[billyroy]

Trying to remove a narrow glide front end and I have everything removed and I can't get the front end to slide out of the bearings. This is a 77 FX and I had the top nut on and tried to hit it with a 2x4 on top of it with a brass hammer. I don't want to do any damage so I need advice.
Is there a trick if they are stuck or what?

Thanks for any help, Bill

 

[Scavenger]

dead blow hammer do not hit the stem hit the lower tree

 

[billyroy]

Thanks for the help, I did a search first, trying not to be a pain.

 

[Loffer]

Try some heat on the bearing....

 

[bobscogin]

Are the fork tube and lower leg assemblies still in the lower tree? If so, remove them and try again.

Bob

 

[Scavenger]

also ,,pour some boiling hot water over the top ,,bearings etc

 

[billyroy]

The fork is together, I'll try the deadblow first, then heat if needed. I wonder if this was ever off before, sure is in nice shape.

 

[Scavenger]

The fork is together, I'll try the deadblow first, then heat if needed. I wonder if this was ever off before, sure is in nice shape.

silly question,,did you take the tree off and the caps off the tubes ?

 

[billyroy]

Yes, I should have clarified that but thanks for asking to make sure.

 

[bobscogin]

The reason I said (in a previous post) to remove the fork leg assemblies from the lower tree is that their hanging weight can induce an eccentric load on the stem which can cause it to bind in the bearing bores.

Bob

 

[billyroy]

That makes sense.

 

[Danny F.]

When top tree and fork legs are removed, turn an old used stem nut back on top of the stem..deep enough.. then hit the top of that nut with a "heavy" hammer.. (the nut will prevent damaging the thread of course)

 

[billyroy]

Alright, it came loose with a fair amount of persuasion. Thanks for the help, I know it was a straightforward procedure but it helps to get some thoughts so you don't wreck something.

 

[chopperjunkie73]

BFH works everytime

 

[EaglesInFlight]

i always put a small amount of anti-seize on the taper of the fork tube upon re-assembly to prevent the fork tubes from sticking to the top tree, will help you next time..or someone years later will thank you.