Easily measure fork oil

[the_journeyman]

I don't have exposed beams, but I was going to go to a hardware store & get me a couple hefty U-bolts. Drill through the celiing (just plywood) and mount the U-bolts to a beam, then use the u-bolts to hook the straps to ~

JM

[ScottMc1100L]

...Treat your bike - pull the forks, drain the oil, flush out with some kerosine to clean all the old scunge out of the fork legs (work the legs up and down a few times), drain again, then fill, measure, and reassemble.
...

Has anyone here done a write-up on this with pictures? I'm willing to bet my forks need servicing! I need to replace my lower triple anyways due to a broken stop. I'd love to through them at the same time, but am a little reluctant to try it alone.

[emjay]

... I'd love to through them at the same time, but am a little reluctant to try it alone.

If you had a bike with a pitted fork tube that you didn't notice, then you too would've had numerous opportunities to practice redoing your forks.

I've got a setup that works pretty well. I use a bike jack that's ok, though I'd prefer a lift, and tie downs to eyehooks hanging from rafters. I built a stand to work on my forks styled after a croquet set stand and use a syringe with a tube to add/remove oil and an old dipstick with a mark to measure.

Next time I do forks, need to on my recently acquired 550, I'll try to remember to take and post some pics.

[Guest]

I don't have exposed beams, but I was going to go to a hardware store & get me a couple hefty U-bolts. Drill through the celiing (just plywood) and mount the U-bolts to a beam, then use the u-bolts to hook the straps to ~

JM

I've been thinking of making a tripod for that kind of work. 3, 8' 2x4s, 3' of 1/2" threaded rod, some bolts and washers. Drill 1/2" holes in the 2x4s, and in a bunch of short pieces to use as spacers. Use spacers to keep one 2x4 in the middle, the others on the ends. Use light weight chain at the bottom to limit how far the legs can spread. Put the middle leg in front of the front, wheel, the other two legs on each side of the bike. Attach the straps, or cable-operated come-alongs, to the side legs. When done, fold it up and lean it against a wall.

Heck, make two. Lift the entire bike for maintenance.