Harley Davidson DYNA Fork Leak

A lot of times a leak isn't coming from a failed seal or gasket. Sometimes there is actual damage to a part. Watch the video to see what I mean.
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[@Cloneme]

Is it 26.6 fl oz OR 110 mm from the top, or both or? I filled my forks to 26.6 and I was about 1 1/2 inches from hitting 110 mm on the motion pro fork fluid tool thingamajig. So I filled until 110 mm and removed the excess. No problems yet. Thanks! Great videos. This one in particular was a huge help to me rebuilding my front end. Great music selection too. Maybe start adding the music you use to the descriptions? Just a thought.

[@TheHarleyTech]

I do add music titles later. I’m a super noob, haha. I haven’t been doing this very long. This is probably my 5th video. Yikes. Anyway, I usually add 1/2 the fluid (so 13oz) pump the fork about 10 times and add the rest of the fluid. With the spring removed! Fully compress the fork. Check for 110mm of air gap with the motion pro tool. If nothing sucks up, add 1oz until it’s correct. The reason for 2 fluid level checks is technically because a lot of times you might just drop a drain plug and then refill with fresh oil. The air gap is for a situation that you have completely disassembled the fork. Glad the video helped!

[@brodymorales4878]

On a 2008 street Bob how much oil do I fill my fork with ?harly gave me 1pint per fork?

[@jchildressjr]

@@TheHarleyTech Great video Sir! I have a suspension question for you. I just bought a new 2020 Street Glide. roughest riding bike I have ever owned. Please don't misunderstand, its a fun sporty ride, but Id still like it to be a bit smoother. I have adjusted the clicker all the way out and back in 1 1/2 clicks (according to the manual for my weight) 220lbs. What do you recommend for an alternative shock that would offer a better ride?

[@brianhaygood183]

The air gap is the spec. The fluid volume is to get you in the right ballpark. Some tuning of the fork can be done by changing the air gap above the oil a little.

[@-PlayMaker-]

@@brodymorales4878 ya thats what they gave me... 2 pints... wtf I'm gonna need like double that

[@ericerice761]

Just did a fork rebuild on my 2016 Dyna Lowrider. Dude thank you so much for this video. Parts, oil and the tools I was missing, had me under $200... HD wanted $480. I got to paint my sliders off the bike and Now i have new tools and new skills. You are awesome!

[@antonfriescsnsouth1325]

Thanks John, I just used this to change the fork seal on my 05 sporty. I can't thank you enough for the confidence to complete this project myself. Saved enough to upgrade to new fork springs. What a difference. You da man.

[@bobbuckland4838]

Definitely more in depth tech videos. Great Job.

[@PikeyScott]

I don’t know if anyone mentioned this over the last 4 years since you published this, but holy crap. Thank you for not editing out the part where you used a socket extender to tap the dust covers off the lower forks. I’m working on my ‘07 Dyna right now that’s never had the forks serviced. Dust covers were caked on pretty good. The tip of a 3/8 socket extender fits that cut-out perfectly. Popped them off for me with zero damage and zero monkey motion. Man hug thru the tubes. Had to degrease my hands just to say: Thanks!

[@dansproshop]

I love the step by step how to. Kept up the good work. Great videos!!

[@whollymary7406]

Yikes careful with that fork oil and chucking that part behind you hope you didn’t hit anybody else’s motorcycle hard time watching you I’m afraid what might happen next but you did a heck of a good job explaining stuff so thank you

[@antoniogranillo1458]

probably one of the most amusing videos, honestly

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Antonio Granillo glad you enjoyed it!

[@RailfanDad]

John loved the video. I am about to use this on my 2006 Dyna Wide Glide bobber build. I have learned alot from these videos already. Keep them coming.

[@lukeflupper]

I was out on the fat bob, blew a fork seal. Oil made a damn mess. Your video gave me the confidence to attempt on my own to repair it. Great info I appreciate it.

[@srhintz]

Damn that just happened to me a few minutes ago on my 13 FB. This vid does not give me that confidence.

