Fork oil changing

[stef]

Just ordered an abba stand so i can do my ehadstock bearings next week end, and i thought that seeing as the oils probably never been changed in the forks, i'd do it while they are out.

When i've done this before, i've done it the pikey way and poured the oil out while pushing the stanchions in and out, then filled to whatever.

After reading the manual it seems like i have to have special tool number 456437828484 as usual, can i just do it the way i normally do?
If so, what height should the oil be with the fork uncompressed, or compressed whatever really.
And last thing, thinks it says to use 5w oil, is that the best thing or can i change it for something better?

Thanks.

[will#224]

I too have always done it the same way as you, i once used a soap and water mix to wash the oil and crud out which left everything clean. i then dried them out over night.

If the forks feel 'ok' now then tip the oil out in to a measuring jug so you know how much to put back in, if it is the origional oil the i would imagine anything would be better than you have. For brands i reckon its all pretty similar for fork oil. Just look at price.

[stef]

OK sounds good, just read the L supplement, bit different actually, and i can measure the oil level with a micrometer dipped in.

Does the oil have to be 5W, or is any good stuff ok.

Thanks

[zimm]

you can go heavier, but you'll find yourself at the bottom of the adjustment range to get a normal damping rate and the oil will aerate as its forced through orifices designed for 5wt.

my racebike has silkolene 5wt and its plenty.

[Ballsout Racing]

OK sounds good, just read the L supplement, bit different actually, and i can measure the oil level with a micrometer dipped in.

Does the oil have to be 5W, or is any good stuff ok.

Thanks

No, different wieght oil will give a different damping effect, the higher the number, the thicker the oil and the stiffer(slower) the damping

[stef]

Fair enough, 5W it is then. After all that, its just downpipes, suspension set up (again), new front wheel, tyres, carb rubbers, carb balance, valve clearances, air filter, oil and filter, pads, some more fairing repair and paint if i can be bothered, new radiator, and then i can store it for the winter lol.

Not too much then.