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Post by kolbeck on Aug 8, 2015 13:00:06 GMT -5
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Post by jes on Aug 8, 2015 16:04:32 GMT -5
I'm not an expert either, but it appears is if the fork top cap was loose for some reason and as you rode it simply vibrated/rotated upward. This allowed the fork oil to be pushed out of the top of the fork tube.
Hopefully no damage occurred, but it will need to be serviced since there no way of knowing how much fork oil was lost and/or if any debris got into the fork tube.
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Post by kolbeck on Aug 8, 2015 16:46:23 GMT -5
Ok so it basically it just rotated off? Sounds like an easy fix? I didnt know if something else failed to allow it to come undone.
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Post by jes on Aug 8, 2015 18:16:57 GMT -5
Without seeing it in person it's hard to tell. Have you had any work done recently on your forks or have you loosened the top cap(s) previously for some reason?
It still appears to me (from your picture) to have just rotated off. The question is why was it loose in the first place?
I'm sure with all of the KTM owners in the Club, and those who are actual mechanics that someone will step up to confirm or offer another possible scenario.
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Post by kolbeck on Aug 9, 2015 6:30:41 GMT -5
I have not had any work done or removed the caps. It doesn't seem like there is any visible damage or dirt inside. I will have to bring them in to get serviced.
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Post by bmiller on Aug 9, 2015 12:45:37 GMT -5
I agree. Looks like it just rotated out. The threads appear to be ok. I would raise the bike and take weight off the front wheel. Wipe everything off, and screw it back in. I have the wrench for it, and can bring it to the meeting Tuesday if that helps. No telling how much fluid was lost or dirt entered. I would suggest getting the oil changed.
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Post by kolbeck on Aug 9, 2015 19:41:08 GMT -5
Thanks for your guys help. Like usual I get quick useful responses from every one. Barry I am not sure if you are just saying wipe of the threads or everything inside. Would it hurt to pull everything out and clean/wipe all the internals off with some new fork oil just incase dirt got inside or would this require extra special tools or anything? As well would I be able to put new oil and gaskets in myself? I am going to try to make it to the meeting Tuesday Barry. Thank you.
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Post by kolbeck on Aug 9, 2015 19:49:46 GMT -5
Also another noob question... I keep seeing stuff about upside down, right side up, open chamber, closed chamber, WP, Bladder, air suspension etc etc, what exactly does my bike have for my research purposes? I have now idea!
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Post by patrickfloyd on Aug 9, 2015 20:05:55 GMT -5
The KTM owners manual is a resource that can help you. If you don't have it, you can download it.
Patrick
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Post by jes on Aug 9, 2015 20:56:49 GMT -5
Here's a link to a Workshop Manual for the WP * open-cartridge suspension forks. (*corrected with Barry's input)For what it's worth, your KTM forks are upside down closed-cartridge.
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Post by bmiller on Aug 9, 2015 22:18:15 GMT -5
Tylor, I just want to make sure you wiped away as much dirt as possible to minimize what may go inside when you thread it back in. The cap is aluminum and the threads can be damaged if there is grit/dirt in them. I don't recommend just adding some oil back in and going on your merry way. If dirt got in, it can do some costly damage. Also, the oil levels effect the performance of the fork and may result in dome unpredictable handling.
You have upside down closed-cartridge forks. Just about any performance-oriented bike in the last 15 years (maybe more) has "upside down" forks, so no need to get confused about that. Where many of us will get very confused is the numerous types of upside down forks. I won't bore you here with it, but can send you a nice presentation from the May meeting that goes into more details, lol.....
It is something you can do, but you need a few specialty tools to make sure the job goes well. There are several videos on the web that detail how its done. Slavens racing is one of the best.
I have the exact same forks you do, and have rebuilt them a couple times now. I've purchased the tools and will be glad to go through it with you, or loan them too you. If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, I'd suggest talking with Don Learn. We can talk more at the meeting, or you can give me a call (904-613-6572)
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Post by bmiller on Aug 9, 2015 22:25:46 GMT -5
Joe, the shop manual referenced is for the "Open Chamber" forks, not the Closed Chamber. Thanks for the link though....I have open chamber on my 450 so it'll come in handy, lol.
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Post by jes on Aug 9, 2015 23:07:01 GMT -5
Joe, the shop manual referenced is for the "Open Chamber" forks, not the Closed Chamber. Thanks for the link though....I have open chamber on my 450 so it'll come in handy, lol. Thanks Barry, glad it helped you. lol
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Post by kolbeck on Aug 10, 2015 15:34:09 GMT -5
Thanks for posting those videos Barry and Joe for the workshop manual. I think this may have talked me out of doing it myself lol. I always like to try to do things myself but this seems more difficult than I thought. It probably isnt but I dont know anything about it. I will give Don a call! I dont think I will be able to make it to the meeting once again
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Post by bmiller on Aug 10, 2015 20:42:01 GMT -5
No worries. Good Luck.
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