[@17rgs48]

Don't know if you get these comments from old videos, but I wanted to thank you again. I did the fork slider swap on my 2017 RGS today. I changed them out for gloss black powder coated. I used this video and one made by "Bagger on a Budget". Between the two of your videos I was able to get it done without too much trouble. The only issue I had was getting the left side fork tube plug back on. I have to hand it to you Mr Maxwell your "angle the Fork tube in the vise and pull the cap on by yourself" was pretty impressive, must have been the energy drink. I tried your method with no luck and had to resort to a two person pushing on the cap method, many many times before we got it back on... I think maybe the Dyna forks and different fork caps made it easier, or perhaps the gravity or sunny skies out here in California made the fork springs stronger. But then being in California, I cant rule out that when I wasn't looking one of the 100 million homeless people out here crawled inside the tube to live and was pushing back on the cap...Maybe it was the one who yelled at you in San Diego.. hahahhaha But seriously, Even though the forks were different bikes (Dyna vs Road Glide) the steps were pretty much the same and between Bagger on a Budget and your video the job was actually not too bad and saved me big $$. I'm even gonna use my new skills to swap out my buddies 2017 RGS forks next week. Also the correct tools (Fork Holder, Impact Gun, Seal driver) made this job much easier and I cant see how you could do it without them. I sent you a message last week about how HD wont sell some of their specialty tools to the public, maybe its because its next to impossible to do it without them. But as I told you I was able to buy a very good home made copy from a gent off ebay. Anyway, I'm sure you have more important things to do that read a long message. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos. A lot of KZbinrs provide great opinions and reviews, which is nice, but not many share actual knowledge and teach people how to do things they otherwise wouldn't attempt. I wish you the best, and look forward to more such videos.

[@MacksMoto]

Aaaaaand, just decided I will never tackle that on my own :) you killed it!

[@markwhitney9175]

Dig the step by step videos. Very helpful and appreciated.

[@jodyclaybourn8654]

Getting ready to change my lowers. Thx for the info, it will be extremely helpful. Keep up the great work/vlogs bro!!

[@TorqueandPower]

Another great video! In depth how to videos Big 👍🏻👍🏻. Thanks for taking the time to do it appreciated!

[@paulsullivan931]

Thanks John,that answered a lot of questions for me,like always very cool vlog😃👍

[@trystankottmeier1012]

a list of tools required would be awesome too! Extremely helpful video

[@chrisa7409]

Love the in depth videos keep it up!

[@RjsEpicAdventures]

ultra detailed video loved it bro!

[@waynecasey6375]

damn son, you make it look so easy....wow...I have not yet ventured into front fork/shock work yet...thanks for the video

[@robbierussell9536]

Nice job John

[@tx_reds2426]

bro, you make this look way to simple....i will be tackling mine shortly...I pray to whatever higher power that mine goes this smooth

[@kenbuttone8775]

Thanks for thr knowledge john.

[@waynestover5426]

Grwat video, would really like to see even more in depth service videos

[@adibee88]

Great video! I know it's hard because you made it look easy! 😂😂😂

[@Deemosorence117]

ah legend! tackling this today

[@scottwilloughby3840]

this is why you seek out a highly trained certified harley mechanic great info great videos

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@meikziemer-popp8288]

Thanks for the video - exactly THAT I've to do with my FXDF. Have a nice day, greetings from germany, Meikthebike

[@v8zj98]

26.6 oz. Thank you.. Doing a service this weekend on my 07 fxdb

[@srhintz]

Check with your Manuel cause mine shows 28.6 for that bike.

[@Easyliving2009]

Great video! Was wandering what was used on the bottom bolt. Thanks

[@gerryrandolph]

John, please start making more videos!!!!! Hope the shop is doing well!

[@jaac2429]

finally someone (John) who knows his shit on how to take apart, fix the problem, assemble without to many BS details., Thank you., u r right on point.. video is 100%

[@moustachemike7128]

what i found that helped was to put the dampener in the tube,put the fork spring in,, turn it upside down,, then place the dampening spacer on end,,,, ..the spring keeps a pressure on the parts while ya place the leg over the tube.then start tread the bolt ..easy as pie...great vid's

[@team_sixthree8956]

Cool vid

[@Smackdade]

Just had a leak on my left fork. Red fluid so knew immediately what was happening. Unfortunately 50 miles from home so me and bike covered in fluid by the time I made it home. My boys at Chunky River Harley gonna fix me up Friday. Changing the tires while I’m at it. Maybe they’ll be nice and wash the bike too?? Thanks for the vid!!

[@skorpius752]

Sorry about your luck. I would never take my bike to the dealer for service. People think Harleys are expensive to own, but only if you don't do your own work. I have a Jetta that's been real expensive to own but I just don't have the space or equipment to do a lot of the work. Fortunately I have a good independent mechanic. You might consider finding one to work on your bike. It can easily be cheaper, with better quality work.

