Accessing lower bracket pinch bolts

[Constant Mesh]

I'd like to remove the fork legs for an oil change. How much stuff has to come off to gain access to the lower pinch bolts?

I can access the bolts with an ell shaped long arm hex key wrench. If I can break the bolts loose with the hex key wrench that's great -- no stuff to remove. But, does stuff have to come off to use a torque wrench for tightening?

 

[BkrK12]

I have a Snap On torque wrench with a very small head that fits fine withouy removing anything. You can use a standard size by going in from the bottom. You will probably have to remove the inner battery box panel (there are three pop rivets) to do that. I also went to Sears and bought one of those neat little thumbwheel ratchets that makes snugging them up quite easy. The clutch side is easier than the brake side and swinging the steering head to different positions will help.

Dan

Sorry, just noticed you have a 2004. I don't know if there is a difference. But, I also don't know if there isn't.

 

[Bustanut joker]

It's a little tight but you can do it without removing any Tupperware..

I didn't torque the lowers on re-assembly though. I hope my balls don't fall off :lol:

 

[Denver_FJR]

For re-assembly I was able to cut down a hex head socket so it and torque wrench fit without removing any panels. Found by turning steering, could get it inserted in one position, then turned steering to allow wrench movement. This was also on an '07.

 

[fjrrider]

I can get mine torqued with a "Craftsman" 3/8 dr. torque wrench. Its tight but doable.

These 4 bolts need to be exactly torqued to spec....overtorquing can easily cause damage to the forks!

 

[Afast03nNJ]

The only items I take off my 03 to change the fork oil is the fender, brakes and front wheel.

Pretty easy access for everything else, the hex heads are easy to access.

 

[madmike2]

It's a little tight but you can do it without removing any Tupperware..

I didn't torque the lowers on re-assembly though. I hope my balls don't fall off :lol:

Yup!

Except I was able to get my ratchet torque wrench in there. IIRC, it's tight and as Barry said, you have to move the forks to the right angle....but it is do-able.

I may have torqued them from underneath....it's been too long and at my advanced age....and CRS disease.... :dntknw: