Author Topic: Reviving rubber parts  (Read 3600 times)

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Offline brent j

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Reviving rubber parts
« on: September 16, 2017, 06:12:06 pm »
Does anyone have any tips or methods for reviving rubber parts like fork boots?

In the past I've been told that glycerine works, or lanolin or armorall but haven't tried any of them

I have one good fork boot on my PE250B and it's in good nick, I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible

Thanks

Brent
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Offline Hoony

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2017, 06:22:21 pm »
i have heard soaking in brake fluid works well, but have not tried myself yet.
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Offline Frank M

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2017, 06:35:43 pm »
search for "Dibutylmaleinat" (maleic acid, dibutylester). Works also well as oil additive for indurated rubberseals.
« Last Edit: September 16, 2017, 06:46:19 pm by Frank M »

Offline Doc

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2017, 06:59:38 pm »
Brent, I've heard the brake fluid method as The Hoonmeister mentioned. Buzz from the US did it to some hard old carb/airbox boot..will ask him if it worked.

late edit. Buzz only used it for fuel tap rubbers..said it swelled them..might not be a good idea  ???
« Last Edit: September 16, 2017, 09:01:17 pm by Doc »

Offline fred99999au

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2017, 08:06:50 am »
Saw a post recently about reviving a carb boot with 1 part wintergreen oil and 3 parts alcohol. Soak for a few days. I havent tried it myself.

Offline pokey

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2017, 08:03:41 pm »
Ive done it once before Brent. I used cooking oil and it does work sort of. Its not permanent  and the parts deteriorate again and then its soak again. For fork boots I wouldnt bother as the flexing they score is a bit much for resurrected well loved rubber and he process is better suited for garage queens.

Offline brent j

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Re: Reviving rubber parts
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2017, 08:15:39 pm »
Thanks for the advice guys, I'll probably preserve the originals and try and find some similar aftermarket ones to ride with
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