[@raykirchdorfer5452]

I'd like to see a V-Rod fork tube (Showa) take apart and put together, thanks love your video

[@Slartibartfast70]

Good video. I will try to polish out a ding but, those long scratches, you're right, will never seal. Before you throw away the bag the seal comes in, put it over the fork tube and then slide the seal over the bag.

[@evoharley3047]

Good video ..I'm about to do mine..thanks

[@gregjohnson9983]

Great timing. My new(to me) 2011 Fat Bob developed a fork leak on the right side. Mine was the seal tho. They showed me the chip that was missing from it.

[@TheHarleyTech]

It’s weird man. See it all the time, and only on Dynas...

[@gregjohnson9983]

John Maxwell well I'm learning. I'm in a whole new world now with this being my first ever HD

[@ctscantechnologist]

I like the vid. I think I learned a lot, but still feel too chicken fix my own for leak.

[@redxbell1373]

I have a question about drop springs. Do you have to fully disassemble or can you just pull the old ones out drop the new ones in?

[@neildevine1288]

On a 2001 FXDL Lowrider, looking for verification of how far down from the dust seal cover at the top of the fork lower, is the oil seal(?). I understand that it is just under it (dust seal, stopper ring, then oil seal) in a static position. I was told that it is lower than that, but do not believe so at all. Is important to confirm, so looking for an answer - thanks.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

How much Tension is on the Spring? Watching the part where you install the Nut Cap things with the special socket. And what is the difference between the Oils? Thank you

[@joser5193]

Too cool Have you had a chance on newer Wide Glide a? Maybe a air ride system. Looking to install a set harley drag bars blinker relocate to fork. Although being told I’m gonna need to purchase clutch and brake cables. Stock cables are to short

[@jessethemes]

This is the kind of videos I like the ones where I can learn and see if I even want to try and tempt them lol. And now I don't F%ck! I wanted to powder coat my lowers but that's not something I'm ready for yet lol.. Great video though. And I like how you integrate all your video editing in makes them fun to watch.

[@guitarB0P]

thanks for all of the videos , excellent, very helpful, appreciate it have to do my seals, what is the tool called to hold the tube in a vise is that a home made, parts from home depot or?

[@readtheinstructions1407]

Hi John Maxwell, I'm in the process of changing my 07 Dyna stock front end with 49mm x 25.5" long slider tubes, to a Dyna Switchback 41mm x 26.25" long slider tubes. I'm replacing everything including the triple trees, lowers, and headlight. I have to increase the 41mm length, because the stock Switchback slider length is a half inch shorter with a stock length of 25". I don't wanna go down in height so I plan on increasing the length to the next available size at 26.25". My question is, how do I calculate the correct internals to accomplish this? Thanks, John

[@bluesriderDF]

John, I liked this video, but I like all your videos. It was more of a "Hey, watch me do this repair" video then a "This is how YOU do this repair" video. So since you ask, in the future it would help if you explained a few things. But I know you are on the clock. Thanks man!

[@Frog_man007]

John, we miss the videos playa!!!! I hope all is well. Cheers 🍻

[@CC-ys8qq]

4 years later a question!!! Do you recommend doing both? My right is spewing reddish (14 dyna low rider) pink fluid at 31k, after riding a road with a lot of bumps too. Oh and I see it could be the tube scratched as well, could be from sand getting in?

[@theone9564]

Hello buddy! Have you done a video on sportster fork seals?

[@jimgaffney4524]

mine was 07 heritage softail classic. fork pinch bolts broke and allowed fork tube to rotate and top for cap/ bolt/, cover came loose. oil everywhere.

[@scottgibson559]

hey john my 2017 fxdb has just developed a squeak in the front suspension any ideas what could be

[@richardcherry9223]

It would be helpful to discuss the parts, order, tool sizes, how to, be careful of ... etc. Trying to reassemble and can see inner and outer seals, seal, setting seal, cover etc.

[@ballstud2007]

I have a 2009 night train. Would it be the same build. Even though I know I have 39mm fork tubes?

[@jderouen89]

how long are the tubes u installed after the springs

[@Rob-wf7ul]

Bro killer video. Diggin the tunes too!! What song is that, I need it in my life.

[@jayb1367]

John which impact driver you use?

[@jasonbouchard2477]

I have watched this video so many times I shouldn't have any problems rebuilding my 49mm dyna fxd forks but for some reason I am having so much trouble getting the thin bushing to seat so I can seat the oil seal. can you enlighten me please.

