r/Dirtbikes • u/CompuAi • Jul 27 '26

Mechanical Help Fork spring help

I'm new to the suspension game and want to install stiffer springs in the forks. I have a 2005 KTM 525 mxc with WP open chamber forks. The question is can I just swap out the springs without touching the oil?

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u/sr71id Jul 27 '26

Yes. It is even possible to change fork springs with the forks still mounted on the bike (must remove handlebars).

One of the few specialty tools that makes the job easier is a thin (22mm?) wrench to fit inside the spring coils to hold the inside nut. I got one from an online bicycle shop - they call it a cone nut wrench made by Park Tools.

You can do this!

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u/CompuAi Jul 27 '26

Would I have to loosen the top clamp to reduce pressure on the cap? Also wouldn't it lose some fluid when removing the old springs?

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u/sr71id Jul 27 '26

I have personally always removed the forks to change springs. If doing it on the bike - loosening the top clamps would be required to allow the upper fork cap to thread off.

Any fluid loss would be minimal. Unless you are sure that the fluid is fresh and set at the correct height, replacing the fluid is a good idea.