Fork oil change out?? Help!!
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 554
Likes: 4
From: Canada
Fork oil change out?? Help!!
My front end on the '07 street bob is getting a little "mushy". Time to change the fork oil to a heavier weight. Long gone are the drain screws on the lower legs! Any one done this themselves? Tips?, tricks?. Dropped by the stealer today to price it out, i was quoted approx. $340.00 + tax!!! I don't think so! Any suggestions?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Look HERE for the drawings (Illustrated HD Forks PDF) than scroll to the bottom (FX) as they are almost the same as a 1948 Hydroglide. Your 07 DSB does not have drain plugs so you need to remove the 12 mm bolts Part #8. You must use an impact gun with impact 12 mm Alan impact socket. I do not recommend standard alan wrenches w or w/o air. They need to be at least 4" long. Drain the oil by removing the bolts than slightly drop the sliders. When the oil is empty re-bolt the slider back on. You must use an impact gun with impact 12 mm Alan impact socket. Than unbolt the fork bolts (#26) than fill the oil (your choice of weight and brand). Replace the cap and you are done. I recommend doing this every 10 K miles. Cheap & easy! Clean brakes while at it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: S.C.
Service on the front forks is recommended every 50K miles. If you want to change to a heavier oil to make the front end stiffer go ahead but I doubt your oil has "worn" out. Oil, in a sealed fork in good condition, generally last a long time and does not go bad as there should be no contaminants entering the oil. If you want to improve the front end performance I would suggest changing your front fork spring to a premium brand.
As for actually changing the oil the recommended process is to remove the front fork and invert the tubes to drain the oil. Reinstall the forks and put the recommended amount of oil back in. Unless you are going to dissemble the fork tubes and inspect the components and seals I would not recommend draining it through the seat pipe screws. JMHO
As for actually changing the oil the recommended process is to remove the front fork and invert the tubes to drain the oil. Reinstall the forks and put the recommended amount of oil back in. Unless you are going to dissemble the fork tubes and inspect the components and seals I would not recommend draining it through the seat pipe screws. JMHO
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Yes you can
I would make sure you have them apart as there would be chips when you drill & tap. I do forks for a living and your fork oil is filthy at 10K miles. Dirty oil = worn bushings. Your bushings do not last as it is. Once the teflon coating is worn off you are into the brass. The Baggers really wear quickly. Look at your oil, look at your bushings and tell me what you see. I do it several times per week and Eric does it a few times per day. Your call as I do not ride your bike. Most do not know that their front end has play or whose ride has dimished. Do what you want.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
I know an independent that has a small vacuum pump that he uses to suck out the oil out.It simplifies allot of stuff.I'd stay away from the Harley dealerships.The same guy changed my oil and springs for about $150, less than half of what your dealer wants to charge you.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
I have drain screws on the 05', so mine was a simple change. I did it at 5k and the stuff was gross. Used Bel-Ray 15w as a replacement and don't have any complaints.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Ya know, I haven't noticed but you're right. No drain plugs on the lowers. That sucks. What dumba$$ designed that out of the picture? Trying to save weight 1/10 of an ounce at a time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 4
From: south of Boston
#$%! it... I just take the front wheel off, pull the tubes out of the trees, place the tube in a vice with a holder and slowly unscrew the cap while holding a towel over the top of it with the other hand... and when it pops loose, the towel 'catches' it.