1979 KZ750B.....dreaded fork hex bolt

Changing fork seals. Have the forks off, now, and after reading all the horror stories, wonder if bolts are going to spin outta there? Any bets whether they will without having to try that broom handle trick? Someone say, "Trudge on, soldier." Would a shot of Jack give courage?

Shot of jack is always a good idea.

Impact gun is the best idea. Makes short work of all.

GL.

Yep...most times the impact gun works...most times.

Yep, use an impact gun, and do it while the forks are still under spring pressure for best results, and use an impact allen tool 8mm or 5/16". Cheap chinese crap tools are easiest way to round off the head before the bolt breaks loose, so play it smart.

OK. Went to Lowe's and bought metric hex bit socket set. Kobalt brand, and made in U.S.A., thank you very much. 8mm took that bolt right out, just like you said. Now trying to get that stubborn oil seal out. Not budging. Around the edge of the lower tube, it looks like someone had previously pried a seal out, as there are depression marks on the aluminum. Bought the bike new in '79. Hmmm.....wonder if that dealer had a problem with it new and did some work in the shop before selling it to me? Imagine that! Didn't say anything about it. Wait, maybe the speedometer was new and the bike wasn't! Guess he is probably about like all dealers. Dishonesty abounds.....the American way. Now I'm wondering about the Kobalt tools! Anyway, digressing here, back to the subject, how do the seals come out? I've seen posts about heat. Think that is the only way?

Got the seal out. Heat, not very much, is the key to this process. Just apply all around the outside of the lower tube in the area of the seal. Make sure not to apply the flame directly on the rubber. A minute of heating is plenty, then just pry the seal out with a screwdirver. It will come right out, and you won't even mar the aluminum. Use a protective piece i.e. putty knife blade or similar on the fulcrum point underneath the screwdriver shaft if you feel necessary. Seems I'm answering my own questions, here. Is this a great forum, or what?

This job is done, now. Not exactly a piece of cake, more like stale bread. Thanks to Ronkz650 for that tip on preloading the spring while tightening. Spun and locked really well.

If anyone wants the step by step for the 1978/79 KZ750B, let me know. 1976/77 forks are a little different, and have more parts. The 78/79 models are straight forward, but you need to know some things that will simplify the effort.

Could I have that step by step process? It would be greatly appreciated!