RD Fork Damper Holding Tool?

[The Red Scourge]

I'm pulling apart my RD400 forks.  When I've rebuilt previous damper style forks, I'm able to get the damper loose using an impact gun.  Not so, this time.  I'm looking for some direction on how to make a damper holding tool.  Looking at them from the top through the form tubes, there doesn't appear to be a slot to lock into.  Thanks in advance!

[RDFL]

Did you leave spring in and cap on?

[The Red Scourge]

Yep, still wouldn't budge.


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[RDFL]

Was it spinning or bolt just would not turn? If bolt wouldn't turn see if any of your friends has an electric impact gun they are stronger and have more of a hammer effect.

[The Red Scourge]

The bolt spins freely at this point and the damper spins with it.  I have an 18v impact I'm using.

[Organicjedi]

If I remember correctly, I either jammed the side rod with a pry bar and then hit the bolt with an impact or I found a socket that was just big enough to grab a bit on the dome of the rod. Whatever I did it was MacGyver style but worked to stop it from spinning. I had a buddy with me to keep pressure on the rod while I used the air gun.

I've seen modified sockets for this too. I can't remember the size, but the damper top has a two parallel flat sides that you can cut into a socket.

You can buy a tool, but it's one of those things that you'll buy probably use once and it'll sit in a drawer.

[The Red Scourge]

If I remember correctly, I either jammed the side rod with a pry bar and then hit the bolt with an impact or I found a socket that was just big enough to grab a bit on the dome of the rod. Whatever I did it was MacGyver style but worked to stop it from spinning. I had a buddy with me to keep pressure on the rod while I used the air gun.

I've seen modified sockets for this too. I can't remember the size, but the damper top has a two parallel flat sides that you can cut into a socket.

You can buy a tool, but it's one of those things that you'll buy probably use once and it'll sit in a drawer.

Ok thanks.  I'll take a look at the damper online and try to mock up a tool.


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[Organicjedi]

Here's an example of a tool someone made

[The Red Scourge]

Oooohhhh, that's where the flat side are.  That should be no problem then.  Looking from the top, it looks totally round.

[Brad-Man]

I use a tool called a 'Gator Grip' to untighten and put back in...

[RDFL]

I use a tool called a 'Gator Grip' to untighten and put back in...

That's a great idea.

[The Red Scourge]

I use a tool called a 'Gator Grip' to untighten and put back in...

Ill have to get one of those.



I was able to make this, I thought it was pretty slick.  No dice.  Damper just spins inside it, the metal isn't strong enough.  This thing is seriously tight!

[Hawaii-Mike]

Try a piece of galvanized pipe.  I used one for a KZ900 fork damper holder.  Just bend two sides far enough in until they will hold the flats on the damper.  Cheap tool if you have some pipe sitting around.

[The Red Scourge]

So I got the dampers no problem using the Gator Grip method.  On to the next debacle!