fork bushings?

[BDMCHOPPERFREAK]

What mileage are you guys getting before the fork bushings need replaced? I have a 2003 Chopper and will be doing a 10k service myself. I'll have the triple trees off for the neck bearings and front wheel off for wheel bearings. The fork seals have never leaked or been replaced. So I just plan on replacing the fork fluid. What do you guys think? Seals and bushings? Or just fluid change? Thanks in advance.

 

[Raywood]

What mileage are you guys getting before the fork bushings need replaced? I have a 2003 Chopper and will be doing a 10k service myself. I'll have the triple trees off for the neck bearings and front wheel off for wheel bearings. The fork seals have never leaked or been replaced. So I just plan on replacing the fork fluid. What do you guys think? Seals and bushings? Or just fluid change? Thanks in advance.

There are many threads on here about the forks and bushings. Dogvet our factory guys that was on here used to recommend we double the service on them meaning every 5000 miles vice 10,000.
If you don't the bushing teflon coating wears down to the brass and then eats away at the chrome on your fork leg. When that happens you not only need new bushing but new legs.

ASk me how I know? :angry:

Due to the longer length of the front end the wear is increased.

 

[LDO]

Funny you ask. Just did mine. Glad I did it when I did 15k+. Wish I had done them at 10k. Next time I'll do them at about 6K. I've heard the choppers put even more stress due to longer fork tubes. I have a Mastiff and like you, no leaks, no problems and was very tempted to leave well enough alone but I went ahead and replaced the fork seals & bushings as well as my neck bearins and races and I'm VERY glad I did. Bike runs like new again.
My LDO's Florida Winter Mods thread and GasMan's HOW-TO on servicing your forks will help.

LDO sends.

 

[Vegas]

I'm at about 8k and my bushings were in need of replacement. I found a knick at some wear on my uppers so I am replacing them both, bushings, and seals. Parts are here Saturday. Then I'll be back on the road!!

 

[LDO]

I'm at about 8k and my bushings were in need of replacement. I found a knick at some wear on my uppers so I am replacing them both, bushings, and seals. Parts are here Saturday. Then I'll be back on the road!!

Aren't you getting new lowers too Vegas?

 

[Vegas]

:roll: No

 

[lee]

I'm thinking I want to do this but am a bit nervous about it. LDO very kindly sent me the pages from his manual for the inverted forks (not in my manual!) but the forks detailed are certainly different to mine. I don't know how different but the ones in the manual have an oil drain screw and top caps - I have neither.

 

[Gas Man]

I would plan on doing the seals and the bushings.

 

[mcgroom]

I'm thinking I want to do this but am a bit nervous about it. LDO very kindly sent me the pages from his manual for the inverted forks (not in my manual!) but the forks detailed are certainly different to mine. I don't know how different but the ones in the manual have an oil drain screw and top caps - I have neither.

Lee, do you have the GBC 54mm inverted forks on your bulldog or are they 41mm?

The reason I am asking is that I just got my fork seals and bushings and I have the GBC 54mm inverted forks. Getting ready to do them this weekend or next depending on work schedule.

Can't promise the best "How To" but will gladly take pictures during the process if it makes things easier.

I don't have anything on how to do this on paper beside what is here on the site. I am hoping Chris' "How To" will be enough.

 

[lee]

sounds good mc - pics would be great - not sure what I've got to tell you the truth. I'll see what I can find out. These BDM manuals are not exactly what I would call good! Best of luck with it :2thumbs:

 

[Thumper169]

I have around 5,000 miles and I have just started noticing mine are sticking a little bit, time to pull em and rebuild.