Problem disassembling forks

[Aviator]

So this is my second time disassembling the forks to replace the seals. First time I had no problems. This time I cannot get the allen bolts at the bottom of the forks to come out. They are loose and spin freely but even while holding the fork tube and slider I turn and turn and they never come free. I can't remember what tube they screw into inside, but whatever it is, when I turn the bolt it turns whatever it is screwed into inside of the fork- I can feel it. I don't know why this is happening this time and not the first time. I can't remember whether I even put locktite on the bolts as the manual says to when I reassembled them last time. This should not be happening.

[Cbjr]

Your tubes/springs are still assembled correct? If so there are two choices to help out.

1st - this is a great opportunity go buy and impact wrench - if you can swing it go with air impact and a compressor - if not go to HF and get a battery powered impact wrench - this will almost assuredly do the trick - I like air because it turn the tools faster and the tools are reasonably priced.

The other option is to pull the cap remove the spring, and shove a stick (dowel, or shaved down broom handle) down in the tube to stop the 'guts' from spining.

[Aviator]

Originally Posted by Cbjr

Your tubes/springs are still assembled correct? If so there are two choices to help out.

1st - this is a great opportunity go buy and impact wrench - if you can swing it go with air impact and a compressor - if not go to HF and get a battery powered impact wrench - this will almost assuredly do the trick - I like air because it turn the tools faster and the tools are reasonably priced.

The other option is to pull the cap remove the spring, and shove a stick (dowel, or shaved down broom handle) down in the tube to stop the 'guts' from spining.

Ok so the "guts" are accessible from inside the opened fork tube? I couldnt remember. On the first fork I actually removed the spring and drained the oil first, but then realized that I needed the spring tension to hold the guts in place, so I reassembled it. But apparently the spring tension isn't enough even though it should be. I'll try the dowel first since it's the free option and see how that works. Thanks man.