450X Front Forks
  • generatingpwr
    Posts: 9
    Joined: Mon Sep 05, 2016 10:03 pm

    by generatingpwr » Sun Sep 25, 2016 10:15 pm

    I just bought a 08 450x and have the same problem with my front forks.I have done a bit of riding on and off road with it.
    Before i bought the bike it sat for 3 years and had very few miles on it.My front end started feeling strange so I elevated the bike so that both wheels where off the ground and found that I have play in fron and rear suspension.
    Do the forks need a complete rebuild?or is there a way to get the play out via adjustment?
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    JimDirt
    Posts: 4406
    Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:31 pm

    by JimDirt » Sat Oct 01, 2016 7:17 pm

    Welcome to the site !! \:D/

    It all depend on "what" has the play , are you referring to the fork lower and upper tubes move back and forth separate of each other when you pull on them or the tire ?? , which could indicate worn bushings inside the tubes , or are you referring to the entire front end having front to back and side to side movement ?? which would indicate head bearings , or the front wheel moves on the axle ??which would indicate wheel bearings

    As for the rear , by simply lifting the rear wheel up and down while on the stand , you can physically see and feel if the swingarm bearings are worn , or linkage bearings , or shock bushings or wheel bearings
    2020 CRF450R
    2006 CRF450X
    Image
    Weiser , Idaho
  • generatingpwr
    Posts: 9
    Joined: Mon Sep 05, 2016 10:03 pm

    by generatingpwr » Wed Oct 05, 2016 9:11 am

    Thank you for the reply ...Got it narrowed down to the wheel bearing as far as i can tell.
    After sitting for 3 years ,should I change the fork oil ?Would old fork oil cause handling issues?And which weight of oil ?
    2008 crf450x NorCal
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    JimDirt
    Posts: 4406
    Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:31 pm

    by JimDirt » Thu Oct 06, 2016 8:10 am

    I would guess if it was ridden much at all i would change it anyway , fork oil gets dirty fast because of the seals exposure to the elements , as the dust seal does not stop fine dust nor heavy mud , so dirt does get in past both seals and contaminate the oil , as well as normal wear , you will get metal shavings from the "wear parts" , like the bushings , etc , , if you see heavy silver or brass shavings or discoloration in the oil your draining , it means its time to buy a bushing kit as well , if the bike sat that long i would also replace the seal's , since they do dry out over time ...for oil weight , i always recommend 5 wt for forks , the heavier weights (10 wt etc) work for heavier street bikes , but not so much for off-road
    2020 CRF450R
    2006 CRF450X
    Image
    Weiser , Idaho
  • generatingpwr
    Posts: 9
    Joined: Mon Sep 05, 2016 10:03 pm

    by generatingpwr » Thu Oct 06, 2016 8:55 am

    :D Looks like I have some sort of "snow-ball"effect happening from it setting in storage.I have re-built the linkage and have the front wheel bearing kit from pivot works on the way.
    I am going to just go through front and rear,top and bottom.Check all bearings and change fork fluid and replace seals.etc
    Thank you very much for the insight!
    2008 crf450x NorCal
  • User avatar
    JimDirt
    Posts: 4406
    Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:31 pm

    by JimDirt » Fri Oct 07, 2016 2:50 pm

    No problem !! ;)

    It is always good to go thru everything anyways , that way you know what is what and can ride with confidence that everything is oiled , greased , and working as it should , makes for a better ride physically and mentally ....
    2020 CRF450R
    2006 CRF450X
    Image
    Weiser , Idaho

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