Ok, so does anyone have a hypothesis as to how long one could ride without fork oil before the fork springs would need replaced as well. Assuming its mostly highway, is it 10 miles, 50, 1000? It's a long story.
Fork oil level does not impact spring longevity. Many other things, but not that.
So in theory one could ride indefinitely without fork oil and no damage is done. What will be damaged?
Quote from: Huff1371 on June 18, 2012, 11:12:46 AM
So in theory one could ride indefinitely without fork oil and no damage is done. What will be damaged?
Presumably anything that is affected by the suspension. The fork seals will dry out and crack, tires won't wear evenly, the ride up front will suck (feel every bump). The oil keeps things from moving too fast.
I imagine the bushings would be damaged when they dry out.
Probably the only thing not damaged by running forks without oil would be the springs.
Fork bushings would be toast. Inside of fork tubes all scraped up and work out.
Time for new forks.
Quote from: adidasguy on June 18, 2012, 12:01:20 PM
Probably the only thing not damaged by running forks without oil would be the springs.
That's pretty much what I was thinking too. The right thing to do is dump some more oil back in those puppies now. If you're really broke and in a pinch, use ATF fluid... don't run them dry. Hard on forks + dangerous to boot.
Speaking of ATF - that was what forks used before proper fork oil was created. A guy I know uses 5w-30 motor oil because it has the proper characteristics needed. I've never tried it personally though........
OK. so I changed the seals last night. Turns out there was some fluid in there, just not that much at all. Nothing appears damaged and after filling it with ATF it seems to be just fine. So on to the next question, what levels does everybody run at? I'm 185lbs. and ride on mostly good roads (interstate or parkway) without huge potholes.
Oil level is mostly about bottoming resistance. The recommended level really depends on what springs you have there. If you have stock springs, I'd suggest stock oil level. If you have aftermarket springs, try 120mm instead - stock oil level is really high, and risks hydro lock with aftermarket springs.
I generally wrap a zip-tie around the fork leg and periodically check to see how close I am to bottoming out. If I'm at bottom of travel, I'll often add a little extra oil.
You can probably add 10mm or so to the stock oil level with stock springs and be okay.
BTW: at 185, you will benefit tremendously from a set of aftermarket springs.
Been there and done that. Doesn't cause any damage. Replace fork oil and go. Springs don't "wear out", only the oil loses it's normal properties over time and then no longer aids in damping. Without fork oil your forks will be more bouncy, like a car with worn out shocks, where the oil in the shocks has gotten old, or leaked out. I suppose you could do some potential damage if you left it for years and years and liked to do wheelies all the time such that you were bottoming out and topping out the forks all the time, but with regular riding over a year or two we never noticed any real difference or damage. Although I can sell you a new pair of forks for $1000 if you are worried LOL
Quote from: SAFE-T on June 19, 2012, 10:33:11 AM
Been there and done that. Doesn't cause any damage. Replace fork oil and go. Springs don't "wear out", only the oil loses it's normal properties over time and then no longer aids in damping. Without fork oil your forks will be more bouncy, like a car with worn out shocks, where the oil in the shocks has gotten old, or leaked out. I suppose you could do some potential damage if you left it for years and years and liked to do wheelies all the time such that you were bottoming out and topping out the forks all the time, but with regular riding over a year or two we never noticed any real difference or damage. Although I can sell you a new pair of forks for $1000 if you are worried LOL
Thanks for offer but it's riding great now. Actually, if you want to sell them I'll take em. I can not do the $1000 but will instead send you a check for $5000. Just cash it in and send me the change in $20's. Do you ship to Morocco?
My Mom lives in Morocco LOL
Quote from: SAFE-T on June 20, 2012, 09:06:40 AM
My Mom lives in Morocco LOL
(http://i.imgur.com/DHZy6.jpg) (http://imgur.com/DHZy6)
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