Issues removing damper rod and clutch nut

Hey guys. Sorry to keep bombarding ya'll with questions but I can only find bits and pieces of info I need on youtube and on this site. So I've run up into a wall. I'm trying to take apart my front forks. I was trying to remove the allen bolt at the bottom of the forks but they "free-floating". So the Hayne's manual says I need some long socket to hold onto the damper rod while I unscrew the allen bolt. I could search for this tool they provide or make my own. Issue is, they don't say what size the socket to fit on the damper rod should be...

I have searched this site and found some guides like this one:
https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/doing-the-750-secas-forks-rebuild-now-a-how-to.18730/


But he holds the fork with an extension and torques the allen. I kind of did the same but it doesn't seem to work. I'm guessing I need to find something to hold onto the damper rod inside. Anyone jerry-rig something to take care of this issue?

Also! What size socket is needed to remove this nut? I have a 27mm and it's too small...

 

I have a 3/8" drive extension, it is about 24" long.
Stick a spark plug socket on backwards and you have your damper rod holding tool.
The clutch nut needs a 30 mm socket.

 

Hey thanks a bunch! Where would we DIY mechanics be if it wasn't for internet and great community like you guys.

Apologies I forgot to mention what bike model I have. I dunno if it changes from model to model. It's an XJ750 Seca. Just in case that size spark plug socket doesn't fit. So a 13/16 upside-down spark plug socket and 24' extension should do eh? I''ll put those on order!

 

Left Haynes should put the size of the tools needed with their pictures.

Centre picture is the 22mm top hacksawed off an old coil spring compressor which is half inch drive.

Right DIY clutch basket holding tool made out of metal bar and an old light fitting. Never throw anything away. Having said that clutch holding tools are not expensive but mine was easy to make.

Good idea Simmy with the spark plug socket.

 

The 750 Seca does not have the inside hex - explained quite well in this thread at post #11 by Len:

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/front-forks-hex-bolt-not-coming-out.54415/

 

I bolt the fork tube down to a bench or plywood using the fender mount holes. then heat up the allen bolt to soften the thread lock compound works well.
the tool is not needed untill the allen is loosened it is just to hold spinning part in place

you can use a broom handle as the tool for the forks

I would recomend a set of digital calipers for your tool box very handy to have

 

It matters quite a lot, depending on what part of the machine you are working on.
On your profile page you can add a signature with the model and year of XJ you have.

 

I actually got one out without any holder. Just used a manual impact driver, hit it with a rubber mallet a few times and it came lose. However, big issues. One of them was pretty rounded out already and I just ended its hex socket life.... I already gotta take two pieces to the machine shop. Gonna try to remove this one by sacrificing a hex bit with some JB Weld in the allen socket and let the bit sit for a while. Hopefully it can take a smack from the impact driver again

 

Those problems are annoying. If she won't come free just drill the head off. You can remove the stub later.

Next time you run into that use a slightly oversize Torx bit. Hammer it into the fastener and it'll bite enough.

 

They're really handy for clamping a tea tray to the bench.

 

Philistine