XT600E fork damper holder tool?

[Photo]

Hi all. First post here and I really like this site! I just purchased a 91' XT600E and am in the process of replacing the fork seals. There doesn't seem to be an easy way to seperate the damper rod from the fork stanction, without getting a "bonafide Yamaha fork damper rod holder". The damper just spins inside the fork when I try to use an air/impact wrench on it (I've tried broomhandles, fabricated plugs, and other types of interference devices to prevent the rod from spinning inside the fork tube). Does anyone know what size the holder should be for a 41mm fork? Finding a Clymer or Yamaha service manual for this bike in the U.S. is proving to be difficult, and I only need the SIZE for the holder tool that works for this bike. I see them for sale on eBay in 24, 30mm and 38mm sizes, but my bike's damper rod appears to be approximately 28mm. Anyone have any ideas? My local stealerships are stumped, as none of them possess any damper rod 'holder' tools. I'm really itching to ride this bike.

[This message has been edited by Photo (edited 02 June 2004).]

[aukeboss]

Don't bother taking everything apart. If you remove the dust seals you can drill or force holes in the metal reinforcement of the oil seals. Hook an Allen key into them and pull out the seals. Saves you messy work with holding tools and other wizard items.

Auke

[FredXTZ]

I have a 29,4 mm. nut welded to a 15 mm. od tube with T-handle and it works fine for the XTZ660.
Whatever method you use, saw an old seal in 2 halves and use these to knock the new seals in place.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.