Rebuilding my forks
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Herrin, Illinois
Rebuilding my forks
So I have an issue with my front forks. Aside from major dive when braking, they like to stick down when I come to a complete stop. If I hold the front brake and rock the bike back, they unstick and go back to ride height. The also don't look like they are straight going into the sliders. I think the bike had been laid down before I got it, but the guy didn't tell me about it and there was no damage. I got a sweet deal on it thought. 2008 FXDC by the way. I think I need to do a full rebuild with all new springs and bushings and whatnot in there. I have never rebuilt motorcycle forks, anything I should know before I undertake this? Or should I just take it to the local indy and let them do it? I am very good mechanically, I work on all my own stuff and work on helicopters in the Marines. Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 3
From: NorNev
I would suggest a service manual and to check out Mud's how-to: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/9609012-post1833.html
I would probably look at your fork pipes to see if they are straight. Also, change out all the bushings and seals while you have them a part.
I would probably look at your fork pipes to see if they are straight. Also, change out all the bushings and seals while you have them a part.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Nope, nuthin special. You'll need an allen wrench for the bolt at the bottom but with a service manual and about $40 in parts and oil, you can do a complete overhaul. Only frown for me is Icecaps worry. If the forks are sticking in place the tubes might be bent.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
You'll need a 12mm allen (long) to remove the sliders, a butterfly impact wrench will make that a lot easier, a 35mm socket for the top cap (get one made specifically for that application) and ideally some sort of suction device to set the oil level whether home made or store bought. Follow the manual and pay attention to how things are stacked on the tube before you pull it all off - and use your bottom triple clamp as a holding fixture, makes the job much easier. Complete rebuild kit (x2) is a bit more than $40 mind you, paid $55 for mine over a year ago. Once you get it apart you should find a shop (or machine shop) to check the tubes for straightness before assembly.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 87
From: Stokton, CA
If funds are not a problem....
Rebuild it better with Better springs etc....
I have the Ricor intiminators and works springs in mine....
And Semper Fi Brother
Rebuild it better with Better springs etc....
I have the Ricor intiminators and works springs in mine....
And Semper Fi Brother
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Be sure to properly align the front fork/axle, that is usually what leads to the stiction you described. If the axle is not set properly it will mis-align the sliders and cause sticky performance.
Have you had the front wheel off before this?
Have you had the front wheel off before this?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Herrin, Illinois
Reviving the old thread. I have not had the sliders or anything off as of yet. I should be tackling this soon, but funds have been short as my wife got in a fender bender (she is fine) and I just installed my ape hangers. Gonna just do a full rebuild and polish the sliders while I am at it.