Fork Oil Top Up

[1050cc]

Hey all,

Left fork on my 06 ST has been weeping for some time. I haven't got time to change it until I have some time off in early Feb, but would like to add a few mm to the leg just to keep me going until then.

I have read all the fork rebuild threads, but can't find an easy answer to this. Is it possible?

Thanks in advance

NH

[uraberg]

You can certainly take the cap off, and drizzle some oil in there. The only problem is, you really won't know how much to add unless you take the spring completely out, and compress the leg fully.
In order to do this, you'd need to take the leg out, at which point you might as well change the seal.
I'd guess that if you overfill the leg, you'd run the risk of blowing the seal outcompletely

[Felony]

Only you know how much oil has seeped out. I don't think a couple of mm are going to make a difference either way. I would be more concerned about the oil making its way down to the caliper pads. Perhaps a bit of dirt has lodged itself at the seal. Dirt bike riders use a seal cleaner to swipe the seal while in the fork to remove any debris that got under the dust seal.

[Bruce C]

I would simple support the bike with the forks off the ground, pull both fork caps. Then, with leaving the springs in place, simply match the fluid level in the good side and quit while I was ahead.
Remember to re-set the length of exposed thread on the damper rods when re-installing the fork caps. I believe it's 10mm., but I don't have a manual handy.

Just a tip: If you use this method, just go easy! Adding 10cc's of fork oil with a graduated syringe will raise the oil level almost 10mm.! And it's a lot easier to add the oil, than get it out!!!!

[KitNYC]

What Bruce said about matching levels, and what Felony said about the seal cleaner. This is not The Right Way to do it, obviously, but I would think it would do you for a month or so.

Cheers,
-Kit

[1050cc]

Thanks guys - i know this isn't the right way, but it'll make me feel better until i get time to sling the front end and go right through everything.

Really appreciate the advice.

NH

[1050cc]

Job is done - matched the levels. Do I really need to replace the seals now?? (Joke!)

[elevens]

Another happy ending thanks to collective experience. Up next, the sequel to 1050cc's fork adventures

[Bruce C]

Originally Posted by 1050cc

Job is done - matched the levels. Do I really need to replace the seals now?? (Joke!)

I would think about installing gaiters on the forks. That way you can let them fill up before adding oil to the forks.

[1050cc]

Originally Posted by Bruce C

I would think about installing gaiters on the forks. That way you can let them fill up before adding oil to the forks.

You aren't the guy who bought my last Suzuki, are you??? Sorry about that!!