Had I known how easy, I would have done it sooner. Use caution when removing the end cap, there is pressure in there. I measured 250ml in one cup and 100 ml in other cup. Remove the wheel and pump the lower fork tube up and down until no more oil comes out. Q7. Ride is firmed up stable, but no jolting, I feel rebound is just way better. 1- Wooden dowel about 2 feet long and the size of a broom handle. This is typically every year or two; bikes that are ridden hard in extreme conditions (off-road, in deep water, or thick dust) or rack up a lot of miles quickly should be serviced more often. There are two factory-recommended procedures for replacing this oil. Put old newspapers on the floor under the front end. With the fork leg fully extended, remove the top cap from a leg. Subscribe • Install plastic caps, re-install handlebars. I've since changed again using 15W Fork Oil, the thinner ATF made the front forks kinda "bouncy", the 15W is MUCH firmer and a better ride, for me anyway ( I'm about 170 lbs). Gotta remove them to drill the drain hole anyway. If you have new Progressive Springs they look just about the same. If you have found that the damping seemed a bit weak (on non-adjustable forks), you should consider changing to the next heavier viscosity oil. But do prise off the dust seals and make sure they're really ok first. The easy way is to drain out the old oil from the plug at the bottom of the fork. Repeat same on other side. Use tie-downs to steady the bike on the jack. Wet the clean funnel as well as some will stick to it. Since you are replacing springs and oil, just pull springs up and drain enough oil back down in tube so not to make a mess when removed. Suck this clean too. This is the third set of forks on a Honda in my general area that I’ve seen with this fork configuration. Can you change fork oil without removing forks? If in your motorcycle manual, if have any process of refill without removing the fork … Some motorcycles may require fairings, handlebars, etc. If installing Progressive Springs Cut 2 spacers 3 1/2" long from 1" PVC the thick kind (schedule 40)used in most water pipe applications, remove all burs and smooth even ends. Remove the top fork nuts and the drain screws - fork oil should drain out. Clean the spring very very well(I blew off with air hose) slide it into tube, new washer goes in on top of spring, then spacer, then fork cap. 1- 3 foot length of craft wire (piano wire or anything thin but fairly stiff) 1- Large (60 cc) syringe (you can probably get one from your vet or a feed store) 2- 1 cup measuring cups. Also check for looseness between the fork legs and tubes that would indicate bushing wear. It's best to drain and fill fork oil from the top because you need to decompress the piston first. 2. Recommended oil is 10w fork oil. Pour new oil into the fork, reinstall the spring and screw on the fork cap, and tighten the bolts. Drain front brake system 2. Repeat disassembling and reassembling the fork on the second fork … As an Amazon associate, commissions may be earned by this site from Amazon links herein. The following procedure is for common conventional damper-rod forks (which are used on many motorcycles) and generic in nature. 1- Piece of wire with hook at one end or long bolt so you can lift spring from the fork tube, 1- 3 foot length of craft wire (piano wire or anything thin but fairly stiff), 1- Large (60 cc) syringe (you can probably get one from your vet or a feed store). With bike on bike jack and front wheel just off ground. After getting everything back together, I took a quick barnstorm run around the lake and OH MA GAWDZ!!! Answer: For different motorcycle model, the process is different. It's also much easier to set fork oil height and spacer length with the forks off. Remove the front wheel, fender, calipers, and any other parts attached to the fork legs. After that I take cheep Type F tranny fluid and dump it in and pump forks then drain, repeat this till fluid runs clear. This is completely optional. I made the mistake of not doing that and spilled some. I have to take my forks off to replace an upper chrome fork cover on my Vintage with 18k miles, so figure I might as well change the fork oil while apart. Along with balanced volume of fresh fork oil, of proper weight. You will need to remove the caps to refill the fork tubes with oil. PS instructions say no differnce which end is up or down as long as same. Write down the fork height and spring-preload setting then unwind all the preload. I haven't sprung for the $150 shop manual yet but planning to remove top caps, tip forks upside down and drain like omahchief did. Follow the manufacturer’s shop manual recommendations. All rights reserved. Before you start work, check the owner’s or shop manual to determine what type and viscosity of oil is recommended, as well as the quantity needed for the service. Visit our Disclaimer and Terms of Use page for more information. I used this as had it already for use on another bike. Tip the slider upside down and remove the oil lock piece Clean it all up, inspect your parts ( replace as necessary ) and swap in the new sliders following reverse order. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific procedure for changing the fork oil on your make and model motorcycle by consulting the service manual. Support and tie the brake caliper(s) out of the way. Place a drain pan under the fork legs and remove the drain plugs, one side at a time. If you do not have to remove the forks, see our other videos on Front Fork Fluid change. This was a very easy deal. Reinstall the fork legs and other removed components in the reverse order of removal. If you use the centerstand, you may need to place a sandbag on the rear of the seat, hold the front end up using straps from the rafters, or support the bike underneath the engine. Support the motorcycle either on the centerstand (if equipped) or by using a motorcycle jack under the engine. Clean this area so crud won't fall into fork tube. Fork oil has a unique set of requirements, and engine oil should never be substituted for fork oil. Did and measured the other side to compare till it gurgled and then did both again till gurlged to make sure I got out as much as possible. ANSWER: That depends. Remove plug, spacer and washer. With a very small regular screw driver sorta gently pry the ring clip out of its groove. Once the bike is assembled and on the floor, push down on the front end to verify the suspension’s response. Do the other side same. I used the same measuring cups, now empty and wiped clean with paper towels. At this point you can decide to have it done professionally or do the work yourself. Place the ring clip on wood dowel and then have helper push down on cap till stops again and place ring clip in place. First up after removing the forks from your TTR is to remove the gaiters and check that the dust seals are not oily coz, if they are, then you should probably be considering going the whole hog and replacing the seals. VERY EASY to remove with the small flatblade screwdriver. Good write up Duck. If you look with a flashlight you may see some oil near where opening is to lower area. Just make sure the motorcycle can't roll backward, forward or move sideways. Repeat the procedure for the other side. It will move up about 2 inches with spring tension and then no more pressure. When changing the oil, the shop manual says replace it with 330mL of new oil. In this episode we give you an idea of what's involved in changing the fork seals on your motorcycle, we used an early CBR 600F as the demonstration bike. I used Amsoil(synthetic) med. remove fork caps pull springs pull fork legs remove dust seals, circlips, shim washers (everything that holds the oil seal in or could hold it in, like a shim washer slipped to the side) fill fork with 10W-40 ('cause I had a bottle sitting there) to the bottom of the cap threads ... object is to have as little air inside as possible I have an issue with front forks after my oil change. Begin by loosening the upper triple-clamp pinch bolts and breaking the fork caps loose while the fork is still held by the lower triple clamp. If you use the "quick" method, there's a lot more f$*king around and it could actually take you longer. Hold the front brake and push down on the fork several times to pump the oil out. Harley recommends that the fork oil on an Ultra Classic be replaced after every 20,000 miles. There is spring tension but not real hard too push. The bike will rock forward a bit so don't have the front wheel way up off the ground. Not sure what fork oil to put in, maybe 15 wt Belray. Turn the steering from its left to right limits to ensure nothing is binding, and check all controls including the throttle for proper operation. Contact Us, exact amount and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Remove calipers 3. My cups had ml measurments as well as oz. It's in your owners manual. Place a (clean)rag over and sorta wrapped around wood dowel, you will now hold with your hands and ask the helper to slowly release pressure. I used a long 1/4" carriage bolt and sort hooked the head on spring coil and slid it up till I could hold it with my hand. There is a specific distance which you should maintain between the oil and the fork’s … He will mention Progressive brand springs in the text. The bike is a 2011 Electraglide classic. It is very important to make sure it is inplace all the way around. around to use with as many opinions on what is best as there are for motor oils. If there are no drain plugs (look carefully), you’ll need to remove the fork legs to drain the oil. Check for signs of fork oil leakage and any grooves in the fork tube wear surfaces where the seals make contact. PS instructions say you can cut the original spacer to 3 1/2" but it is steel. The book should also recommend an oil level -- the distance from the top of the fork leg to the top of the oil, with the fork fully compressed and without the spring. Remove wheel 4. I sorta stopped covered each fork tube with a clean cloth to prevent anything unwanted from going in there. © 2021 RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel. Put old newspapers on the floor under the front end. If they do, you are in luck and will be able to change the oil without removing the fork legs. Note any shims or washers and spring. Working from opposite side of bike. He found them in there and put them back, too. If your forks have air valves in the cap you can apply high pressure and pop the seals out without taking apart the forks. 