Fork Oil????

i wanted to change the front Fork oil on my xj700n, i know there is a drain screw at the bottom and i know that you have to remove the cap and fittings at the top to re-fill. Is the spring under allot of pressure? do i have to make sure the front tire is off the ground with the frame supported?
and also the book says to replace the oil use yamaha 10wt, is there anything else i can use?

thanks

 

I've been told you can use ATF instead of fork oil, or 20 weight fork oil if sir would like it a bit stiffer.

 

If you do both at once you'll want to support the frame as well as be on the center stand somehow yes.
Just went through thison a 550 and found it important to know the amount and keep it the same for both sides... ...

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... rt=15.html

 

NO.. take the forks apart and Clean out the worn sludge buildup.. You will be surprised. Reseal while at it.
ATF is approx 7weight buy some 15 or 20 w actual fork oil, sure it costs a few $ more.. but seriously how many times are you gonna 'change' the fork oil.

 

IIRC ATF fluid will cause the seals to swell and soften. So they won't last as long. Any brand of fork oil will work and there are other weights If you want a stiffer suspension go with 15 or 20 weight. If you want softer for the winter weather go with 5.

 

to clean out the fork tubes I have used non chlorinated brake cleaner. works great to get all the sludge out and it doesn't leave any residue. I picked some up a kragen for pretty cheap.



I also use BelRay fork oil. Not the best but good enough for goverment work

 

You sound like you know something of this government work. Nothing wrong with MIL-SPEC, works for me. I'm not terribly picky about my brake cleaner, so long as it is brake cleaner (99 cent store stuff works as well as my $4 a can brand name cans). If I had my way, Snap makes a very good cleaner as well.

 

15 Weight or higher seems the go....