SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
Changing fork oil.
Bradders:
Am going to put fresh oil in my front forks over the winter. Not done this job before. Have watched various YouTube videos and some say to take the springs out while others leave them in. What’s the best thing to do?
Also some talk about an air gap and some don’t. Do I need to do that as well?
Thanks.
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
When I did my 400 earlier this year the first lesson I learnt was do one side at a time.
Undo the top cap bolt, undo the drain plug, leave it to drain, I left mine overnight.
Re-fit the drain plug, ideally with a new washer, add the correct amount of oil for a top up by adding it to the top through the center of the spring, I used a syringe.
Fit the cap back being careful not to cross thread it, tighten up, repeat on the other side. Don't worry about any air gap, it will settle down during standing or after a short couple of stops as the front forks compress.
TrickyMicky:
My workshop manual is not to hand at present, but I seem to remember that it gave a figure for the amount of oil needed, can't remember if it was 300 or 330ml.
I don't know if I've got this arse upwards or not, but if you brim fill the fork, as you cannot compress a liquid, what happens when the fork compresses? Chance of popping the oil sael?
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
It's 105 ml for changing fork oil, 125 ml after full strip down as per downloadable Honda Manual here.
Haynes manual shows larger quantities 145/150.
TrickyMicky:
Well done Ted, thanks. If it's true that confession is good for the soul, I have to admit that hundreds of years ago, when I changed my fork oil for the first ever time, I thought I would speed up the slow dribble of oil out of the drain plug. I held the front brake on and gave the handlebars a damn good downward thrust. I never realised that such a small amount of oil could cover so much equipment on the far side of the garage!!!
As it's supposed to be the time of good cheer, maybe a thread could be started allowing people to admit to unbelievable cock-ups they (we) have made in the past.
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