue/Silver 1979 paint job
2018 F800GT in Black (these bikes are great you should give them a try)
richard t
Posts: 705
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:35 pm
Location: Crescent Oklahoma USA

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by richard t »

try a little heat
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8813
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by Zombie Master »

If you are talking about the fork cap on the top of the leg, You must loosen the triple clamp bolts first. They pinch the threads of the fork tube.
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Wobbly
Posts: 300
Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:48 pm

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by Wobbly »

The big (34mm ??) stanchion tube caps typically get stuck when novice mechanics decide it's a great idea to put some thread sealer on there after a fork oil change. It is not a good idea. The fork oil never ventures that high and the residue can only make getting the cap off much harder the next time.
After 20 years as a professional bike mechanic and 30 years as an engineer I know just enough to be dangerous !
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8813
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by Zombie Master »

Wobbly wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:14 pm The big (34mm ??) stanchion tube caps typically get stuck when novice mechanics decide it's a great idea to put some thread sealer on there after a fork oil change. It is not a good idea. The fork oil never ventures that high and the residue can only make getting the cap off much harder the next time.

I anti seize these.
Any and all disclaimers may apply
User avatar
SteveD
Posts: 4839
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:29 am
Location: Melbourne, Oz.

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by SteveD »

@pxc433 what tools are you using to loosen it?
ImageImage
Cheers, Steve
Victoria, S.E.Oz.


1982 R100RSR100RS supergallery. https://boxerboy81.smugmug.com/R100RS
2006 K1200R.
1994 R1100GS.
ME 109
Posts: 7290
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:00 am
Location: Albury, Australia

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by ME 109 »

Wobbly wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:14 pm The fork oil never ventures that high and the residue can only make getting the cap off much harder the next time.
Why do some folk have oil leaks at that place?

Without access to an impact gun and single hex socket, some heat from an electric heat gun may be your friend.
The top nuts are supposed to be torqued to 80 ft. lbs.?
Lord of the Bings
pxc433
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:31 pm
Location: Edinburgh, UK

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by pxc433 »

Thanks guys.

I'll try heat and a soft mallet.

Does it matter where the heat is applied to? Eg, Am I heating the nut, or tube, or both?
1988 R100RS with Blue/Silver 1979 paint job
2018 F800GT in Black (these bikes are great you should give them a try)
ME 109
Posts: 7290
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:00 am
Location: Albury, Australia

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by ME 109 »

Heat the tube ideally, It will ever so slightly expand and it will heat whatever sealant may be in there.
An extension bar on your wrench will be better than using a mallet.
Lord of the Bings
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8813
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Monolever fork nut stuck

Post by Zombie Master »

I find it confusing that the Monolever refers to a rear suspension unit, but your problem is with the fork.
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Post Reply