[@charliepv]

Help please! :'( How I can order the seals kit like this? I need to do this in a FLHX '08. Tks, great videos!

[@warnerfowlkes782]

What way do the seals go in and what was the washer you replaced on the top of the plunger?

[@SP-bq7sx]

I have a technical question I have a 1998FXSTC and I have dropped the front forks about 4 inches I’m just wondering with the forks being that much shorter would you use less fork oil or is there a rule of how much fork oil less per inch drop? Thank you in advance!

[@shacklifecustoms8430]

How much fork oil did u use

[@timbarnett3898]

John, I have a shocking question to ask you. My bike is a 03 FXDX with top an bottom shock screw adjustments. What is best way to adjust setting both top an bottom for ride styles? Secondly, what steps different in rebuilding these shocks vs standard? Thank, Tim

[@charlesmoody4304]

More like this!

[@scct82]

I got a pair of drag specialty forks for my 99 fxd. Brand new put the correct fluid in and pumped out air. It has a clank noise over bumps. Took caliper and fender off still has it. Can the Allen's at the bottom be loose from factory and cause that noise? Have you ran across that before? Thanks any help is appreciated

[@eddiegerlach7121]

How often does the fork oil need to be changed? I bought an 04 Low Rider last year and noticed that I have the drain screw at the bottom side of the fork? Would this mean I can avoid fork removal? 🤔

[@saraobara184]

How do you replace fork Springs and oil on a 97 fxd Super Glide

[@brianpalmer4706]

Hello sir, I am wondering if you have a name or part # for seal installer that you used.

[@bryanwebb5986]

Hey I have an 06’ street bob. What size Allen bolt is that on the lower tube?

[@donle2511]

How many oz for 2018 Fatboy? Thanks bro

[@codypierce8637]

Recommend any good brands for fork seal kits? And websites to order from? Any advice helps, pulled the plug off and barely and oil came out, bike is brand new only 1800 miles on it. Was just upgraded and sat in a shop for 5-6 months. The forks are bottoming out making the bracket for the light bar hit.... you think the forks have a low oil level leading to excessive dive or??? Maybe needs longer spacers or stiffer springs?? I’ve gotten advice that I need fork seals, stiffer fork springs, even spacers..... I’m clueless on it. My first bike but I been doing all my own work learning as I go............

[@butch049]

how did it get the scratches

[@randallhutter]

Nice...

[@KevDoesStuff]

i would love to kniow the harley part number for the rebuild kit that comes with everything.. instead of buying individual

[@daveedwards9238]

How much can I expect to pay for this to be done to my 2011 superglide classic? Thanks

[@30OTTE6]

Correct way to place seal on fork tube? I have this problem...

[@chrisfernandez7705]

Sweet video .... cool to see that it does takes time , knowledge , experience , to get service done and completed correctly . And that is money well spent !!! Maybe some ideas for videos .. went riding with a couple friends ... stopped to fuel up and his bike wouldn’t start up .. always a bummer ,, turns out it was an electrical issue .. Maybe you can use “ electrical issues “ as a topic sometime ... IDK I’m an idiot :) , don’t know shit :) , ... just ignore me .. if that sounds dumb .. Still saving for a RG , this July hopefully ... ✌️! Thanks for the Vids!

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Chris Fernandez I’d like to do some electrical, but it’s hard to show and “make time” on the job. Most of what is happening is a meter, a book, and my tiny brain. I haven’t had one lately that was cut and dry enough to film/post. Don’t worry l, though, they are coming! Thanks for watching. Oh, what was wrong with your buddy’s bike?

[@chrisfernandez7705]

John Maxwell ... his battery needed to be replaced ... he thought he just had a short somewhere .... cause his battery was only a couple years old ..... thanks John !!!

[@littlehoolingans2702]

hey john. i know this an old video but maybe you'll get this. ive got a 17 fxdl that im changing the fork oil on. bought the bike new with 30ish miles. left fork oil dark, has debris, smells like screaming eagle heavy duty fluid. right side was nice red and thin feeling with little debris. is it normal for one to be darker or have a different level of degradation to it. bike currently has around 8,000 miles now.

[@fansol]

merci

[@hillbillyfoodporn8725]

I’ve got a 92 Dyna with inverted forks, custom triple tree. Should the disassembly be quite similar?

[@hillbillyfoodporn8725]

Solid Billet top with no nut or bolt exposed or the top side

[@chris__usher2949]

I would like you to explain a lot of other vids like this

[@JBUCKLEY86]

I would love to see how you fix a Dyna with a bad "death wobble"

[@barrybambmessagedeletedbyy7467]

Trade it in for an Indian.

