Forks. How to undo those top nuts???

[Ross]

If I want to remove the forks off my 94 R100LT do I have to undo the huge nuts at the top of the forks? If so is there a trick to this? I can not get them to move. Is there anything I am missing?

[SteveD]

Penetrant, the right tools and a big whack.

I'm unsure what the monolever set up is up there, but they are meant to be tight, very tight. The 81-84 models required very careful application of a socket to avoid rounding off the edges.

Avoid working at full lock when applying force.

What job are you wanting to do?

pix from maxbmw

[Ross]

The steering head bearing need to be changed. I know a year or so ago I tried to undo them and could not get a socket big enough to fit those nuts. I have a huge shifter that fits but can not get them to move at all.

[esman100]

I use an impact gun with a socket that I machined off the end radius to gain more purchase on the nut. I normally work by myself and don't have someone to help hold it, so this works well for me. Make sure you smooth the socket end edges after machining flat to keep from marking the triple tree plate.

[Ross]

What size socket would fit these nuts???

[moore84rs]

The top nuts are compressing the springs so be careful on those last couple threads.
You do not want to catch the breaker bar and nut with your face.

[esman100]

I'm at work and don't remember, but I think mine are 27mm. Measure across the flats and head to an automotive store.

[Ross]

Cheers for that about the springs pressing up and the socket size.

[daz]

Future please keep us posted as to your success. I have a fine 3/4 inch drive socket ground down flat with a long 3/4 inch drive breaker bar maybe 18 inches long. I've been unable to loosen that nut. But I have not messed it up either. Nor have I used heat. To change fork seals on my '95 R100 I dropped the bottom part of the fork. I wonder if they used locktite or some thread sealer? Anyone else have any experience with these modern fork nuts?

[daz]

This nut?