I need to replace the fork oil on my '99 ultra classic. After I drain the old oil, can I pump the new oil back through the drain hole (by taking core out of air line) or do I have to pull the faring and put it in the top?

Thanks
Pat Martin

 

From what I understand, you cannot pump the oil back through the drain holes. You have to take the forks apart and pour it in from the top.

 

Nope you have to remove outer fairing and be able to get to the top bolts on each fork tube, its not a quick and easy job.

 

Why? , i just refilled through the drain holes on my RG, Dennis Kirk sells a hose and fitting for the job. I used a two ounce syringe to fill with, ya have to be quick when you remove the tube and replace the drain plug.
Unless there is something different on the UC that i`m not aware of.

 

I don't see why it would not work ,as long as equal amounts are put back in.
Sounds simple.

 

Go to the "do it yourself help forum". Click on "chassis, suspension, brakes, ect.." Click on "easy fork oil change on baggers". This method works great.

 

what wvrider said, easy as pie...

 

You can do it very easily on older bikes with air forks. You'll need a vacuum source, the cheapest route for that being a Harbor Freight venturi vacuum attachment for an air compressor, about $10. You connect it to your air compressor regulated to ~20#. You'll need to rig some plastic tubing to fit on the valve housing for the air forks. The forks have a recess around the drain-plug hole that fits a 1/4" OD plastic tube.

1. Drain fluid from one fork.

2. Place proper amount of fork oil into a small container. Mine is 7.5 oz., wet.

3. Remove valve mechanism from front air-shock valve housing.

4. Attach the vacuum source.

5. Attach the filler tube to the fork filler hole, the other end emersed in the clean fluid.

6. The vacuum source will suck the fluid into the fork and keep it there as long as there is a vacuum.

7. When all the fluid is in the fork, replace the screw and quickly disconnect the vacuum source. The HD service manual emphasizes not to allow the vacuum source to stay connected longer than necessary.

8. Repeat on second fork.

This procedure takes me about 15 min. and is outlined in the service manual, at least it is for my 1996 manual.

 

03 HERITAGE, JUST TOOK OFF TOP FORK BOLTS, DRAINED OIL, PUT DRAIN SCREW BACK IN AND FILLED THE FORKS FROM THE TOP NUTS, VERY EASY