Changing front fork oil.

[lucky13]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on changing Jolene's front fork oil , specifically how to put in the new stuff. I was told that it goes in the top of the forks, but don't want to do something wrong and watch all kinds of springs or whatever go leaping for freedom all over the garage floor. Never done it before!

[Nails]

I honestly think it's easier to completely remove the fork tubes. And then take them to your local mechanic to install Progressive springs and new bushings, seals, &etc.

Like everything else, follow the manual.

Yes, the springs will come out when you remove the caps. I found a way to leverage them back in using a particular socket on a breaker bar, prying against the handlebars. You have to take the caps off to add fluid, and you measure the fluid level from the top of the tube (springs sitting in, cap off).

You need to remove the spring so you can pump the fork to get the old fluid out the drain, located near the axle. You also have to pump the new oil into the shock to get an accurate measurement.

It isn't a trivial job, but certainly doable -- I'm sure there are YT vids &etc. But I took the cosmic hint and just took the forks to my swell local independent shop, along with the parts (which are cheap relative to the labor involved). I suppose I should consider changing the fluid again now.

I'm a big fan of Dextron for fork oil. With Progressive springs, it'll totally transform your ride.

[Barry]

Have you done a search on this site "changing fork oil" ?? There's 395 posts on this topic. I've changed the fork oil several times with the front wheel still attached. With both springs out you have to exercise the front wheel up & down to pump out the oil that doesn't drain naturally. This sounds simple & easy, but I wouldn't recommend it. Go ahead and just pull the front wheel. That way you can just use your arms to move the lower slider up & down until all the oil is out. You will find there are several different ways of pulling the caps off to remove the springs. The safest way is to make a tool that bolts to the handlebar mount. Have fun reading all the other posts and feel free to ask questions.

[lucky13]

Thanks for the advice. I am researching on the service manual how to go about this, and yes there are lots of articles on this. (I read a different page in the forum almost daily!) Hoping to learn a fraction of the knowledge on here. Again, thanks for the help to both you and Nails.

[Barry]

Most people don't know about this page:
https://amervoyassoc.org/techtipsXII.php
First topic is changing fork oil