Removing spinning footbolt - Manitou

[Live2DieTrying]

I'm in the process of pulling apart my Circus forks, which I've done a few times before.

This time, I can't remove the footbolt on the spring side from the lowers. It's just twisting with the spring rod.

I don't really have anything long enough to reach into the staunchion to hold the top of the spring seat, and don't have an air ratchet.

What can i do?! It's not essential for me to remove the lowers this time, but I will need to down the track to change lube oil and seals.etc.

Is there some magical fix? I remember older Marzocchi's used to suffer from the same problem. How did guys do it back then??

 

[CHEWY]

Never pulled apart those forks... but have you tried compressing the fork as you undo the bolt?

 

[Live2DieTrying]

Yeh I've tried compressing the fork while quickly turning the wrench.
I've put the spring back in, but that didn't help.

I also tightened it again, hoping this might free it, then loosened and still not coming out.

Now it won't even tighten down fully, i can hear the spring seat twisting with the bolt

 

[Live2DieTrying]

Got it sorted. The top of the spring rod has a keyway for a 5mm allen key.
So for anyone who can't remove the lowers, you'll need a long (30cm or more) 5mm allen key as well as the 12mm socket at the bottom.