Hey I am trying to replace fork seals and upgrade to Progressive Monoshock. The dampener bolt or seat pipe bolt coming up through the lowers is frozen. Read on here that it's a 12 mm hex cap screw and that it can be a pain. I've read everything from it's really simple to drilling it out. What I have found is that a 12 mm hex key or socket is HARD to find. Most socket kits or hex keys stop at 10 mm.

I DO NOT have impact or air compressor. I do have battery charged (home depot) impact driver (for screws in wood) and a drill. I doubt this is strong enough to break it.

Question is: Can I heat this thing up with a torch? It's still got the oil in it and it's under pressure or tension from the spring. I'm worried that the heat will damage the paint on the lowers OR cause too much pressure and BOOM!

Next question: If I drill off the head, won't the rest of the screw be stuck in the dampener aka seat pipe? You don't reuse for the upgrade but I don't want to trash it either. Also didn't want to have to buy the rebuild kit from the stealer and I doubt they will sell me just the bolt - ugh.

Last question, where did you get your 12 mm hex key or socket? I've thought about cutting a key type hex so that I could stick it in my drill - not sure if this is worth the effort or money having to buy the right size seems to come only in a kit.

 

Don't drill it! Don't heat it! Just order a long 1/2" drive or 3/8" drive 12mm Allen from amazon. Be patient, it will come out. Mine did, 2010 fxdb

 

^^^^ this right here

Oh yes, have patience, do it right

What I use:

 

Same thing I bought

 

I also bought a wooden clamp from harbor freight and drilled about a 1 1/2" hole with a hole saw and attached bolted a piece of 1" aluminum angle to it to put in my vise to hold the fork. Google it, a lot have done it.

 

a 3/8 drive 12mm allen socket should be available at your nearest sears or auto parts store that has good selection of tools.

 

I've always had good luck with auto zone for larger sockets that I don't have when I'm mid project. Worth a check if you're wanting to get the job done sooner than later.

 

Lowes had the allen socket when I installed my kit.

 

harbor freight's impact allens have one long enough