Fork Service

[Ji Gantor]

Now that the racing season is over it is time to service the bikes to get them ready for next year.
I start from the ground up so tyres, rims and brakes are first.
I then move on to the forks and shocks.

This topic will deal with the forks.
If the seals are not leaking and are only a season old then all that is required is a service.
Start by removing the forks from the bike.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

Before removing the end cap drain all air pressure from the forks.
With this done remove the end cap and spring from the fork.
Turn the fork upside down and drain all the oil into a measured container.
Pump the fork a few times to release all the oil.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

The old oil can tell a lot about the condition of the fork. It can also tell how long ago the oil was changed.
What we want to see is clear or honey coloured oil.
Then there is dark oil suggesting that the oil has not been changed for some time.
Next is a brown custard which would suggest that water has entered the system. If water has entered the system then the fork will have to be stripped.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

Check the amount of oil that came out of the fork.
It should be near the amount recommended by your manual.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

Ready the new oil and level device.
Set the level device to the correct setting as specified by your manual.

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[Ji Gantor]

With the spring removed and the chrome tube fully compressed we can add the oil.
Pour in slightly more oil than what is required.
Pump the fork up and down to fill all the air voids.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

With the level device remove the excess oil.
Keep the fork vertical when doing this.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

This is a two person job but if you have a bench that the fork can be set up on than that is even better.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

With the oil level set correctly place the spring back into the fork.

Ji

[Ji Gantor]

Raise the chrome tube and screw the end cap back on.
Always check the end cap O ring.
I usually apply silicone grease to the O ring at this stage.
Torque up the end cap to manufacturers details and the fork is ready to go back into the bike.

Ji