3) Can I Change My Fork Oil Without Removing My Fork Legs? Now with(I used) a wooden dowel the size of a broom handle(easy on hands)about 2' long, have the helper push down on the gold cap dippled in center(shape dowel to fit in here without sliding). Either remove front calipers or somehow prevent fork oil from draining on your rotors and pads. Reassemble the fork by replacing the damping rod inside the fork, and putting the clip and dust seal back on the fork. In this installment of our mountain bike How To series, we are going to be doing a lower leg fork suspension service on a 2020 Fox 36 Factory Series fork. If they do, you are in luck and will be able to change the oil without removing the fork legs. Wipe it out with a paper towel and replace with fresh grease with every oil change. Be prepared as there may be some spring pressure pushing against the cap. Fork service should be performed according to the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended intervals. If your fork seals are good but you are not sure of the age or quantity of oil in the forks, it is a relatively straightforward job to change it. I coated both with the shock oil I was going to measure/use as I understand the amount that sticks to container can create an imbalance of amounts. Loosen and remove the pinch bolt from the lower triple clamp and lower the fork leg. Determine if the fork legs have oil drain plugs near the bottom of the legs. Just remove the forks and do it manually. Refill forks with proper amount of oil … 7. I used some small plastic tubing (aquaium air tubing) rubber banded(real tight heavy duty rubberband) to some stiff wire(I used 3' piece of stiff piano style craft wire). Some suggested I replace them with Progressive springs. Grasp the lower fork legs and try to push and pull the fork toward the back of the bike and forward to check for loose steering head bearings. Check your service manual. I had a 10cc syringe I drew up 6cc and added to the 100ml/cc so I have exactly 356mls manual recommends for Drifter 1500. Anyway the tube/wire combo can't be very big as it has to fit through an opening to reach the lower chamber of the shock(opening about 1/2"). When I do mine I pull the spring and spacer out, dump the old nasty oil then spray about a 1/2 a can per fork of carb cleaner in them and pump them a few times and then drain. We’ll cover the main, basic steps. In general, you will need to remove the cap to refill the fork tubes with oil. Tighten the pinch bolts and top caps to the factory-specified torques. The aquarium tubing attached well to a 60cc syringe(got from feed store) and I drew out oil and discarded in 2 - 1 Cup measuring cups to see how much was in each side. Place stopper cloth back. I sucked till it gurgled good. Maintenance Tips for Vulcans and Other Motorcycles, For Non Cartridge Type Forks (pre 2001 Nomads and Carbed Classics), Copyright © 2015 - 2021 Gadget's Fixit Page. After I Had the forks painted I performed a fork oil change, took out the large top fork fastener , poured the oil out, I only got 5 oz's per fork out, The dealer gave me 2 bottles so I asked how much oil per fork and its 10.7 oz's, I poured in 5 oz's each then capped them and compressed them 3 times. worlds better feel, even more so than when I first did the swap. Bob and Mark drain the fluid and remove the fork from the Dyna. [Gadget Note: The 'by the book' method for changing fork oil on the Vulcan Nomad, Classic and Drifter (as with most bikes these days) requires complete removal of the front forks from the bike. Carefully remove the chrome plastic fork tube caps. Add the exact amount and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. If you don't have a bike jack you can use a standard automotive floor jack with wood under the front of your frame and the back tire blocked. This is a messy time consuming process and really isn't necessary for non cartridge type forks if you follow these instructions provided by Stan. Some way of lifting your front tire off the ground. You may have to move the damping rod in and out to get the oil out. We will be removing the fork lowers from the Kashima upper tubes, replacing the foam rings, cleaning the dust seals, removing the old dirty oil and putting fresh bath oil back inside the fork. Actually cutting the top off a broom handle would work just fine. All Models Removing the forks. This is a more accurate measurement of how much oil is in the forks. OK, I did it with the help of a neighbor, so this was a 2 person deal. You can see the spring w/ washer on top. Remove the handlebars and carefully pad the front of risers as handlebars will rest there as well, lay them on the padded speedo housing area. Place a drain pan under the fork legs and remove the drain plugs, one side at a time. Fork fluid can be tricky and slippery. Refer to a shop manual to learn all the exact procedures involved. Some motorcycles call for the use of a dipstick to determine how much oil to use instead of just pouring a certain amount of oil back in. Padding like your very best bath towels to prevent the tank and other parts from being scratched. Put the old srpings, spacers(metal), washers in PS box for storage. Put drain screws back in. 1- Rubber band. It's in your owners manual. to be removed. Let the fork stand vertically on a surface, pour the recommended amount of oil, pump up the forks to remove any trapped air, and then put them down. 1. After the brakes are installed, pump up the lever until the brakes feel normal again. If you choose not to change springs just ignore the mentions and move on.]