Fork oil change Questions
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: W. Texas
Fork oil change Questions
I have been doing some reading on changing the fork oil. Opps 97 EG
What is being said is to use a vacuum pump and draw the oil in from the bottom. The one hiccup to this is using a heavier oil like 10 or 15 weight. Makes it a bit more difficult I have read. I have the frt fairing and all off. Banjo fittings and air lines removed. Forks drained and pumped out.
#1 Is there some valving in the forks that would hamper pouring the oil in from the top? The manual I have talks about doing it this way but I'm told it's real pia with heavier oil.
#2 Could the banjo fittings be reinstalled and the vacuum be applied to the single schrader valve? I don't have a schrader valve on each fork as the posts I've mention.
If I didn't have the frt end apart this vacuum method would be a real time saver. Thanks for your time WP
What is being said is to use a vacuum pump and draw the oil in from the bottom. The one hiccup to this is using a heavier oil like 10 or 15 weight. Makes it a bit more difficult I have read. I have the frt fairing and all off. Banjo fittings and air lines removed. Forks drained and pumped out.
#1 Is there some valving in the forks that would hamper pouring the oil in from the top? The manual I have talks about doing it this way but I'm told it's real pia with heavier oil.
#2 Could the banjo fittings be reinstalled and the vacuum be applied to the single schrader valve? I don't have a schrader valve on each fork as the posts I've mention.
If I didn't have the frt end apart this vacuum method would be a real time saver. Thanks for your time WP
Last edited by WP50; Oct 16, 2011 at 02:27 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
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From: Driftless Area
I drain mine out the bottom and fill thru the top using a marinade syringe to get a closer measure. Short hose where the needle would go keeps things from getting messy. I sure others have different ways to do it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: W. Texas
Thats whats nice about the forum. Ya get lots of idea's on how to things Thanks for the reply Sir WP
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
I also drain mine out the bottom but I use a baby bottle because of the oz. measurements on the side.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
I recently had my Sporty forks fitted with new springs by an indy. That bike is recent and has no drain holes and he told me to take the complete fork legs to him and he would do the rest. Having stripped them and thoroughly cleaned them he said that over time the dirt that collects in the bottom of the forks doesn't come out when draining them, so it is better to dismantle them.
So having got this far that is what I suggest you do. Take the sliders off and clean them well inside. Having got this far you are obviously not in a hurry, so filling the rebuilt legs with fresh oil just takes a little more time. And is cheaper than buying extra tools!
So having got this far that is what I suggest you do. Take the sliders off and clean them well inside. Having got this far you are obviously not in a hurry, so filling the rebuilt legs with fresh oil just takes a little more time. And is cheaper than buying extra tools!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: W. Texas
If I may ask Do you put the oil back in from the top? Thanks WP
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
grbrown The forks supposedly were cleaned and resealed while the PO had it. I have had concerns about how the bike was taken care but atleast the oil I drained out looked ok and no metal in it. Thanks for the idea It could happen WP
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 187
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From: SE London/Kent Borders UK
out from the bottom and in from the top for me. Although at the moment as they are off (fitting new cartridge springs from progressive) i may well strip completely down as the oil is very black in there and i only changed it about 2500 or so miles ago
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: W. Texas
I'm considering a complete tear down Thank you Sir WP