Changing Fork Oil on Harley Davidson Softail
Mike RoenDescription
Changing fork oil on a Harley Davidson Softail is a fairly easy procedure on any Evolution. The only thing that can sometimes be a little more challenging is the removal of the drain screws on the bottom rear of the lower fork sliders. These drain screws are meant to be turned with a Phillips screwdriver or bit. However, when changing fork oil on a Harley Davidson Softail if you start off trying to loosen these drain screws with a standard #3 Phillips head screwdriver, you will quickly realize that you will only be stripping the head of the screw. For this reason, it is important to start off by using an impact driver. Also known as a hand impact. This tool is meant to be struck with a hammer. The impact will shock the screw loose.
When changing fork oil on a Harley Davidson Softail, the upper fork tube caps can be removed with a 1 3/8″ wrench or specially socket. A large adjustable wrench may also be used. However, the adjustable wrench is a bit more bulky & sloppy to use. If used, you risk scratching the upper triple tree. The drain screws have copper sealing washers that need to be replaced prior to re-installation.
Replenish each Softail fork with 11.5 ounces of type E fork oil (wet) or 12.5 ounces of fork oil (dry).
The dry measurement is only to be used if the entire fork assembly had been completely taken apart, cleaned, and reassembled. If only draining and replenishing, the 11.5 ounce capacity will be correct.
Type E fork oil is 10 weight fork oil when changing fork oil on a Harley Davidson Softail.
Steering head bearing adjustment is also very straightforward on Evolution Softails. With the fuel tank & front fender covered & front wheel elevated; begin by using a 5/8″ wrench to loosen the 2 pinch bolts in the lower triple tree. Next, remove the chrome cap from the large steering head bolt and loosen the single pinch bolt there. Turn the large steering head bolt with a 15/16″ wrench in order to tighten or loosen the steering head bearing adjustment. Then, tighten the pinch bolts and go for a test ride. Once proper adjustment is achieved, reinstall the chrome steering head bolt cover. Do these procedures when changing fork oil on a Harley Davidson Softail.