Fork Leak / Bolt Issue

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Apr 19, 2010 | 08:11 AM

Beachman

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Joined: Aug 2009

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Fork Leak / Bolt Issue

I have an 08 Fat boy I am preparing to install chrome front slidders. I have a leak comming from somewhere on the right fork. I noticed the very top bolt that holds the fork to the trees was loose. I began to tighten it an I could never get it to completly tighten. I think the service manual specs. around 60 ft lbs. or so. It would tighten to a point then it would slip as if the fort tube itself might be turning. I took the bike for a ride and the fork is still leaking. Does anybody know what the issue could be in regard to the top bolt? I plan on replacing the seals when I install the chrome slidders.

Thanks

Apr 19, 2010 | 12:36 PM

Tom84FXST

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Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Farmington ,MS

Sounds like you are describing the top cap...if that won't tighten it most likely your leak. Pull it out and check the threads and o-ring. I doubt the tube is turning...you should be able to tell by putting your hand on it ...if it is loose that is a bigger problem than your leak. Good Luck.

Apr 19, 2010 | 12:56 PM

priceamp

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 581

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From: Portland, OR

Sounds to me like you are describing the lower triple tree pinch bolts. The large 1-1/4 cap on top on the fork is called a fork cap. It sounds like your pinch bolt is striped. Mostly likely your leak is due to a seal.

Apr 19, 2010 | 02:11 PM

harleydavis

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Broomfield, CO

You need to determine if the leak is coming from the top cap area or at the fork slider. There is a seal that fits under the top cap that prevents the fork oil form leaking when the forks are compressed. Also, at the top of the fork tube is a section that screws into the fork tube itself, that the top cap screw into. It has two flats on it so you can put a wrench on it. Slide it down from your triple tree and tighten the pinch bolts on your triple tree. Then tighten that with your wrench. Slide it back into the upper triple tree, tighten the pinch bolts, and screw the top cap, with the seal, back down to hold your forks in the triple tree. If there is no oil coming from the top of the fork, then look where the slider and fork tube meet. If the oil is coming from there, you need a new fork seal.