Servicing Manitou Axel Elites

[DR ◣◢]

Hi all

 

My Manitou Axel Elite took quite a beating at Van Gaalen's on Sunday and it's stiffened up a lot. I guess it's time for a good service.

 

This is something I know I can do myself. I have quite a bit of experience in servicing forks. Rebuilt my White Brother UD150 a few times including redoing the bushings and completely rebuilding the rebound unit etc.

 

Just to be safe though. Has anybody rebuilt a set of these in the past? Anything I need to keep in mind?

 

Will be doing the 100mm travel conversion at the same time.

[sampras]

download pdf service manual and go for it was quite simple to do use 10wt oil to slow rebound rate if you like.

 

 

manual will show how to reset internal spacers was much better as a 100mm fork too no more harsh top out

Edited May 8, 2012 by sampras

[Brett]

http://www.manitoumtb.com/assets/Owners%20Manuals/2004%20Axel%20Owners%20Manual.pdf

[DR ◣◢]

Thanks guys. Im happy with the current rebound but its not supple at all on compression. Also noticed a lot of flex in the fork. Wheel moves about 15mm to the left when compressing the fork with the front brake applied.

 

The wheel is tensioned correctly so my only guess is the fork. Thin stanctions with spring in one leg and damper in the other. *** combo.

 

Might as well move it to the wife's bike and get a SID for the Fuji.

[sampras]

get a reba then more durable

[DR ◣◢]

Thanks Sampras

 

Will look into that. For now I need to get the service done first.

[PhilipV]

I used to service my skareb. Very easy.

Cwc had a reba rl on special for a lekker price. Worth a look.

[DR ◣◢]

Thanks. Got home today and pulled the fork out. Dead simple to service but man oh man. What a crap engineered fork.

 

Didnt have quite enough fork oil so i still need to top it up properly. Also wouldnt mind using a thicker grease on the spring side. Little bit of rubbing.

 

Then again after feeling the weight of this fork Im dying to order the Reba. This thing is close to if not over 2kg.