sticking forks

[80804RR]

While changing my clip-ons yesterday I had the hardest time dropping the forks. I loosened the upper and lower triples, but the forks didn't budge. I thought once the bolts were loose, the forks would just drop on their own. After pounding with a rubber mallet, they finally went down. Then getting them back up was equally challenging. The clamps on the triples seemed a little dry/corroded. Would this be the cause for the sticking? Would it be alright to use WD-40 to ease the slide? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[d207gp]

I would clean out any corrosion on the interior clamping surfaces of the upper and lower trees with some fine-grit sandpaper. Degrease well. Clean the fork tubes as well.

[80804RR]

So it will be alright to put lubricant on the fork tubes?

[TS250]

When the bolts are removed from the clamps, you can insert a flat head screwdriver into the gap and pry them open enough to get movement. It goes without saying that you should exercise care so as not to damage the clamps.

[80804RR]

I had the bolts fully removed, and had a friend spread the clamp with a screwdriver. And still had a hard time moving the tubes.

[hyco_honda]

Get a bigger friend jk.

Did you have the wheel, fender and brakes removed? Just wondering if the forks were working against each other if the front end was still assembled or the brake line lengths were offering resistance.

When I did mine I had the wheel, fender and brakes removed and they were a little tight but nothing unreasonable.

I'd be careful using wd-40? Not sure about the sanding either?

No wreck or stoppies that may have tweaked the front end, forks, trees etc?

If everything looks straight and the front wheel, fender and brakes are removed, I'd clean the trees and forks and reassemble.