changing the fork oil

[chevnut55]

while my bike is sitting all winter,i want to paint the forks black and i want to change the fork oil.
it does not leak so i do not need a rebuild,i was told that the oil is weak.it seems good to me its only 6 years old but im not a pro.
what is the best way or easy way to change the oil and what is best to use?

 

[chrispudd]

Not one answer yet, huh? Couldn't tell you how to do it, I watched videos and read the service manual several times, but i needed a full fork service (56000 kms). Seemed too involved with special tools and such for the seals and bushings.
So i brought em' in to the local shop and for $276 had them done. It was pretty easy to take them out and seals are guaranteed not to leak or he'll replace em' for free. Too easy! just my 2cents

 

[mirkvid]

chrispudd, did you take it to a HD shop? I was told it would cost a lost more than $276.[confused]

 

[pur pony]

there really is not that much to it. I never did it before until a few months back. There is a good youtube video... watch that a couple time. I also bought a seal driver on ebay for $35, a spring compressor, and also made my own oil level tool. Now i have the knowledge and tools to do it whenever needed... Id rather learn and do it myself that take it to the dealer.

 

[nilla]

i made my own spring compressor, but i could have used 2 screwdrivers. ... had to buy the sealdriver, same as above ($35 on ebay)

simple to do, just don't forget the snap ring [smirk]

 

[kyle_dewald]

I took my fork off and brought them to a local shop and paid $60 plus oil, or $30 for them to still be on the bike.

 

[chevnut55]

im not shure if it even needs to be done,i was just told the oil was weak. i set my suspencion and it seems fine to me,no leaks or anything. the bike is only a 04 i had a 81/94/01/97 ninja that i had never touched the foks. i was just wondering if i could drain the oil and re-place.if not ill wait until they go bad.

 

[Stevenc150]

Helpful Thread: Fork Rebuild

 

[chrispudd]

local hd shop quoted 350$ Local independent shop was 276$ Either way was okay with me but independent shop was closer..

 

[Jerry C]

Good video, thanks!