[@jerrybourlet5938]

What size Allen is it

[@t.s.racing]

Can you do a video on replacing the fork seals on my Springer ? 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸😎🇺🇸😎🇺🇸😎🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@nickz6508]

Where can I get that seal driver?

[@markpadilla5790]

Videos are very helpful. Any, on how to remove a broken exhaust stud

[@TheHarleyTech]

it really depends on where it's broken. If there is enough stud left to get vice grips on it, try that first. if not, Jims makes a jig to help line up a drill bit, but I don't even do it that way. Usually, first I cry (nah I'm kidding), I just take the head off and take it to a machine shop here in town. They usually get us for about 80 bucks, and they put a new stud in. I've broken an extractor in a head trying to remove one. it was the last attempt I ever made. Sorry that happened. it sucks! Thanks for watching the vids, glad you're enjoying them!

[@markpadilla5790]

John Maxwell Thanks for replying. There’s not enough thread left from the stud to grab with vice grips. I tried drilling it out with a easy out but broke the tip of the easy out off in the stud. Local shops also saying to remove the head and bring it them, but also want me to bring $250+

[@TheHarleyTech]

the shop wants 250 with the head already off!!! holy smokes. I think a broken exhaust stud is probably the biggest pain in the ass ever. I'd call a machine shop instead of the dealer/shop. If they want 250 to remove the head and the bolt, that's a steal and you should do it!

[@jakehladik211]

2018 breakout exhaust

[@herdevil77]

Video idea the bean can ping common causes and fixes.

[@murphfee617]

Hey john, Murph here how would forkseals get so gouged like that one ,Jumps, whellies or very bumpy roads? Thanks man much L,h,r Boston Murph

[@joser5193]

Would really like to see a lower chin fairing along with a small head light fairing just to give it a Mean stance

[@AlMikeChris]

John... HELP! You see a lot of bikes and I was wondering... Does the 2018 Fatboy share the same forks as the touring bikes?

[@jimearnest4342]

Damn! I had no idea there was many parts to a front fork assembly.

[@harwoods11]

No nitrile gloves?

[@tetlow2]

How much wood would a wood chuck, chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood

[@ericerler1117]

Any idea what size fork seal driver I need to set the seals in my stock 2012 Softail Slim FLS front forks?

[@TheHarleyTech]

41mm motion pro makes an awesome one. amzn.to/2t67JSk is what I use

[@joeljasper3622]

Great video. What would cause the scratches on the slider leading to the fluid loss?

[@TheHarleyTech]

Dirt stuck between the seal and the tube. Just one of the things that could be caught during a service, but often times it’s too late!

[@joeljasper3622]

Thanks - I assume it could be inspected prior to the next scheduled service by looking for the scratches? Is there a way to clean it without breaking down the fork?

[@TheHarleyTech]

Check out Blockhead’s KZbin channel. He just did a fork seal cleaning on his CBR last week. Tell him I sent ya!

[@martincvitkovich724]

Exposed fork tubes!! Another reason to get a Road King

[@shanethetrain13]

John I’m a new subscriber and love your videos. I’m just curious regarding tools for this job. Obviously you guys have all the specialty tools (for pounding in the caps, etc.). Do you think this job can be done with regular tools? I’m probably going to attempt it anyway with the assistance of my clymer manual. Any input would be great. Definitely doesn’t look like a terrible job to do.

[@TheHarleyTech]

What year and model are you talking about doing this on? There is a hand full of specialty tools, and some specific length size sockets and Allens and stuff. It all depends on the model and year, though. I'll let ya know what you'll need.

[@shanethetrain13]

John Maxwell I’m talking about 2010 Dyna FXDB. I have all Allen’s and sockets necessary it’s really the specialty tools I’m wondering about. I’m a pretty handy wrench lol

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I would like to see the repair for 2000 to 2006 fuel injection fuel gauge. At least what are the causes that make it not read properly. Very annoying problem.

[@rodrigo329]

Hi John. Awesome videos. You said to post comments/questions below, so here's mine. There's a god-forsaken stupid screw at the bottom of the fork that screws into the bottom pointing upwards. How the heck do you torque that screw when it just keeps spinning and spinning (no thread damage or anything)? I heard using an impact drill is the only way. Do you have to use that?

[@TheHarleyTech]

That’s how I do it!