Fork Oil Change
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Gainesville, GA
Fork Oil Change
I changed the oil in my 09' SG air shocks to Bel-Ray 10W and have to admit the improvement was huge. Thanks "fireaxxe" https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ur-shocks.html for the easy install tips.
I've also read here that many of you have had a similar improvement changing the fork oil. I read what looks like an easy procedure posted by "iclick" https://www.hdforums.com/forum/3734005-post23.html. The only question I have is once the new oil is installed and it's time to secure the top cap should the forks be extended (wheel off the ground) or compressed (weight of bike on the wheel)?
I'm guessing extended, since I believe that would more closely represent the size of the air chamber when the forks were built, but I thought I would check with the forum knowledge base.
I've also read here that many of you have had a similar improvement changing the fork oil. I read what looks like an easy procedure posted by "iclick" https://www.hdforums.com/forum/3734005-post23.html. The only question I have is once the new oil is installed and it's time to secure the top cap should the forks be extended (wheel off the ground) or compressed (weight of bike on the wheel)?
I'm guessing extended, since I believe that would more closely represent the size of the air chamber when the forks were built, but I thought I would check with the forum knowledge base.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Boise, Idaho
I had my bike on a lift with the front wheel off the ground when I did mine so the forks were extended. I think you will find it easier to pour the required amount of oil back in with the forks in this position.
Al
Al
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Gainesville, GA
Considering that the forks would be fully extended if the oil were changed while the forks were off the bike, keeping the wheel off the ground seems to make sense. Thanks for the response Boomer1143.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Cypress, TX
Fork extended makes it easier to refill. Just remember to pump the forks to get the oil down in the system before capping them (start slow with this to avoid spilling) Just remember to accurately measure what comes out. You will not get all of the oil. The amounts in the service manual are just the starting amounts. In the actual fork service method, you set the level accurately using a fork oil tool and measuring from the top of the fork (with the springs out after purging the air) then removing the excess oil. This method can only be done with the forks off the bike. The iclick method will work well but the accurate measurement of the oil removed is a key step. You would be surprised how much a little difference will make in ride quality.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Seattle
I did the top fill method per lowcountryjoe - same as Iclick I believe. You don't need to extend the forks and the job can easily be done on the jiffy stand. You'll add a few ounces of oil, then SLOWLY pump the front end and then add more and repeat. I simply added 11 ounces on each side.
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