Fork Oil Question

[XTC]

The seals can be ok and still let moisture in.
Which side was it,I'm betting the right.
It's the most exposed and not under much pressure when the bikes on the side stand.
Your fork oil should also really be changed every year as well,IMHO.
I use hydraulic fluid and stynthetic brake fluid.
I've found that the most exspensive stuff really does work the best.
Go figure huh.

I disagree.... I reckon the sludgy one was on the left as all the sludge and goop would drain to the left fork when bike is on the stand

[Jackrat]

Interesting. I'll ask him which one it was & report back.

Can you explain the "hydraulic fluid & synthetic brake fluid" comment please?



:spudwave: to the comediennes, you got me with that lot.

Instead of dot rated fork oil I use hydraulic fluid or Auto trans fluid,I belive it holds up better.I can't prove this other than from exspreince, but it also works better than standard oils in primary cases with bikes that have separate primarys.The brake fluid is just mineral based or synthetic like engine oils.
I used mineral for years but when I couldn't buy it I bought synthetic instead and it made a big difference to the performance of my brakes.
One thing that may have caused your fork oil problem could be that the side affected was already contaminated in some way.
If this is the case the bacteria left would/could breed.
This could also be a load of waffle but it got me thinking and it's what I came up with.
Hey there must be an answer somewhere :spudwhat:
Cheers

[Blakamin]

I disagree.... I reckon the sludgy one was on the left as all the sludge and goop would drain to the left fork when bike is on the stand

via the axle or the handlebars???

[XTC]

via the axle or the handlebars???

Christ everyone knows that there are special oil channels thru the triple clamps that keep the fork oil levels between the forks in sync....

[Jackrat]

I disagree.... I reckon the sludgy one was on the left as all the sludge and goop would drain to the left fork when bike is on the stand

Yeah, good on ya' mate.

[Slim]

One thing that may have caused your fork oil problem could be that the side affected was already contaminated in some way.
If this is the case the bacteria left would/could breed.
This could also be a load of waffle but it got me thinking and it's what I came up with.
Hey there must be an answer somewhere :spudwhat:
Cheers

That sounds plausible to me - the bacteria/contamination theory.

Thanks for the explanation of the fluids you use.


And thanks for your contribution Motu. I'm thinking we change the fork oil in 1 year & do both fork seals at the same time. Any thoughts what to use to clean out the forks in answer to Jackrats bacteria theory?


And you comediennes are still

[Blakamin]

A wash-out with prepsol, acrylic paint thinner, isopropyl alcohol or another evaporating solvent will do it (provided you take ALL rubber bits out)

[Slim]

Interesting. I'll ask him which one it was & report back

The answer from The Man was .... "The 2nd one ..."

[Motu]

I just fill with kero or such like,pump up and down,drain...keep doing it until they come clean.I only use fork oil when I'm being a fussy bugger,99% of the time I'm with Jack and use ATF,moving up to a thicker hydraulic oil if I need to.Some of the old bikes,like my XS1 I just kicked out of home took a 30 weight fork oil.

[scroter]

checking in six months sounds like a good idea. its a piss easy job anyway. the hardes part is getting the forks off the bike and then putting them back when youve finished.

[Oscar]

I just fill with kero or such like,pump up and down,drain...keep doing it until they come clean.I only use fork oil when I'm being a fussy bugger,99% of the time I'm with Jack and use ATF,moving up to a thicker hydraulic oil if I need to.Some of the old bikes,like my XS1 I just kicked out of home took a 30 weight fork oil.

I lost a sump plug on an XR once, so I had to use fork oil in the engine to get home...worked OK.