Front fork leak
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
From: Canada
Front fork leak
Hey guys, I have a leak from the top of my left front fork. Seems to be coming from the seal in the top fork plug, not the top nut.
My question is, has anyone changed these two o-rings and can it be done by just pulling the fork down enough to unscrew both plugs? or does the fork have to come out? shop manual says to remove. I know the plug is under spring tension.
My question is, has anyone changed these two o-rings and can it be done by just pulling the fork down enough to unscrew both plugs? or does the fork have to come out? shop manual says to remove. I know the plug is under spring tension.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
It takes quite a bit of pressure to compress that spring and get the cap screwed in to hold it. I dont think thats gonna happen trying to work within the confines of the triple trees, behind the fairing, tank in the way, etc.
Not sure what year your bike is or how many miles you have but it probably wont hurt to change the fork fluid anyway since youll have it partially torn down. Itll give you a chance to check the fork slider seals also just to be safe.
Not sure what year your bike is or how many miles you have but it probably wont hurt to change the fork fluid anyway since youll have it partially torn down. Itll give you a chance to check the fork slider seals also just to be safe.
Last edited by Cygnusx51; Jun 2, 2018 at 10:55 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 31
From: lakeside
I took my forks apart to powder coat them black. Its very easy. I drained the oil out of bottom of forks and then you slide the lower off, I replaced the seals and bought a fork seal tool at cycle gear for 40$. Took the top caps off by handle bars and refilled the oil. Make sure you buy new bolts for the lower forks with new copper washers and use an impact to put in. I learned this after one side started to leak.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 438
Likes: 160
From: Waxhaw, NC
Yep. Done it a couple of weeks ago. New springs while I was in there. 
Last edited by Touten2; Jun 2, 2018 at 07:49 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
From: Canada
So stripped bike down today and pulled left fork out. Turns out fork plug bolt was just a little over hand tight, must have loosened up some how. Have new o-rings otw so will replace just to be sure. I don't know how you are suppose to torque that plug bolt or top bolt when you can only fir a wrench on there.