Front fork oil
 

Hello there,

My XT600 maintenance book specifies that 10W30 SE motoroil should be used for front fork filling. Is this really the most suitable or should one better use special fork oil. And in the latter case multigrade or monograde and what grade(s)?
And one more question. Since recently I can hear metallic noise coming from the front fork when pushing it down manually. I sounds as if it comes from a spring. Anyone familiar with this noice and should I worry about the phenomenon?

Best regards

Guy

I use Hein Gericke multigrade fork oil 10W20 and am very pleased with it. Tested in winter in Holland and in summer in the Sahara.
The noise may be the steering bearings being too dry. Take apart and grease them! When was the last time you did that? If your XT also has the engine oil in the frame, the bearings get warm, and dry quickly.
Or if you have progressive springs, it could be the spring itself against the fork tube.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

You can use motor oil but I'd use proper fork oil.

Now would be a good opportunity to change to a different grade of fork oil. Go heavier if you want more damping & a firmer ride or lighter if you feel the bike's overdamped.

Hi Guy,
I have discovered on my XT 550 a clicking noise when pushing the front forks. I did not have this before. Dissambled the forks but could not find any mechanical abnormality. Now also thinking in changing front oil...
Did you manage to solve this noise?
Thanks, greetings, Phil

Last Activity: 16 Mar 2011

Before what? Did you take it apart, and after that it sounded bad?
How much did you disasseble, did you look at the inner and outer bushing, and made sure spaccer and washers was in the correct place?

Just to be sure, examine you front wheel and caliper, to tule thoose things out. Also check the stearing head bearings.

Noise was found after hitting big stone at speed.
Wheel/brake checked an no issue found. Noise occurs when even slightly pushing down steering wheel .... Forks disassembled and no abnormality found of components. Steering head bolt was adjusted (did not disassemble yet...)