When I purchased the 74-flh, the previous owner had installed an extended chrome front end. I guess he wanted it a lot higher in the front but ever since I have had this bike, when hitting a bump or small pothole etc, there is a loud rattle in the front end. The yoke bearing is good and no movement with the forks, the brake is applied sometimes so its not a rattleing shoe, but what I was thinking, was I have never checked the fork oil. I have nacelle and wind shield and all that goes with all that so pulling all that off to open the tops of the tubes is going to be a bit of a job so I was just thinking, what if I put the oil in the bottom drain whole using the same concept as putting gear oil in an outboard motors lower unit. The lower end has a hole about four inches about the refill hole that acts like a vent but more so as a level indicator. I was thinking if I use the same pump and adapt a fitting to the drain whole, I could save a ton of work. Im thinking of putting the correct amount into the pump bottle and when its out the proper amount is in. What does everyone think. Any thoughts?

randy

 

we drain the bottom screw over night and use an oil can put one ounce extra in and when the oil can is empty install the screw - or take the nacell off and the top nut and fill it that way

note every extra inch in length it needs an extra ounce

 

thanks John, that's what I was thinking. should the weight be off the front end when I do this?

randy

 

done it both ways never seen any difference its just draining - the original early 70s forks like you have we use 30 W lawn mower oil in the forks

 

any difference between lawnmower 30W and fork oil 30W?just on early forks?
I'm curious...

 

30W quart lawn mower,oil 2 / 3 dollars - yadda yadda fork 30W 1/2 quart oil 17.27

 

on my 76 FLH, I found it easier to just pull the forks out completely, remove the caps, dump them out, and pour in 6.5 oz. of fork oil.
Oh, I was removing the front fender for paint anyway.

 

the answer I was expecting.. awesome.

That's a good tip!
thanks

 

you say lawnmower oil because it's detergent free, right?

 

yea the drum brake and the first disc brake forks are awful in how they ( work is the wrong word ) but the non detergent oil works real well in them - improves the ride and the rebound correct amount is important