Expert: Mike Wells - 11/5/2009

Question
Hello! I'm from Spain and I am not very good in english, but I try to ask you a question... Days ago I had an accident with my Nightster and the fork tubes were blent. In my town there aren't harley davidson garages and mechanics don't like replace part if you don't buy it in their shops. Then I need change by my self the fork tubes. Can you explain me how I do it? I have the new tubes, do I need anything more? THANKS YOU.

Answer
You will need to replace the seals as well. Have the bike sitting on a stand so there is no pressure on the forks. Remove the tire, fender and brake caliber. Drain the oil. You will see a screw on the side of the fork for the drain. remove the top cap on the forks. On the under side of the fork there is a allen bolt. remove it. The lower forks will slide off. then remove the upper tubes from the bike by loosening the pinch bolts. You will see the seal in the lower tubes. remove and replace it. Put it back together in reverse and put in the fork oil and then the top caps.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike