Fork oil draining question
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: California
Fork oil draining question
Well I decided to drain and replace the fork oil on my 03 low rider. I took off the top caps and watched the first bolt shoot off because of the spring underneath (fixyurhog dvd didn't talk about no spring!)
I got a good amount drained out of the right side, but the left side just dribbled out an ounce or so. Is this normal?
The manual says 10.6 oz of fork oil. Is this 10.6 oz in each tube?
thanks, chuck
I got a good amount drained out of the right side, but the left side just dribbled out an ounce or so. Is this normal?
The manual says 10.6 oz of fork oil. Is this 10.6 oz in each tube?
thanks, chuck
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
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From: California
I have the service manual. It says:
1. support motorcycle so front end is off floor.
2. Remove fork tube caps.
3. remove draing screws from bottom of each fork and drain fork oil.
4. Replace drain screws and washerss.
5. Fill the fork with HD Type E Fork Oil. See table for amount. the table says add 10.6 oz.
6. Install both fork tube caps. Tighten to 11-22 ft lbs.
The manual does not specify 10.6 total or 10.6 in each fork. It also does not mention anything about needing a spring compressor. Yikes!
Chuck
1. support motorcycle so front end is off floor.
2. Remove fork tube caps.
3. remove draing screws from bottom of each fork and drain fork oil.
4. Replace drain screws and washerss.
5. Fill the fork with HD Type E Fork Oil. See table for amount. the table says add 10.6 oz.
6. Install both fork tube caps. Tighten to 11-22 ft lbs.
The manual does not specify 10.6 total or 10.6 in each fork. It also does not mention anything about needing a spring compressor. Yikes!
Chuck
10.6oz per fork. did you 'work' the suspension when draining? same or close to same amount should have drained from each fork. make sure that one fork is actually drained. something is odd with it or it was pretty-much empty for some reason. oil level should be 6.69"/169.9mm from top surface of the fork tube.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
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From: California
I just bought this bike with 25K miles. Not much was done maintenance wise according to the previous owner other than oil changes, but the price was right. So I am going through it bit by bit. About 10 oz came out the right side, but maybe 1 oz out the left. I will try to work the suspension to see if anymore drains. The fluid was thick and nasty by the way. Still gonna have to figure how to get those caps back on without a spring compressor
GREG....great photo of the '07!
Last edited by Austin Dave; Jan 28, 2012 at 08:18 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Southern Oregon
please tell us you had the front tire off the ground when you removed the caps, consider yourself lucky there are drains on your forks
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
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From: Suffolk, England
I suppose if the drain hole is clogged with **** it might not drain. I'd be tempted to whip the forks off and have a root around inside and check everything is OK.
There is a little trick you can use to get the caps back on...
With the spring out, place the cap on top of the fork. Turn it to where the thread just catches (check by trying to lift). Now put a pencil mark across the cap and fork. Put the spring in and put the cap on top so the cap line is just slightly behind the fork line. Push down till the cap touches and then rotate a bit and the thread should catch OK. Just saves having to push down and rotate a few times trying to find the bite point.
There is a little trick you can use to get the caps back on...
With the spring out, place the cap on top of the fork. Turn it to where the thread just catches (check by trying to lift). Now put a pencil mark across the cap and fork. Put the spring in and put the cap on top so the cap line is just slightly behind the fork line. Push down till the cap touches and then rotate a bit and the thread should catch OK. Just saves having to push down and rotate a few times trying to find the bite point.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: SE Louisiana
Get some small vinyl hose, a jar and a stopper and make a catch reservoir, or use one from a mightyvac kit.
Insert vinyl hose in shopvac hose cupped in your hand (or tape it) and hold other end on the drain and suck it out.
You can also stick the hose in the fork tube from the top just to see if you get any out.
Riding the bike for 30 minutes before draining helps too.
If no more oil comes out, it may have already leaked out, and need seals.
Insert vinyl hose in shopvac hose cupped in your hand (or tape it) and hold other end on the drain and suck it out.
You can also stick the hose in the fork tube from the top just to see if you get any out.
Riding the bike for 30 minutes before draining helps too.
If no more oil comes out, it may have already leaked out, and need seals.