(02-04-2023, 07:16 AM)Lee Wrote:(02-03-2023, 09:59 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: I think that special tools may be required.
Here's the tool to compress the spring.
The BMW tool probably makes the job easier, but it is very expensive. I use two tie-down straps and this thing: https://www.homedepot.com/p/BESSEY-2-1-2.../205971654 that I bought for $8 a couple of years ago, but is now $15. The Haynes manual suggests making an equivalent tool, but that's a lot more work and probably more expensive. To get this clamp ready for use, you need to pull the large flat knobs off the ends of the three screw threads (just back the screws out until the end bits come off), and then remove the middle screw thread completely. The two side ones then fit into the holes in the top of inner fork tube of the right fork leg. You can use the tie-down straps to compress the leg while you get the top bolts undone. It doesn't take much effort to compress the spring once you have this thing in place, so non-ratchet or ratchet straps will work just fine.
Here is the right fork leg, with the clamp and straps in place, compressed and ready to be dismantled. If you zoom in you'll see the plastic covered strap hooks hooked at the bottom of the leg:
Put a bit of gorilla tape on the inner center of the clamp so it doesn't scratch the pretty gold-colored outer fork tube.
You will need to make one more tool. You need a 50 mm washer with a 14mm hole in it, and about 1 mm thick. Ace Hardware has them. You then cut a slot from the hole to the outer edge. I used my Dremel to cut the slot, but you could probably clamp the washer in a vice and use a hack saw:
In the first photo, you can see the modified washer in position on top of the 3 inch metal part of the inner tube. It holds the spring compressed while you loosen the lock nut and remove the top bolt of the fork piston.
You don't need these tools to do the left fork leg, just the right one.