Ohlin front suspension service DIY or not? - Ducati.ms

Turboflyer · Jan 25th, 2012, 11:28 pm

Not sure if it would be better to send them out or do them my self. I suppose if I can do everything else on the bike 999S , I should be able to do them, just a bit apprehensive. Will require about the same cost first time around with tool purchases , thats if I don't screw it up. How many of you folks do them yourself and if you do what should I look out for?

paulmm600 · Jan 25th, 2012, 11:38 pm

i'm sure you'll get lots of responses but if i was you i'd be directing my question to Dan, great service and he knows his stuff, having said that though i'd probably just work out how much i could afford and sent it all to him to be done properly.

Kyle Racing - Roadracing Motorcycles

FrostyFire · Jan 26th, 2012, 12:27 am

Change the fork seals and oil?

paulmm600 · Jan 26th, 2012, 12:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrostyFire

Change the fork seals and oil?

i went off on the improvement tangent oops.

FrostyFire · Jan 26th, 2012, 12:40 am

Personally I don't like playing with suspension myself. I'd rather take it to someone who knows what they're doing. Even changing fork seals can be screwed up. If you put it all back together again and you have leaky forks, you'll be pretty pissed off.

nine16 · Jan 26th, 2012, 12:42 am

I've always had mine rebuilt either by Ohlins USA or a local Ohlins certified technician, but that has been for valving and spring changes as well (requiring judgement calls). I will be much more likely to invest in the tools when it comes time for a simple "refresh" (seals and fluid).

safetyfish · Jan 26th, 2012, 1:14 am

With the correct basic tools it is possile to service your forks pretty easily.

Dave Moss has a couple of excellent videos out on how to do it correctly and there are loads of others out there with video guidance, but i stress again you need the minimum specific tools to service this item without causing damage or getting it wrong.

It is a really easy job to do and lots of people fear it for some reason, but be warned it can get messy. If you do this job on a regular basis because of multiple bikes (two three times a year) then I would suggest you invest in tools and learn to do it yourself. If it is a job that only gets done every 3 or 4 years then rather send it off to a pro to have it done.

Phober · Jan 26th, 2012, 7:56 am

I'm a DIY guy, when it comes to doing stuff on my bike. However, when I ran into a situation where I had to rebuild the forks, it really scared me.
But armed with the workshop manual, I gave it a shot.
It's really nothing to be scared about, if you're somewhat mechanically inclined.
And from what I understand, the Ohilins are just a drop-in cartridge kit? Easy peasy.
I think you should try it. If you run into problems, the guys on this forum are VERY helpful!

Also, see this post for DIY tools:
DIY Fork Seal Replacement - One Person - Inexpensive Homemade tools

Turboflyer · Feb 6th, 2012, 1:14 am

OK I decide to do it. Putting the few special tools together. Did a search of the archive and it seems the level is best measure prior to draining with the springs in. Of course compare to manual specs. Oil seems to be 5W to 7.5W depending on views. Type of oil is all over the map from OEM ohlin, to redline, amsoil and others. Would appreciate the latest thoughts.

timmyho414 · Feb 6th, 2012, 8:07 am

Ohlins is easier then Showa.
Tools
top cap socket, something to set oil level, Race tech has a sweet tool.
the spring is short and can be compressed by one person.

Don't loose the little rebound adjustment valve and spring at the end of the long skinny shaft when you tip it upside down to drain it. best to have a nice clean drain pan.

Oil, I've been told to use only Ohlins oil by an Ohlins tech that happens to be a friend. They don't give a weight. My oil level is at 112mm no spring. This may be a bit high, its set up for one track. I'm 165lbs no gear, using stock spring.

A mistake I made the first time I did a set of forks...I did not clean the bottom of the tubes off and compressed the forks completely. There was a bit of dirt at the bottom and it got jammed into the seal and scratch the crap out of my fork tubes. I was so pissed I ended up bringing them to a shop to have them reconditioned. They're fine now and I know what not to do.