Can't get the %$#!@&% Fork Tubes Out--RESOLVED

[rugguy]

Step by step:
Removed brakes, wheel and fender.
Loosened upper and lower pinch bolts to the point of falling out
Loosened top of fork tube nut (manual said loosen but didn't say HOW loose, but I don't think that matters here)
WD40 upper and lower pinch points
I/S so no need for turn signal removal

Can't get the darn tubes to slide or turn at all. Even gently tapped top of fork tube with rubber mallet and wood dowel to try and loosen it....neither one will budge.

I can put a large pipe wrench on the tube and try and turn it but I don't want to damage the tube.

Anyone have any magic trick to get these out? I fixed the left one over a year ago but don't remember having any problems getting that tube out.

It's always something.

As always, any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Joe Hummer]

Chances are...the pinch clamps haven't loosened up even though the screws are loose.  Take a screw driver and carefully pry them open a little.  just be sure to hold the fork tube while doing this so they don't drop out. 

Joe

[rugguy]

Thanks Joe....tried that. No joy. Son of a guns won't budge. Another round of penetrating oil then I'm going to the sledge hammer.

[rugguy]

SOB....there are TWO lower pinch bolts....go figure. You can imagine what happened when I loosened the second one. I KNEW not to work on my bike without a beer.

[quexpress]

SOB....there are TWO lower pinch bolts....go figure. You can imagine what happened when I loosened the second one. I KNEW not to work on my bike without a beer.

LOL! Well done! 

[John Schmidt]

Yup, you oiled the tubes but not yourself. That will mess you up every time.