Front Fork Swishing Sound After Ohlins Install
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Road Master
Joined: May 2022
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From: Near Memphis
Front Fork Swishing Sound After Ohlins Install
I just upgraded my forks with Ohlins FKS-228 cartridges and springs. This is the first time I've ever messed with fork internals and need some input from the hive mind.
I've done the install twice. The first run through was in the OEM forks from my '25 SG's and it turned out really great and resulted in an amazing improvement to the bike's handling. My second run through was was a couple of weeks later after I received a new set of HD chrome forks. I used HDSE fork oil the first time and Ohlins oil the second.
The issue I'm seeking input about is this swishing sound when compressing the front end that wasn't there the first time I did it. Given my limited experience with fork rebuilds, I'm concerned that I may have missed something. Before I pull it all apart again, I'd love to get some input on whether this is normal, or a sign that I missed something important. I recall a similar sound from car shocks over the years, but I didn't hear it the first time.
I've done the install twice. The first run through was in the OEM forks from my '25 SG's and it turned out really great and resulted in an amazing improvement to the bike's handling. My second run through was was a couple of weeks later after I received a new set of HD chrome forks. I used HDSE fork oil the first time and Ohlins oil the second.
The issue I'm seeking input about is this swishing sound when compressing the front end that wasn't there the first time I did it. Given my limited experience with fork rebuilds, I'm concerned that I may have missed something. Before I pull it all apart again, I'd love to get some input on whether this is normal, or a sign that I missed something important. I recall a similar sound from car shocks over the years, but I didn't hear it the first time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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I dont think the swishing sound would be from the fork oil. These are cartridges and I believe the oil is only used for lubrication.
I would go for a ride and see if you think the suspension is performing like it did before you did the chrome forks.
I say this assuming you did the install correctly.
I would go for a ride and see if you think the suspension is performing like it did before you did the chrome forks.
I say this assuming you did the install correctly.
Last edited by GalvTexGuy; Mar 9, 2026 at 06:53 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2022
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Likes: 696
From: Near Memphis
I dont think the swishing sound would be from the fork oil. These are cartridges and I believe the oil is only used for lubrication.
I would go for a ride and see if you think the suspension is performing like it did before you did the chrome forks.
I say this assuming you did the install correctly.
I would go for a ride and see if you think the suspension is performing like it did before you did the chrome forks.
I say this assuming you did the install correctly.
I've put a hundred or so miles on it since installation and they do appear to be working as expected which implies I put it together correctly. I'm just wondering if others hear tis sounds on their Ohlins installation. It could be that what I'm hearing is the result of going from the HDSE oil to Ohlins.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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The fork oil is the medium that provides the damping. Rebound and compression damping is adjusted by opening or closing a metering valve that increases or decreases the orifices the oil is pushing through with shock tube movement.
I've put a hundred or so miles on it since installation and they do appear to be working as expected which implies I put it together correctly. I'm just wondering if others hear tis sounds on their Ohlins installation. It could be that what I'm hearing is the result of going from the HDSE oil to Ohlins.
I've put a hundred or so miles on it since installation and they do appear to be working as expected which implies I put it together correctly. I'm just wondering if others hear tis sounds on their Ohlins installation. It could be that what I'm hearing is the result of going from the HDSE oil to Ohlins.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2023
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From: Sacto
Btw, it's not adjustable vs non-adjustable damping that determines whether the oil is used just for lubrication or not. Many (if not most) Harley OE cartridges are non-adjustable but use oil for damping.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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Thanks.
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