Mojoman Posted March 23, 2014 Posted March 23, 2014 (edited) So it had to happen, a problem has developed on my new bike although thankfully this time its not a broken frame....prehaps just a broken fork! I was going up hill yesterday when my fork made a funny noise as we rolled up and over a rock. Now when you compress the fork and let it bounce back to its normal position there is a sound like metal on metal. Prior to this there have been no issues. Luckily its a 6 month old fork (although its off a new 2011 model bike I assume that it was probably assembled some time back in 2010) and I will be taking it in tomorrow so the bike shop can send it away but I think something has broken inside the FIT cartridge. I found this video last night and the sound is very similar to the one my fork makes.http://vimeo.com/79184502 Hopefully there will be no warranty issues with this as I have pulled off the lowers several times to do the 25-30hr lower service as recommended by Fox. I did pull off the lowers last night but saw nothing broken or any bits laying around. Has anyone else experienced this with a FIT cartridge? Am severly depressed as now I have to ride Ol'Donkey....my 15kg GT hardtail! Edited March 23, 2014 by Mojoman
Mojoman Posted June 6, 2014 Author Posted June 6, 2014 And again, after it was fixed, the problem has reappeared. Is there anyone else who has had this problem? Its a small circlip that keeps falling off, I wasnt even riding this time, just leaning on the bars talking to someone at the petrol station! I swear I have such bad luck with expensive bikes (and yet my cheap old GT donkey just ambles along!), maybe I should just go rigid single speed after all of this!
droo Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Are you sure it's a FIT and not an EVO open cartridge? The FIT doesn't have circlips or retaining rings anywhere, and has a rubber bladder just below the topcap. The EVO cartridge just looks like a metal tube with the damper rod coming out of the bottom. The retaining ring on the lower seal head is prone to popping off, and it means the cart needs replacing. They usually warranty them, because the local agent is well aware that they're made of cheese. PM me if you want me to handle it for you, but your LBS should be able to make a plan for you as well. I have the shattered remains of an EVO cart on my bench waiting to go in for replacement on Monday. YUMEYA 1
Mojoman Posted June 8, 2014 Author Posted June 8, 2014 I think it was this little clip that keeps coming off, it then allows the fork to jump up to around 150mm.I have been warned that the the sudden jump in height can tear that little bladder and that bladder is around R2k! I am pretty dubious to the quality of this fork, 3rd time now this has happened! http://service.foxracingshox.com/consumers/Content/Service/QuickTech/32FITFullServiceProc.htm
droo Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 That little guy's not meant to be taking any load, and it coming off wouldn't cause a jump in travel. It's just a spring perch for the check valve on the rebound piston. It would make a funny noise if it came off though. If it keeps happening my best suggestion would be to replace the rebound piston assembly, but only if that's what the issue is. I'd have to have the damper in front of me to see what's actually going on in there.
Mojoman Posted June 9, 2014 Author Posted June 9, 2014 That little guy's not meant to be taking any load, and it coming off wouldn't cause a jump in travel. It's just a spring perch for the check valve on the rebound piston. It would make a funny noise if it came off though. If it keeps happening my best suggestion would be to replace the rebound piston assembly, but only if that's what the issue is. I'd have to have the damper in front of me to see what's actually going on in there.The fork does indeed make a funny noise, if you shake it around you can hear the loose bits inside!
David Marshall Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Have you checked that you haven't broken one of the springs on the air piston side?
droo Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Have you checked that you haven't broken one of the springs on the air piston side? Ah. This is highly possible - most likely the second stage negative spring. It would also explain the extra travel.
Mojoman Posted June 9, 2014 Author Posted June 9, 2014 Have you checked that you haven't broken one of the springs on the air piston side?I havent actually opened it as its still under warranty but the last 2 problems have been related to a clip that is coming off so I assume its the same issue 3rd time around! Hopefully the inners will get replaced this time. Its at the bike shop waiting for collection and inspection.
Mojoman Posted June 18, 2014 Author Posted June 18, 2014 Am supposed to get the fork back this week, apparently it was the same problem on the other side?Not a very strong fork by the sounds of it...!
droo Posted June 18, 2014 Posted June 18, 2014 Am supposed to get the fork back this week, apparently it was the same problem on the other side?Not a very strong fork by the sounds of it...! Just spent 2 hours with Russel sorting one out. Not Fox's finest moment, those Evo things...
Mojoman Posted June 19, 2014 Author Posted June 19, 2014 Just spent 2 hours with Russel sorting one out. Not Fox's finest moment, those Evo things...Absolute rubbish in my opinion. Its broken 3 times (and ironically all the times I was JRA! Not even over the rough stuff!) and yet my cheapie 4yr old Epicon keeps going on my GT....! (and feels a lot smoother too) If it wasnt for the OD and 15mm QR issue I would just sell it and use the money to buy a RS. Let see how long it lasts this time, personally I think the fork should have been swopped out for a new one after the third issue.
droo Posted June 19, 2014 Posted June 19, 2014 Absolute rubbish in my opinion. Its broken 3 times (and ironically all the times I was JRA! Not even over the rough stuff!) and yet my cheapie 4yr old Epicon keeps going on my GT....! (and feels a lot smoother too) If it wasnt for the OD and 15mm QR issue I would just sell it and use the money to buy a RS. Let see how long it lasts this time, personally I think the fork should have been swopped out for a new one after the third issue. By OD do you mean overdrive, as in Giant's amazing steerer standard? If it is, you can get rid of it by changing your top headset cup and bearing and shimming your stem. You'll have to replace the headset soon anyway, since the top bearing is made of cheese and only available as part of a complete headset. Spoke101 1
Mojoman Posted June 20, 2014 Author Posted June 20, 2014 By OD do you mean overdrive, as in Giant's amazing steerer standard? If it is, you can get rid of it by changing your top headset cup and bearing and shimming your stem. You'll have to replace the headset soon anyway, since the top bearing is made of cheese and only available as part of a complete headset.Thanks, does this mean I can buy a normal tapered fork and some kind of adapter? Would someone be able to use this fork on a normal tapered head then? Its pretty annoying that a fork of this age (and cost) is going to have to be binned soon as it continuously lets me down and Omnico (or Fox) doesnt seem that bothered.
droo Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 You'll be able to fit a standard tapered fork to your bike, but to fit that fork to another bike it'll need to use a semi-integrated headset like Giant's one. Then you can give the top assembly of the headset and the stem to the buyer and he can fit it to his frame.
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