Author Topic: CB550F 77 - How to check fork oil level??  (Read 1171 times)

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Offline dodge2000

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CB550F 77 - How to check fork oil level??
« on: June 20, 2012, 06:39:43 AM »
I'm rebuilding forks on a 77 CB550F.  So far so good.  They are back together with new seals etc and with the 165ml of new 10w fork oil.

The manual references checking the level.  I can't for the life of me identify any level markers, or how the level should be taken - spring in or out?  fully compressed?  distance from the top?

I have seen reference to people saying 6inchs from the top of a fully compressed fork tube, with the spring out.  If that is the case, then it would need much more oil than the 165ml.

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: CB550F 77 - How to check fork oil level??
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2012, 06:58:04 AM »
I just empty mine and refill with the recommended amount.
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: CB550F 77 - How to check fork oil level??
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2012, 09:42:26 AM »
You really can't.  There is really no reason that the level should go down if the seals are good. I would probably just make it an every couple year maintenance thing to drain and refill with fresh oil.
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Offline dodge2000

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Re: CB550F 77 - How to check fork oil level??
« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2012, 10:46:13 AM »
When I first drained the old oil there was less than 50ml in each.  no sign of leaks and the seals looked OK.  Rest of the forks are in good nick as well.  I was shocked at how little was in there