Fork oil Question

[lakecountrydave]

The Clymer's manual states that I need to remove the front wheel to change the fork oil. Is this necessary? It seems like an extra step. The drain plug is on the bottom, and it looks there is room to access it. Has anyone tried this?

Dave

[red bandit]

List your bike in your signature so we know what bike your talking about.

[Ken Talbot]

His profile lists a '79 SF....

[lakecountrydave]

Thanks Ken, I do have a 1979 Special. Plus, I figured out how to add that imformation to the bottom of my posts! I keep looking at the fork, and I am having a hard time seeing why it would not work just the same with the wheel on. If it wasn't going to be 62 and semi-sunny tomorrow I would already know the answer

[lakecountrydave]

I just re-read "Festus Fast Fork Oil Change" by John E. Higgins. I would think that he has to be leaving the wheel on when he drains the fluid, or he would not have any room to get the syringe under the drain plug to refill the forks. I have been thinking about this far longer than it would have taken me to just pull the wheel.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dave,

It's probably too late, and I'm sure you're already working on it, or RIDING? Just recommended to jack up the front of the engine so take the pressure of the weight of the frame OFF of the front wheel and forks. Then have a large bucket handy, cause after you remove the screw, and you then push up on the forks to PUMP the fluid out, it will SHOOT out sideways, hence the need of the bucket!

Also, with it jacked up, it's easier to then remove the top caps to refill vs. trying to refill it from the drain plug! Good luck and hope you get riding soon!
T.C.

[lakecountrydave]

Thanks T.C.! You're not too late either. I chickened out/ran out of time last night. I was putting her back together, and the wife said I was done for the night I'll take the front wheel off and get a bucket. However, that will have to wait until later this week as I have to go riding today

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dave,

I didn't say to take the front wheel off, just jack up the front end to take the load off of the shocks first. You'll want to have the wheel on so that you can then lower the frame, slightly compressing the fork tubes and sliders to allow you to PUMP the fluid out of the drain, that's where you'll need the bucket!

Then once drained, plug drain, jack up again, and then remove the top caps to fill! Enjoy your ride!
T.C.

[lakecountrydave]

I'm glad that I waited. First, because I had a blast riding today! Then because I completely missed the point of your last post T.C.. I did not understand the part about leaving the fork caps on. Now that I have read your latest post it sounds like I would have been cleaning fork oil off of the ceiling I think that I am going to go with your tip, but I am going to wait until we have some "April showers". The front forks work fine especially when compared to the worn out rear shocks. I was surprised to find out last night while screwing around that the forks actually have air in them. I never added any, and I would have thought that it would have leaked out long ago if the PO had filled them.

[lakecountrydave]

Six months after I said I was going to change my fork oil I finally am! At least I don't procrastinate After I refilled my forks I put the old oil back into the new container for disposal. However, there was only 255cc's total. There is no evidence of any leakage having occured, and for a change I did not spill anything. Where did the rest of it go? I also let it drain overnight. Am I correct in thinking that the 225cc number listed in the manual is for each fork? Anyway I am going to put her back together and see.

I also have a brake question. After all was said and done, I pulled the wheel and removed the caliper like the good book says. Do ther front brake pads just float in that groove or am I missing a clip?

[bikerphil]

fork oil + brakes

When you drained your fork oil, did you pump the forks up and down to get it all out? Just opening the drain plug won't get all of the oil out. 225cc per fork.
Brakes..
If you are reffering to the top groove on the forks, yes there should be a metal clip there to prevent wearing the aluminum on the forks themselves.

[tarzan]

You may have not gotten all the old fluid out.If you are sure you did though maybe the PO didnt put the right amount in last time.So if it doesnt leak and it rides good have fun.

[lakecountrydave]

Thanks for the help gentlemen I am going to listen to Tarzan's advice, "So if it doesnt leak and it rides good have fun." I used a tip off the board, and I made my own tool for reinstalling the fork caps. It worked like a charm! I am having some issues with getting the wheel properly spaced between the caliper mounts. I cannot get the right side to not touch the right side of the mount, but for now it is bedtime. Thanks again.

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by lakecountrydave
I am having some issues with getting the wheel properly spaced between the caliper mounts. I cannot get the right side to not touch the right side of the mount,

- Loosen it all up again.

- Tighten the castellated nut to proper torque first. This will line up the caliper on that side.

- Pry the other fork to wherever it needs to be to center the caliper on the disc.

- Tighten the two nuts that secure the cap on the other side.

Wallah!

[Axel]

voila

voila