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Fork Servicing Advice
I've recently noticed that there is a bit of play in my forks. As I've had the bike a year and never serviced the forks, I recon it's probably about time!
Being as though I do all the servicing myself, I thought I'd have a crack at this job too. From what I've read and watched on SRAM's you tube channel, it doesn't look like too much of a complicated job.
Before I get stuck in though, I have a couple of questions. (1) Are the bushes replaceable in my forks and (2) is it OK to go to a motorbike shop and get the shock oil from them as MTB oil ridiculously expensive for what it is?
My shocks are 2010 Rockshox Tora SL solo air.
Thanks in advance.
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http://www.enduroforkseals.com/id267.html
Can't help re bushes - but be careful with the fork oil. Not all oils have the same properties even if claimed to be 5W weight or whatever. See this site for some explanation http://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/index.php?title...
See also the Bicycle Fluids section at the bottom of the above page (though may be a little dated)
Try your LBS. My local guy was kind enough to pour me out a little from his large bottles. I had to supply a clean containers of course. $10. Bargain.
I just decided to start doing my own fork servicing. The tech docs suggest it's pretty easy.
I found a few people claiming Rockshox just rebadge the Maxima products. Approx $16/L for the standard grade and $24/L for their 'racing' fluid. Available at moto shops.
If you have movement I would be worried. The bushes only have a very thin plastic coating. If this has worn away I would be worried about the condition of your stanchions.
Replacing bushings might be a DIY job if you are very handy and can make your own tooling. Getting the old ones out is not too difficult (oval shaped washer on threaded rod) however you would need to press the new ones in and make sure they are set to the correct depth. The OEM tool somewhat resembles a dildo with different height collars that slip over to set the depth.
I completely destroyed a F29 in under 12 months through neglect. Whilst there was some wear showing above the seals, it was only the tip of the iceberg.
eg
I ended up taking the forks to the LBS for their opinion on what the forks needed, only to be told the problem was the brake pad moving in the calliper!
That's good news!
Some preventative maintenance is still probably a good idea. I learnt that the expensive way.