Planning to change fork oil on my '05 FLSTN. Never done this before, but service manual seems pretty simple -- any "gotchas" that I need to be careful about?

 

Have plenty of newspaper around to lay the springs on while you drain the oil. Also have a way to hang each fork upside down to drain thoroughly. You can use a sliding caliper to fill them to the correct level. Other than being a little messy and time consuming, very easy. Good luck!

 

You have to remove the whole fork from the bike? Why can't you just remove the drain bolt?


Mike
NY

 

Correct, just remove drain bolt. Its easy to do. I used Maxima 15w. It stiffened the front end a little and reduced front end diving when braking. Better road feel also.

 

I WAS TOLD, AND BOOK SAID TO ALSO, REPLACE ALL O RINGS, GASKETS, WASHERS AND DRAIN PLUGS. SEEMS LIKE ALL H-D PARTS LIKE THAT NEED REPLACING EACH TIME.?? METAL PLUGS STRECH AND LIKELY TO LEAK. STRESS.

 

only if you disassemble them, which you don't need to do if you're just changing the oil in them.

 

You only need to change the two upper seals where you add the oil and both drain screws and washers. $20 total including oil - cheap The manual tells you what to change and the OP says he has a manual. If he has a fork seal leak then thats for another thread....

 

Pull the drain plugs. Pull the caps. Pump the forks a bit to get all the excess out. Refill with appropriate amount of oil. Replace crush washer if you wish. The manual says to I believe.

Drew

 

No leaks, so I don't plan to disassemble forks.

Manual doesn't mention replacing the upper seals but that makes sense; however, is it necessary to replace the drain screws/washers? Certainly no objection to doing so if needed, just curious why. I'm making up my list of parts/supplies needed before heading into town.

 

You are correct. Dynas require removal but not Softails. Sorry about that.