Got a front fork problem

[tazmaniac_37752]

I have a 96 vs800 the front forks/shocks over time have started bottomning out easily. I've checked and there is no signs of fluid leakage to the out side of the forks anyplace. Can anyone enlighten me as to why this has started happening and what I need to do to fix the problem. Also I have read in several different places some say I can use ATF dextron III to refill the forks with and some say don't, that I should only use fork oil. Is it ok to use the ATF or will it cause problems? Thank you.

[Lechy]

Over time the fork oil level can diminish through the seals, it also gets pretty damned nasty and de-natures.
Fork oil or EP 68 hydraulic oil are pretty neutral and won't cause problems. ATF fluid is popular for forks but it contains chemicals that may have a detrimental effect on the seals.

[sgtcall]

Start here.

http://www.intruders-alert.com/viewtopi ... FOrk+seals

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11726&hilit=Fork+Seals

http://www.intruders-alert.com/viewtopi ... =Fork+Seal

[tazmaniac_37752]

Thanks for the info and links all!

[tazmaniac_37752]

Images of the seal driver won't open for me.

[hillsy]

Forks bottom out because the springs have sagged more than oil issues.

If your seals aren't leaking you don't need to replace them.

You want new springs and fresh oil.

ATF was used back in the day before you could buy specific fork oil. Apparently its about 10-20 weight. Kinda variable.

[Designer]

I have a 96 vs800 the front forks/shocks over time have started bottomning out easily. I've checked and there is no signs of fluid leakage to the out side of the forks anyplace. Can anyone enlighten me as to why this has started happening and what I need to do to fix the problem.

May I first ask,....what evidence/symptoms/action/sounds do you detect that result in your concluding your forks are bottoming out?

[navigator]

1. Use 20w FORK oil, ditch the ATf.
2. Progressive fork springs, cost about $70, well worth it.
JMO

[tazmaniac_37752]

Well due to some physical disabilities I pretty much use my front break only. Recently when I hit the break the bike seems to dip in front more than it was and if I hit the break hard the bike dips in the front, something hits solid and there's a loud clunk.

[tazmaniac_37752]

What are PROGRESSIVE fork springs? Are progressive springs special in some way over normal springs?

[hillsy]

What are PROGRESSIVE fork springs? Are progressive springs special in some way over normal springs?

It's a brand of aftermarket springs.

https://www.progressivesuspension.com/p ... spring-kit

[Designer]

Well due to some physical disabilities I pretty much use my front break only. Recently when I hit the break the bike seems to dip in front more than it was and if I hit the break hard the bike dips in the front, something hits solid and there's a loud clunk.

I see. To best be of Help, tell us more. How many miles on this bike? When was the Dampener Oil last changed?

Does this loud clunk happen when you have the forks compressing, or when it is rebounding?

Does this happen every time you hit the brakes hard, or occasionally?

And,....are you carrying more weight on the bike when this happens, like full saddles bags or such?

[tazmaniac_37752]

The problem was apparently not enough oil. I changed the oil, and with the proper about in each shock the the sound is all gone. But nope same weight as always only made the sound when I stopped hard. N I have no idea how long it had been sense the fork oil was last changed and only when the spring would compress when I was stopping hard with front brake.

[navigator]

Changing the oil every 10K to 15K Miles will help your issue.
Both forks need the same volume of oil.