How to Do a Dirt Bike Fork Rebuild
The front fork is an important part of the dirt bike. Having a fork that is in good working order will allow the rider to perform at their best. Rebuilding the fork on your bike is an easy and affordable way to make it perform like new. While there are plenty of shops in town who will charge you 125 USD to rebuild the forks, there are ways to do it yourself for about 60 bucks.
To make a fork that functions at its best, you must first inspect and replace any worn out parts. For instance, if you notice oil leaking from the forks, it may be time to replace the seals. If your forks aren’t moving as smoothly as they once did, it’s probably time to swap out the fork legs, as well. You can also replace the fork cap. This is a fairly straight forward task, as long as you use the proper tools.
Aside from replacing the fork legs, you’ll need to remove the fork cap to access the suspension internal parts. To open the cap, you’ll need a soft jaw vice and a nifty little tool.
First and foremost, it’s best to empty out the fork oil. Doing so will help you save time and prevent any mess. Also, if you’re looking to make the most of the effort, it’s a good idea to put a few plastic sandwich bags in place to catch any stray drips.
Next, it’s time to clean up. You can do this by using compressed air or soap and water. Make sure you don’t use too much water or you may end up with a mold. It’s also a good idea to use a disposable cloth or two to wipe down the forks and their components.
There are several things you can do to ensure your dirt bike’s forks are in good shape, including lubricating them. Greasing the fork tubes will also make them slide easier. Additionally, it’s a good idea to install a spacer between the fork tube and the outer spring tube. Once you’ve completed this, it’s time to reinstall your forks on the bike.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to place the forks in the frame of the motorcycle and slid them back to the triple trees. Be careful not to damage the wheel while doing this, as this can be dangerous. Another trick to doing this is to put a torque wrench underneath the skid plate and lifting the front tire off the ground.
Lastly, there are several other things you can do to keep your forks performing their best. Cleaning the upper fork is a particularly crucial step in this process. Not only will it help you get the o-rings cleaned up, it will also remove any old grease and oil that is sitting on the inside. After all, dirt bikes and motorcycles don’t last forever, so it’s worth the extra time to make your forks and shocks look and feel new.
