| Author | Message | ||
     Yo_barry |
Ok, 2009 XB12X with just over 30k miles I'm getting the tools together to replace the seals in my Uly forks. The right tube is leaking. I've ordered a spring compressor from Race Tech, looks just like the HD tool in the FM. I've also order a seal driver and a tool for setting the fluid level, they are both Motion Pro. The FM also mentions a Race Tech bleeding tool. I've located this but have not ordered. My question is, do I need the bleeding tool? I've done forks on my 2001 S3T and on the Sportster I used to have, an XL1200S. I didn't need the bleeding tool on either of these bikes. Ok, another question, the manual calls for HD Type E fork oil. What is this equivalent to? I am very happy with the handling and have no reason to go to higher weight oil. Barry Hollister, CA | ||
| Tootal |
Barry, You can check the fluid level with a zip tie. I don't remember bleeding anything. You don't need a fork holder, just leave it on the bike. The spring compressor is nice, I ended up making my own and it makes it easier. As far as HD Type E, if you like it then stay with it. Fork oils are not regulated like engine oil and different companies call theirs different weights. So in other words a 10wt. Belray does not equal a 10wt. Amsoil. I run a 5wt. Amsoil and love it but I like a softer suspension for long days and off road. If I hit the twisties and can still stiffen it up with the adjusters. | ||
| Tootal |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442538.html?1236474150 That's a link to a thread I did many years ago. There's more info than you need but might give you some ideas. When you reassemble the adjusters on top of the forks be sure and read the service manual. You have to reset them before installing or you won't have all your adjustment. DAMHIK! | ||
| Griffmeister |
I did the forks on my 08 XT earlier this year. Other than the size I'm pretty sure they're the same. No bleeding tool required, just need to stroke the metering rod by hand until there is no air in the tube. Yeah, oil level is just a distance from the top, measure with anything you can stick down the tube. The only thing that bugged me was that I could not find an actual oil capacity in any of the books. Luckily I wasn't in a hurry. I bought two bottles of the type E oil, filled one tube and came up short on the second. Had to make another trip for more. Oh well. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Yo_Barry, Might only have to clean out some built up filth with a seal cleaning tool. Worked for me and other ULY owners. Might save a whole lot of un-necessary work. https://www.google.com/search?q=fork+seal+cleaning +tool&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=940&source=lnms&tbm=isch &sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjR7vrZ-ubPAhWCRyYKHeHXCOoQ_AUICCg D | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
By the way. Once you make or buy a tool it only is a minute or two's work to clear the dirt that is causing the leak. If that works for you but you worry about the oil that you've lost up to that point then you can add an ounce or so of oil without too much more effort compared to changing out the seal and dust seal. I've done the seal changing thing twice and it is really no fun especially since it was probably un-necessary. The last time I used a seal cleaning tool and it worked just as advertised. Good luck. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
If you do go the seal change route then you might see if this works for a seal driver. http://www.instructables.com/id/Homebuilt-Seal-ins taller-Instal-any-seal-without-/ | ||
| Yo_barry |
Thanks for the input ... I tried a short piece of .003 shim stock to clear any debris that might have been stuck in the seal. It leaked some after I tried that. I'll stop by my local dirt bike store and see if they have one of those seal mates. Barry Hollister, CA | ||
| Griffmeister |
I used the Seal Mate on mine and it did buy me about another 5K miles. Unfortunately the leak eventually became unstoppable. It did help me buy enough time to do the real job when the weather was better for repairs and not riding.  | ||
| Yo_barry |
A plug for St. Paul Harley Davidson... Al from American Sport Bike recommended this HD Dealer as a supplier of Buell parts. I talked with Eric today about seals and bushings for my Uly. He had them all in stock and is shipping today! Can't beat that! Barry Hollister, CA | ||
| Tootal |
You might want to install some fork socks. The dust cover doesn't always stop the fine grit from getting to the seal. You're out there in the California sand which wouldn't help any. The fine grit in the Colorado mountain roads did my seals in. | ||
| Yo_barry |
Tootal... Good suggestion on the fork socks. I've run them for years on the dirt bike. Barry Hollister, CA |
