Fork Yolk Removal Help

Im working on a 1972 Commando and I just pulled the front forks. I am trying to remove the fork yolks and they wont budge. I removed the nut on the bottom of the steering stem and used a rubber mallet to hit it from the bottom to force the stem up. I thought it was attached to the top yolk. I then took a piece of wood and hit that with a sledge hammer to force it up with no movement. I did spray everything with penetrating oil. Should I be able to knock the bottom yolk down and off? I tried that too. The bike has been sitting for 25 years so there is a bit of rust on both yolks. Should I hammer harder? Should i break out the blow torch?
Thanks,
Max

Hi, welcome to the forum!

Just hit it harder. The bottom one should pop off then knock the stem up through the bearings to get it and the top one off. There's not much holding it except where the stem passes through. The stem also touches the top + bottom bearings but that's it. Probably just seized on a bit.

Ill be working on it tomorrow. Ill keep you posted. Here is a link to see some pics from the project so far.
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 0Commando/

There is some serious rust on your frame! This bike would be a good candidate for the most improved contest that just started up. It's the very top thread on the 1st page.

Maxxfli said:

Ill be working on it tomorrow. Ill keep you posted. Here is a link to see some pics from the project so far.
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 0Commando/

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Hi Maxxfli, nice set of rare-classic-alloy-original-Tommaselli-clip-ons on your project! :idea:

I think that you need to free the yokes off in relation to each other by preventing one from turning and rotating the other. Be careful not to damage the lock-stops. If you can start wiggling it, then it should be ready to start tapping through.

Hi Max,

See you have California plates on your Commando. Are you in the state - northern or southern? If in the north check the club website nortonclub.com There are over 160 members in the NCNOC with knowledge and help.

The yolks came off pretty easily after excessive use of lubricant. Now im trying to figure out how to remove the head bearings. illf8ed I am no longer in Cali... were in Philadelphia now. My dad bought the bike new in england in 72 and then to philly and after a short time here he took her to la. He Kept her there until 85 when i was born and moved the family back to the east coast. We have talked about doing a restore for years but now that hes not around i feel obligated to take on this project. I pulled apart the forks the other day and cleaned the hell out of them. Does anyone know how much play I should have in the fork bushings? I managed to fit an 8 thousandths gauge between the fork and the bushing.... Should I replace the bushings?

Maxxfli said:

The yolks came off pretty easily after excessive use of lubricant. Now im trying to figure out how to remove the head bearings.

Click to expand...

Took mine out yesterday. Long drift and big hammer. Do not expect to salvage bearings.

Does anyone know how much play I should have in the fork bushings? I managed to fit an 8 thousandths gauge between the fork and the bushing.... Should I replace the bushings?

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I can get a .004 feeler easily between both my old (13,000 mi) and new top bushings on a new stanchion. I'm guessing the clearance is really about .006 on both. I can just start an .008, but is very,very tight. I would replace them, they are not expensive.

Dave
69S

I can remember, that the last time I bought new fork bushes, they had .004" clearance, so I made my own. I have the forks apart now & they are still good. They bottom bushes also have .004" clearance inside the sliders.