Replacing front fork

alec44
alec44 Posts: 43
edited April 2012 in Workshop
Hi everyone, just got a new frame so am trying to transfer my front brake from my old fork to the fork on my new frame. The head onthe allen screw is completely stripped, any ideas how i could remove it (and preferably still be able to use it later)? This bit is hard to explain so here goes: The brake itself has a bolt sticking out of it which goes into the hole at the front of the frok, this is screwed in by a thread on the other side of the fork (its like a hollow tube with a screw tread inside and an allen head) if all else fails I may need to buy a new one. What are they called? Cant find them anywhere! Thanks alot :)

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You need to unscrew the retainer from the back of the fork - the one on the front is captive and not designed to be unscrewed. Suggest you have a look on www.parktool.com for more tips rather than simply letting loose with allen keys on your bike and possibly making expensive mistakes.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • alec44
    alec44 Posts: 43
    Thanks, if i cant remove it do you know its called so i can buy a new one off the internet?
  • Yossie
    Yossie Posts: 2,600
    I've just had to remove a barrel nut that was completely seized up.

    Bear in mind that the below relates to removing the brake if the barrel nut head is chewed - ie the bit behind the fork.

    Get a Dremel and cut the end that sits behind the fork off.

    The brake and the remains of the barrel nut will then slide out of the fork - if it doesn't slide out then get a screwdriver, put it against the rnmains of the barrel nut and tap out with a hammer.

    Hold onto the barrel nut with a pair of pliers and undo the barrel hut.

    Slap loads of copperslip everywhere, fit new barrel nut.

    Le voila

    HTH

    Y
  • Wirral_paul
    Wirral_paul Posts: 2,476
    Plenty available on ebay and so on. You need to make sure you get the right length for your new forks however so probably best to try a local bike shop when you have the parts apart.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAMPAGNOLO-BR-RE327-ALLEN-KEY-BRAKE-NUT-18-5mm-/370552663213?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item5646a8ecad#ht_1289wt_1037

    Is it the hex head that is stripped i assume - ie rounded to prevent an allen key fitting? If so and you're not worried too much about potential damage to the fork then you could drill the head off. Once the brake is removed then clamping the remains of the nut in a vice or mole grips should help you free it. Carefully heating the nut in a flame (i've used a gas hob before now) will help, as will soaking in penetrating oil.
  • alec44
    alec44 Posts: 43
    great, thanks everyone!
  • Yossie
    Yossie Posts: 2,600
    Length of the barrel nut isn't a major factor if you need to get back on the road - just space it out using washers - ie insert barrel nut behind forks, Check gap between nut and forks. Remove, slather everything in copperslip, insert washers to take up the space. Not pretty (as if anyone would notice) and job jobbed.

    Do this behind the forks, not on the brake side.

    You can always cut the barrel nut down anyway before chucking the old parts and the cut off bit into next door's garden.

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