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Allen key for 550 fork?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by a100man, Sep 25, 2015.

  1. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    Hi All

    Tried all my keys but they're all too small - can anyone tell me the size I need to release (damper rod?) from teh fork lower? I'm currently going through a dummy strip-down of an old pitted fork for practice. Also, like my others the top cap is rust welded into the chrome stanchion. I 've manged to belt it with a decent (4lb) hammer and drift to reveal the (disintegrating) wire clip but no clue on how I'm going to get that bit out yet !

    Cheers
     
  2. Ky13harbor9

    Ky13harbor9 Member

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    Do you have a Seca or Maxim? My mother has the Maxim and I own the Seca.

    Also, can you send a picture of what you are trying to remove? I just want to be sure I give you the right bolt size.

    Notice: I have never worked on forks before, but I will try and measure it for you if you can tell or show me what you are trying to do in more detail.
     
  3. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    It's a seca - the bolt at the bottom of the fork leg. I think it's 8mm, but of course Clymer doesn't tell you..
     
  4. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    you need to treat the frozen cap with penetrating oil every day until you can pull the clip . when I first read of this problem, i started treating my caps on my weekly maintaince day just to get ready for when i need to dissemble the forks.
    using a mixture of 1 part acetone and 1 part ATF or Kroil brand penetrating oil come highly recomended
     
    quebecois59 likes this.
  5. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    Some parts may look like they will never come apart ! I have had good results with the homemade mix of acetone and ATF that XJ550H just suggested. If you go that route, don't forget to store the mix in a glass jar or a metal container with a tight lid, or an plastic container specifically for acetone.
     
  6. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    "O-oh-oh, acetone,
    Why won't you ever,
    Leave me alone? "
    Be careful with acetone. It is addictive. They won't sell it to me anymore. Anybody got a good alternative? For the bike, not for matti (this time) .
     
    Ky13harbor9 likes this.
  7. Ky13harbor9

    Ky13harbor9 Member

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    I came down to the garage, and oddly enough, I don't see any allen head bolts on my forks at all. I think we have different models. Yours probably has two disc brakes while mine has one. I think yours is the european version, pretty obvious conclusion considering you are in europe, or close to it at least :D

    Yeah I don't think I'll be much help, but I totally second what XJ550H said about loosening the bolts. You might be able to get them out with humble pliers if you de-gunk it for long enough.
     
  8. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    Thanks - our brand is called PlusGas (?) But I might try home brew if I can get soem Acetone.

    I'll get a selection of bigger Allen keys then.
     
  9. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    on your seca i think it is over the axel, you have to pull the axle and cinch bolt then it is located in the top of the axle hole
    seca allen.PNG
    on a maxim it is 8 mm
     
  10. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    thread drift
    a100man do they call it a seca on your side of the pond?
    are there dual disc maxims over there? I am looking for the right side lower fork to convert to dual disc, I keep getting told there are no euro maxims only secas
    seca has the axle under as the photo shows maxims have the axle on the front of the tube.
     
  11. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    MEK methel ethel keytone strong stuff
     
  12. Ky13harbor9

    Ky13harbor9 Member

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    Ah, I see how that goes. Good to know since I will be inspecting mine in the future
     
  13. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    Is it available at auto parts store, or chemical supplier? Is there a brand name?
     
  14. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    hardware stores, where ever they sell paint . if you use spray cans to paint things mek will strip it off as you pour it on to the painted surfaces.
     
  15. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    We have a few Maxims but as far as I know they are all US imports. All our XJ550s are 'secas' with swirly wheels are dual discs
    up front, oil coolers and speedos that read more than 55 mph- although they are not known (or badged) as secas - just XJ550s ( no need to differentiate when you only have one model I guess) - different paint schemes too.
     
  16. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    thanks for the info
     
  17. Hotcakesman

    Hotcakesman Active Member

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