Fork locked.

[PeeGee]

Just thought I would change the oil on my front forks, one leg at a time. Bike has 25,000 miles so due really and weather forecast rain, and GP on the box.
No probs getting the fork (in) leg off, but while working the fork (in) tube slowly back and forth to drain all excess oil,, I let it go in a tad too much and click,, fork (in) tube locked. And the damper rod bolt although loose, will not come out, it feels like the threads are either stripped or turning the entire damper rod in the tube. Any help would be appreciated.  :'(   

[His Dudeness]

You have to hold the damper rod from the top and stop it spinning to get the bolt on the bottom out. A broom handle jammed into it works well. There's a good write up about it here

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,42.0.html

There's a tip in it about if the fork gets stuck

"DO NOT LET THE FORK BOTTOM OUT OR IT WILL JAM!

If it does jam then you may be able to release it by pulling it hard, however since you and the fork are probably both covered in oil this isn't easy. If you cannot release the fork, partially refit it into the bike and tighten the lower clamp bolt. Using a piece of wood to prevent damage, tap the fork lower around the dust seal until it unsticks."

[PeeGee]

Wow, the broom handle did the trick, thank you so much, but please don't tell the wife I nicked her broom, or she will fly at me !!!

[His Dudeness]

No problem Just tell her it's not a broom it's a damper stabilisation device. I'm sure she'll understand :lol