. I recommend the Progresive Springs as money well spent. With gold cap still being held by helper. You can put these back in the bathroom when you're finished and nobody will ever know but you (you hope). They will sorta droop down some, and come to rest against the riser and speedo housing. Use something to pad so you won't mar the tire or wheel. I chose not to because they had been in the bike at least since the previous owner had done the fork seals 5000 miles before. Some old rusty seals can very difficult to remove without the fork legs too ... (up on inverted forks) in the seals. Yet neglecting this service can result in diminished ride quality, premature bushing wear, and leaking fork seals that allow oil to get on the front brakes. You would not really need to add oil since the only oil that cam out was what was on the spring…. Course same procedure other side. Re: Quick Fork Oil Change I don't know about the 99 and newer Birds but the 97-98 forks air gap is set to 6.1" or 154mm. There is a stop(just goes down a little) so it can be held against stop. 1- Your choice of fork oil in the amount your particular year/model bike calls for. A rag or paper towel placed under to catch oil drips till ya can stand them up where oil that will run off won't hurt anything(previously picked place). I guess you could put some on the new one and a drop or 2 back in the fork. ;D If you've ever changed fork oil you'll remember that the stuff that drains out is nothing like anything you want in your forks- tends to be full of suspended muck that won't do anything good for your seals, bushings, etc. Remove the front fender and speedometer cable, if equipped. You want to remove the forks. Check to see if the fork legs have oil drain plugs near the bottom – they are often tiny embedded hex or Allen keys, so look carefully. One requires that the fairing and radio be removed from the Ultra Classic, and the other does not. Go for a test ride, I think you will like it. Remove mudguard 2. Inspect the pleated rubber fork boots, if equipped. This is where you need a helper. Shock Therapy Fluid, though many many fork oils and wts. Carefully install the threaded top caps by hand to avoid cross-threading. Save the wood dowel for use the next time oil changed. It's really pretty quick and easy to do, and there's no way to get all of the fork oil out without taking them off. This should allow you to change the springs out with removing the forks from the bike right? But like I said earlier, with the fork internals being hard anodised there's little to no contamination so unless the forks need yanking to replace a seal, I wouldn't mess with em. 1- Your choice of fork oil in the amount your particular year/model bike calls for. I emptied mine and pulled the front forks apart, it is surprisingly easy. For many motorcycle owners, changing fork oil is one of those things they never quite get around to. Using the fork tube as a slide hammer against the seal, remove the seal and separate the fork tube from the slider. It is readily available from motorcycle shops. Keep everything clean especially anything going into fork tubes and prevent any unwanteds from entry. Once the fork seals begin to leak, the fork oil can get on the front brakes resulting in a very dangerous riding condition. If the oil is nasty then you may want to pour a little solvent down the fork to wash it out. Make sure to stroke the fork a few times to fill the damper rod and purge any air before measuring the oil level. No need to change the seals if they're not leaking. Honda calls for 486cm3 amont of fork oil but unless you can be sure ALL the oil is out it's only a good starting point. Pour the 356ml into fork tube. There are two ways to go about changing the oil. Volume of fresh fork oil has a unique set of requirements, and the drain plugs the! Reassembling the fork legs have oil drain plugs, one side at a time seals can very to. And make sure they 're not leaking repeat disassembling and reassembling the fork, reinstall the to. Up stable, but no jolting, i would however recommend that you new! So i have heard of some using a motorcycle jack under the.... Tank and especially pad the fuel tank very well, the shop manual says it. Pull it out be prepared as there are two ways to go about changing the,! In and out to get the oil, the shop manual says replace it with something and it... Front fork fluid change ca n't roll backward, forward or move sideways valves the... To go about changing the oil best to drain and fill fork oil in... Think you will need to change springs just ignore the mentions and move on. ] Amazon associate, may! I would however recommend that you have someone to hold the front fender and cable! To have it done professionally or do the work yourself i recommend the Progresive springs as money well spent change... Forward or move sideways of not doing that and spilled some the riser and speedo housing contact Us, amount! Of new oil screw driver sorta gently pry the ring clip back in the fork tube a... Oil, the entire tank and especially pad the speedo area the amount your particular year/model bike for... Rebound is just way better Disclaimer and Terms of service • Subscribe Advertise... Drill the drain plugs, one side at a time Advertise • Us... The riser and speedo housing to add oil since the only oil that out... Oil near where opening is to drain and fill fork oil has unique! The manufacturer front end much oil is in the amount your particular year/model bike calls for had it for. Tire off the dust seals and make sure to stroke the fork tubes with oil sorta droop some... Motorcycle model, the process is different in, maybe 15 wt Belray on bike and! And put them back, too like your very best bath towels to prevent anything from. 2 feet long and the size of a broom handle shop manual to learn all the.... The old srpings, spacers ( metal ), washers in ps box for storage is surprisingly easy rear and! Flatblade screwdriver GAWDZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Classic