Fork service

Having Problems with your BMW R1200RT/R1250RT? or have some Maintenance and Service questions?
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Batfastard
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Fork service

Post by Batfastard »

First of all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Decided to give the fork a bit of an overhaul as it was the only job I didn't do when I got the bike. One of the forks had obviously been worked at before as the fluid was fairly clean. The other one I have seen better stool samples, including a rusted seal.

My question is. Is it worth flushing out the legs before rebuilding. If so what would I use. Something like brake and clutch cleaner perhaps?

Thanks

Marty
SimonD
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Re: Fork service

Post by SimonD »

I'd drain the fork with the dirty oil then empty the clean oil from the other leg into the one that had the dirty fluid. Pump it through a bit then drain before filling both legs with fresh oil.
Batfastard
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Re: Fork service

Post by Batfastard »

Sound like a plan Simon. Hadn't thought of using the other oil
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Re: Fork service

Post by Batfastard »

Pleased to report the wee job is going well. One last question. Do you wait until you have the wheel back on and her sitting on own weight, then release the air screw then tighten it, or does it make much difference
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sakm
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Re: Fork service

Post by sakm »

Missed this but for future reference in the past I have cleaned forks out with petrol

Pour some in give it a slosh about without pumping the forks as the petrol will wash all oil away

Then pour it out and leave the forks upside down to drain all the petrol out

Stick a match to it to make it quicker :lol: (PS I am joking! don't do this!)

I have always planned it to leave the forks to drain overnight and the petrol will be all evaporated by then

As for the air screw! not sure on the BMW's but on other bikes you assemble everything off the bike with it all set then just fit them to the bike I can't see it been any different
Batfastard
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Re: Fork service

Post by Batfastard »

Thanks Sakm. Had them built before noticing your reply, but set the air screw as you suggested.
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Doctor T
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Re: Fork service

Post by Doctor T »

Assemble the forks then release the air
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
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Doctor T
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Re: Fork service

Post by Doctor T »

Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
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