How to Change the Fork Oil in a 2007 Harley FLH

Hydraulic front forks

Working with fluid under pressure can be a tricky business. Fortunately, changing the pressurized fork oil in a 2007 FLH motorcycle need not be so. Harley-Davidson specifies that the fork oil on their FLH touring motorcycles needs to be changed every 20,000 miles.These telescoping hydraulic forks each contain 9.7 ounces of fork oil that will need to be drained and replaced with fresh fluid. The length of time to complete this task should be between 60 and 90 minutes, depending upon your skill level.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Valve stem remover
• Large cross-tip screwdriver
• Drain pan
• Air suspension pump
• Vacuum pump
• Type E fork oil
• Small container
• Battery vent tubing

1. Drain the Used Fork Oil

   • 1

     Take out the valve core from the front air valve, which controls the fork pressure, using a valve core stem remover. The air valve is located on the right side of the motorcycle, just above the rear tire. Air will begin to bleed from the fork system. Wait until all air has bled before proceeding to the next step.

   • 2

     Remove the large drain screws located at the lower end of each front fork, using a large cross-tip screwdriver. Allow the oil to completely drain from each fork into a drain pan.

   • 3

     Install just one drain screw back onto each fork, using a cross-tip screwdriver.

   • 4

     Attach an air suspension pump to the front air valve and gently pump out any remaining fluid from the front fork. Disconnect the suspension pump and install a vacuum pump in its place on the front air valve.

   Add Fresh Fork Oil

   • 1

     Pour 9.7 oz. of Harley-Davidson Type E Fork Oil into a small container. Attach a battery vent tube or other small-sized tubing into the drain hole on the fork. Place the other end of the tube into the fork oil container.

   • 2

     Pump the vacuum tool just long enough to draw all of the fluid up into the fork. Reinstall the fork drain plug.

   • 3

     Follow the same process of drawing fluid into the fork for the other side.

   • 4

     Re-install the valve stem back into the front air valve. Pump in 1 to 25 psi of pressure into the front forks using a suspension pump. The amount added will depend upon rider preference. Use a lower level of pressure for a softer ride. Increase the pressure when carrying luggage.