Front fork lockout issue

[FlandersZA]

On Sat I am riding with my brother and his girlfriend and it will be their second ride. They did a ride with us two weeks ago but both nearly pegged. Part of the problem was that on the GF's bike (her son's entry, entry level MTB), the front fork lockout is jammed in the locked position. She basically rode 35km of trail on a rigid sus for her first ride.

 

For Sat I am trying my best to ease the blow to entice both of them into the lifestyle. For starters we'll be taking them on a 20km blue route this time and she also has one of those spongy seat covers now.

 

I am desperate to get this fork issue resolved as well. The lockout switch is on the fork and moves under force about 30 degrees to the unlocked position but returns to its original state and refuses to unlock. I don't have access to the bike but I forgot to see if the underside of the fork is open or not. I'm thinking maybe some Q20 in from the bottom end to unjam whatever is going on in there? Would that help? Any suggestions?

[The MTBer]

When was it in for a good service?

[FlandersZA]

I can't say for sure but my hunch is never. Bike has done virtually no mileage though except for the laaitie riding it in the complex and it lives on a covered patio.

[johanpre44]

My son has a very entry level MTB (2012 Axis A80). Problem with the fork (Suntour M2025) is that it "sticks" and seems to fill up with water, so it only works half the time anyways. For his weight (35kg) it probably feels like a rigid all the time.

 

Blue route (at Northern Farms) should be fine if the fork is stuck in lockout.

 

Note that an LBS may be able to get it sorted because you need a special tool for removing the forks insides and cleaning it (special tool for the end-cap on top of the stanchions and very long Allen key to remove the stanchions from the lower).

[FlandersZA]

My son has a very entry level MTB (2012 Axis A80). Problem with the fork (Suntour M2025) is that it "sticks" and seems to fill up with water, so it only works half the time anyways. For his weight (35kg) it probably feels like a rigid all the time.

 

Blue route (at Northern Farms) should be fine if the fork is stuck in lockout.

 

Note that an LBS may be able to get it sorted because you need a special tool for removing the forks insides and cleaning it (special tool for the end-cap on top of the stanchions and very long Allen key to remove the stanchions from the lower).

 

Hey! I think that's exactly the same bike! Now that I think about it, it's definitely an Axis something and the fork is definitely a Suntour something or other. So if it has filled up with water, sounds like rust could well be the culprit here I'm guessing.?

[Eugene]

Axis only came on to the market 2 or 3 years ago. The bike might still be under warranty. If the fork is sticking and he hasn't done much riding, there must be some kind of fault.

[Guest Smimby]

On Sat I am riding with my brother and his girlfriend and it will be their second ride. They did a ride with us two weeks ago but both nearly pegged. Part of the problem was that on the GF's bike (her son's entry, entry level MTB), the front fork lockout is jammed in the locked position. She basically rode 35km of trail on a rigid sus for her first ride.

 

For Sat I am trying my best to ease the blow to entice both of them into the lifestyle. For starters we'll be taking them on a 20km blue route this time and she also has one of those spongy seat covers now.

 

I am desperate to get this fork issue resolved as well. The lockout switch is on the fork and moves under force about 30 degrees to the unlocked position but returns to its original state and refuses to unlock. I don't have access to the bike but I forgot to see if the underside of the fork is open or not. I'm thinking maybe some Q20 in from the bottom end to unjam whatever is going on in there? Would that help? Any suggestions?

 

A fork lockout switch will not be the problem, there is something wrong inside the fork....

 

I would suggest that you give more detail in your posts...ie fork make, model or picture.

 

Just using Q20 on it will achieve nothing....your problem is inside

[Mojoman]

My old Mag32 Suntour fork had a lockout switch that you could remove (gently prise up) and reposition on the splined shaft, prehaps its been located too far one way or the other when assembled if that makes sense?

[Vangar]

On Sat I am riding with my brother and his girlfriend and it will be their second ride. They did a ride with us two weeks ago but both nearly pegged. Part of the problem was that on the GF's bike (her son's entry, entry level MTB), the front fork lockout is jammed in the locked position. She basically rode 35km of trail on a rigid sus for her first ride.

 

For Sat I am trying my best to ease the blow to entice both of them into the lifestyle. For starters we'll be taking them on a 20km blue route this time and she also has one of those spongy seat covers now.

 

I am desperate to get this fork issue resolved as well. The lockout switch is on the fork and moves under force about 30 degrees to the unlocked position but returns to its original state and refuses to unlock. I don't have access to the bike but I forgot to see if the underside of the fork is open or not. I'm thinking maybe some Q20 in from the bottom end to unjam whatever is going on in there? Would that help? Any suggestions?

 

I was up to my elbows in pretty much the same fork again last night. Let me say it. The M series SR suntours are the biggest pieces of **** that I have ever seen. The XCR on my other bike is a pogo stick but at least it works. Stripped the M fork last night, FULL of water, how nobody knows, wasn't even close to water. The lockout does tend to stick, if you gently pop the lever off you can see the mechanism below, might just need a 90 degree turn. You can open the fork pretty easily using some circlip pliers to unscrew the tops and then regrease the springs. I stuck enough red rubber grease on all the rubber seals this time to lube a small country, so let's hope it keeps water out.

 

OK that turned into a bit of a rant. But yeah hope it helps.

[droo]

Just my R0.02, but those Suntour forks don't do much aside from add weight even when they do work. A fine example of how the market dictates what a bike should look like without any practical considerations.

 

Get an entry level Rockshox on there if you want suspension, otherwise a rigid fork will be far lighter and better for building skill.

[FlandersZA]

Thanks, guys.

 

Unfortunately I will not lay eyes on the bike until we ride so may have to consider the fix up for the next one. I changed the front are rear tyres and tubes last time, along with the rear rim brake pads but did not think to make a note of the bike's make or model. Will check it out and let you know.