Replacing fork springs on FLHT ?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: USA
The forks go into the triple tree until they stop. Thats it. I dont remember exactally (bet someone else knows) but I think you then install the axle to obtain correct rotation. If you have a manual, its a cake walk.
Also, you might want to chase the threads in the calipers before you bolt them back on....
Also, you might want to chase the threads in the calipers before you bolt them back on....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,788
Likes: 203
From: SW Florida
I did the disassembly, and assembly, but had my indy actually install the springs and new seal in to the forks. I used 7/8" spacers to drop the front about and 1", and used the SE "Heavy" Fork Oil after the springs were installed. The Here are some pics of the process. The ride is noticeably better and there is no more brake dive.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: USA
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Seriously...
Gtrplyr unless you are totally destitute and have nothing but time ( aka no $$) I would recommend a qualified, experienced mechanic to do your fork job. I learned a long time ago to know my limitations and they would include pulling a HD front end completely apart and changing springs. The tools you need alone would probably cost close to the $200-250 an experienced mechanic would charge ( special wrenches/spring compressor/vice,etc) . I'm having mine done next week btw on my '91 FLHS along with the Glide Pro swingarm bushings/front engine mount kit and the Custom Cycles stainless steel cleve block bearings to tighten my old girl's sh*t up. My mechanic is charging me $400 labor for the whole job and I consider that a bargain. I can do a lot of small jobs like oil change, plugs, some electrical but I leave the big stuff to the pros.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Good stuff...
TKS Texasbowhunter. The vids show a true master mechanic in a spacious, well equiped shop doing the fork spring swapout. I can tell how experienced he is by how organized he is and how easy he makes it look. Lots of little nuances and special tools if you watch closely like the paper covered tube for tapping the bushings in, etc. Just reinforces my decision to have a pro do my fork springs swap on my '91 FLHS. I'm sure some do it yourselfers could get it done using primitive garage and tools and some wouldn't. Given the value of those parts and the time involved if you put it all back together and it leaked, for example, I'd opt for someone like this guy to do it for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
the video's were to help enlighten the op as to what was involved and that it ain't rocket science...There all the same basically...
A lot of us would rather get familiar with our rides so if something was to happen we would be a bit more familiar with what is involved in the repair then go in there blindly...
If the project is to big then by all means don't even consider tackling it if your not mechanically incline to do so...However this is 100 year old technology and its quite easy...
What the original op might want to do since he is considering this project which is really simple is if the project gets out of hand box the fork tubes up along with the seals and take it to the stealer and have them put the forks together and then continue on with the re-assembly himself...That's the beauty of it if you can't quite get it together take it to the stealer and allow them to finish it, or put it back together, at least you'll know the next time...its all about saving some money for the bling or the mods you want to add as well as the satisfaction of doing it your self...
I personally have done several front ends in my garage without all the high tech required tools requested in the manual, just use some creative engineering to get her done and your set...
paul
A lot of us would rather get familiar with our rides so if something was to happen we would be a bit more familiar with what is involved in the repair then go in there blindly...
If the project is to big then by all means don't even consider tackling it if your not mechanically incline to do so...However this is 100 year old technology and its quite easy...
What the original op might want to do since he is considering this project which is really simple is if the project gets out of hand box the fork tubes up along with the seals and take it to the stealer and have them put the forks together and then continue on with the re-assembly himself...That's the beauty of it if you can't quite get it together take it to the stealer and allow them to finish it, or put it back together, at least you'll know the next time...its all about saving some money for the bling or the mods you want to add as well as the satisfaction of doing it your self...
I personally have done several front ends in my garage without all the high tech required tools requested in the manual, just use some creative engineering to get her done and your set...
paul
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
