Changing fork oil

[Nomejoda]

So I was changing tires on my 08 and when I pulled the front axle out I noticed oil leaking from the fork. All the seals are good but the Allen bolt at the bottom where the axle slides thru is the culprit. I don't know if I baked the screw out or blew the washer yet but my question is, I know I can drain the oil from the bottom but can I add it there too without disassembling the entire fork?

[MKP]

No.
You need to pull the spring out and measure the oil level from the top side before you even know how much oil to put in. In which case I'd just drain it completley and add fresh oil.

[Nomejoda]

Well finally got me a stand and took the front end apart. Screw hadn't backed out at all. F*en crunch washer will need to be replaced. I know its a 10mm (inside) 15 mm out but does the material make a difference? Cycle Gear has some aluminum ones but I think these are copper. Also found some brass ones too. I have a trackday this weekend and dealer isn't open till tom.

[wisegunner]

Aluminum should be fine.

[bionicman]

Originally Posted by MKP

No.
You need to pull the spring out and measure the oil level from the top side before you even know how much oil to put in. In which case I'd just drain it completley and add fresh oil.

+1

[fuzzbutt]

Aluminum or copper. But check your torque measurements, too. If you crush it too much, then you can get leakage that way. and do the whole fork oil and measure it properly. Follow some guidelines or instructions if you haven't done that before. Check Tech Tips in this forum.

[Nomejoda]

I ended up picking up some copper ones and knocked this out back in Nov. I changed the oil in both tubes just to be safe on measurements. Changed the weight too and the front feels amazing.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by Nomejoda

I ended up picking up some copper ones and knocked this out back in Nov. I changed the oil in both tubes just to be safe on measurements. Changed the weight too and the front feels amazing.

What weight oil did you use?

[buddy13]

I think now would be a good time to change viscosity to suit damping for you better...just an idea..would this work ?