Fork Oil Level Question

[mp183]

If I jack up the front so the tire is off the ground and take off the caps
on the forks how much pressure will there be?
Will I be able screw the cap on back without a problem?
Seems like there should be a simpler way to check the oil level on stock forks
without taking everything apart.
If I'm able to take off the caps, can't I just check the level by making a dipstick and
seeing how much from the top of the fork the oil is?
Knowing the distance to the proper oil level is another subject but if you have a one leaky fork
you should be able to get the distance from the one that does not leak?

[HPP8140]

If I jack up the front so the tire is off the ground and take off the caps
on the forks how much pressure will there be?
Not much pressure with stock springs and spacers.

Will I be able screw the cap on back without a problem?
Yes

If I'm able to take off the caps, can't I just check the level by making a dipstick and
seeing how much from the top of the fork the oil is?
Fork oil is checked by removing springs/spacers and with forks fully compressed.

[mp183]

Thanks
I would just use the good fork for comparison
I would pull out what is easily removed from the top and check the level
I assume the internals are the same so if I add oil to make the bad side equal to the good side
I should be ok

[Janx101]

That's assuming the good fork hasn't lost any oil over time also.   

....and depending on what weight of oil is in either fork, the condition of the oil and whether there is crud in the oil... if a seal is letting oil out then there is a possibility of dirt or other crud being in the oil.

Plus you are adding fresh new oil to oil of undetermined quality/attributes.

Each to their own but ultimately longterm the easiest way is to do it by the book and with all fresh fluids and parts. That way you know exactly what's in there!

[ShowBizWolf]

+1 to that!! I've found out over the years that these forks are picky...

[kapiteinkoek]

I don't see why you would do this. If you think a fork has leaked oil it needs to be fixed and taken apart anyway. If you just want to replace the old oil with fresh oil good luck with that without taking the whole thing apart. You won't be able to remove the oil in the most important part of the fork; at the piston that actually takes care of the damping. You'll be doing a totally half assed job leaving rotten fork oil at the piston. Sure it will slosh around for a bit but how long do you think your fresh oil is going to stay fresh being mixed with rotten crap?

Take it apart, clean and inspect the sliding parts, or just leave it be.

Look at this thread and go get some inspiration.