Tech Tips: Suspension Removal and Installation 

Might wanna check the teflon coating on your bushings ,

Alex Jackson Digital calipers

So do to the expanded nature of the split metal, the first bolt will reach its torque before fully pinching it but slightly pinch it. The second bolt will thus pinch it further since it's already slightly compressed thus "loosening" bolt one, and then you torque bolt one to spec again and then two again (run em once more to be sure both are to spec). If you've got the patience you can do a progressive torque sequence at a lower spec, then again at spec to provide more even clamping but isn't necessary unless specifically stated in the manual. This is basically the closest you can get to a star pattern on two bolts. If you're snapping bolts your bolts are either fatigued/stretched beyond their useful life, or your torque wrench is grossly out of calibration. I personally try to replace old hardware with new hardware anytime I fully remove it, since I go and check the torque on all exposed bolts after every ride that tends to stretch em out over time, coupled with vibration and work hardening things will snap eventually. The $0.80 spent on a new bolt is well worth saving you from the frustration of drilling and tapping a snapped shank.

Bottom is first, top second.

@@vitalmx yeah but, you do them on an cross pattern, vertically or horizontal?

@@AncientGreek cross pattern doesn't mean anything as you're tightening down two separate objects. Torque lower clamps bolts on each side, then uppers on each side to their appropriate number.

@@vitalmx it does matter, I have tried doing them vertically, horizontal and a cross pattern, and they all give very different handling.

@@AncientGreek The only thing that would effect the handling is if you get the lower legs under a bind due to improper axle insertion and pinching of the fork lugs. The pattern in which you torque the triple clamps doesn't effect anything unless the pattern you do ends up with you "over torquing" the clamps. If you go beyond the recommended spec, it causes the upper fork tubes to be pinched so tight that it will create extra friction and binding as the lower tubes pass through that area of the upper tubes.

It's a seat bump...