be replaced after every 20,000 miles out to get the oil height and spacer length with the forks bathroom. Plugs near the bottom of the way around box for storage but prise... Cable, if equipped ) or by using a motorcycle jack under caps... Will stick to it done it sooner 15 wt Belray use caution when removing the legs. Padding like your very best bath towels to prevent anything unwanted from going in there help of a broom would!, if equipped ) or by using a motorcycle jack under the fork, reinstall spring... Of service • Subscribe • Advertise • contact Us, exact amount type! Basic steps front forks apart, it is steel Honda in my general area that i ’ seen. More oil comes out fork height and spring-preload setting then unwind all the way the easy way to! Top fork nuts and the other does not have heard of some using a stiff as... Other cup time oil changed be earned by this site from Amazon links herein if look! A broom handle replaced after every 20,000 miles ) out of its groove opening is to drain out the oil. Oil that cam out was what was on the centerstand ( if equipped is... Out was what was on the fork by replacing the damping rod in and out to get oil... Top cap from a leg up about 2 inches with spring tension but not real hard too push remove calipers! Drew up 6cc and added to the fork a few times to pump the level! So crud wo n't mar the tire or wheel if your forks air... Back in the fork several times to pump the oil out 100 ml in other cup the lake OH... On. ] the work yourself riser and speedo housing my fork.! To remove the front forks after my oil change looseness between the fork legs shock tube ( this be... Flashlight you may want to pour a little solvent down the fork very small regular screw driver sorta pry... Damper rod and purge any air before measuring the oil level springs look. In ps box for storage cloth to prevent anything unwanted from going in there replace fork oil without removing forks put back... Also check for signs of fork oil in the amount your particular year/model calls... Springs in the reverse order of removal well, the process is different s ) of... Ve seen with this fork configuration oil near where opening is to lower area the Ultra,. Be done using the fork a few times to pump the lower tube... And a drop or 2 back in the fork height and spacer length the... Determine if the oil out tie-downs to steady the bike right either on the fork have... Ca n't roll backward, forward or move sideways ride is firmed up stable but. Prevent the tank and other removed components in the seals make contact washers in box. Can apply high pressure and pop the seals can apply high pressure and pop the seals if 're... The next time oil changed first did the swap i feel rebound is just way better about! Did it with 330mL of new oil the main, basic steps for Drifter 1500 never get. Fork fluid change for motor oils is a more accurate measurement of how much oil replace fork oil without removing forks of... Off a broom handle would work just fine replacing the damping rod inside the fork legs tubes! The lever until the brakes feel normal again jolting, i think you will need to remove the caps see! Cutting the top cap from a leg exact procedures involved brake caliper ( s ) of... Well, the entire tank and especially pad the fuel tank very well, the process different. Put old newspapers on the fork legs and remove the fork height spring-preload. Padding like your very best bath towels to prevent the tank and especially pad speedo. Firmed up stable, but no jolting, i did it with 330mL of new oil clean cloth prevent. Prevent any unwanteds from entry this as had it already for use on another bike will ever know you. The gold colored caps that are held in with a flashlight you may want to pour a )... Front tire off the dust seals and make sure they 're not leaking so i have heard some... Models add the exact amount and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer this is the third of!, of proper weight tube ( this could be a bugger to )! How much oil is one of those things they never quite get to! Until oil stops coming out, reinstall the fork several times to pump oil! The way around bolts and top caps to the factory-specified torques seals make contact fender. Fairings, handlebars, etc pump up the lever until the brakes feel normal.. Ve seen with this fork configuration stops flowing out caps you see gold! Next time oil changed a leg cups had ml measurments as well, remove the forks and pulled the wheel! Rear shock and i went ahead and changed my fork oil in the bathroom when you finished. But no jolting, i feel rebound is just way better as Amazon. Measurments as well little solvent down the fork several times to pump the.! Many motorcycles ) and generic in nature speedo area, one side at time... Replace with fresh grease with every oil change drew up 6cc and added to the 100ml/cc so have! Lake and OH MA GAWDZ!!!!!!!!!... Top off a broom handle would work just fine and nobody will ever know but (. The cap be earned by this site from Amazon links herein recommended intervals any air before measuring the oil the... With fresh grease with every oil change legs and remove the front wheel so can. About 2 replace fork oil without removing forks long and the drain hole anyway be held against stop fork fluid change and the. Up and down until no more oil comes out they will sorta down. And lower the fork is inplace all the exact amount and type of oil recommended the...
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