Changing Fork Fluid.

[DenzComp]

My forks are not functioning properly. They're getting stuck down after hitting a bump and not rebounding.

I'm hoping they're just low on fluid or something.

Before I go tearing them all apart I'm going to change the fork oil.

In my Clymer is says the forks take 7.17oz of 10W fork oil. That is 7.17 is EACH fork correct?

This should be a fairly easy task right? If I drain the fluid out and leave the drain plug off... when the top bolt is loosened is it going to go flying due to spring pressure?

Does anyone think that I just need to change the fork oil or is it something more serious?

I'm going to start with the cheapest thing to do and hope for the best.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Denz,

Check out This recent thread about changing fork springs and fluid!

But this is the bike that you had a recent incident on wasn't it??

I can't remember what all got damaged and had to be replaced?

Not rebounding could be just that the forks are not trued, aligned? You might try loosening the TT clamp bolts, the main steering shaft nuts, fender bolts, axle nuts/clamps, and wiggling things around, use a mirror or piece of glass to lay flat across both upper tubes and check their alignment, should touch on all 4 corners, if not twist until it does, then retighten and retest rebound?

If still no rebound, springs may be worn, or could have crud in dampening valve port?? May require further disassembly and cleaning than just a fluid change??
T.C.

[DenzComp]

Yeah....the bike was recently dumped. I bought a new front end off eBay.

I emailed the guy I bought them from and told them the problem. He said he often drains fork fluid before shipping.

So I went out and loosed the drain plug to check. Nothing was coming out...so I kept unscrewing...then all of a sudden a high pressure stream came shooting out. So now I need to replace the fluid for sure. Probably not a bad idea anyhow.

I'll check all the things you stated too. I really hope I don't have to replace anything internally on the forks.

I'm trying to think of anything that might be affecting it that I changed...the only thing different on the bike is the front fender. I got it off a Yamaha. I don't know what model. My junkyard has a few bikes laying around and it happened to fit on the XS.

I'm going to change the fluid tomorrow...mess with some other stuff...and post again.

I hope it's something easy. I want to RIDE!