diy fork replacement

[ecotech84]

Hey guys

Im looking at replacing my front forks on my mtb . I currently have suntour entry level forks on which I want to replace with rock shocks (airshocks) that I can adjust . Is it possible to replace the forks myself or do I need special tools to do it ?

[MrJacques]

If you have allen keys you can do it Having a stand in which to clamp the bike will make it easier.

 

Front wheel off, brake caliper off, topcap and stem off and the fork should come out. Then pop in the new fork and re-assemble. First tighten the topcap before tightening the stem bolts.

Edited August 16, 2014 by Jacquers

[droo]

If you have allen keys you can do it Having a stand in which to clamp the bike will make it easier.

 

Front wheel off, brake caliper off, topcap and stem off and the fork should come out. Then pop in the new fork and re-assemble. First tighten the topcap before tightening the stem bolts.

 

Don't forget the hacksaw, saw guide, new star nut and and star nut setter, as well as the right adaptor for the brake if the forks have different mounts.

 

If you want to do it yourself, measure your existing steerer tube and get your LBS to cut to length and fit the star nut for you. Also, make sure you know how to adjust a headset - instructions are on Park Tool's website.

[MrJacques]

Don't forget the hacksaw, saw guide, new star nut and and star nut setter, as well as the right adaptor for the brake if the forks have different mounts.

 

If you want to do it yourself, measure your existing steerer tube and get your LBS to cut to length and fit the star nut for you. Also, make sure you know how to adjust a headset - instructions are on Park Tool's website.

 

Ah yes, forgot that! Took for granted that new fork would be right length and have star nut installed.

[Cruz Addict]

Ah yes, forgot that! Took for granted that new fork would be right length and have star nut installed.

You could also use a pipe cutter, I bought a cheap one from builders to cut mine and it worked like a charm

[johanpre44]

Don't forget about the Crown Race which you need to remove from old fork and install on new one. They can be tricky to get off if its not the "split" type, but flat screwdriver and some patience should work. Installing it may also be a bit of a hassle but a hammer, some wooden blocks (or right sized pipe) and some more patience is required.

 

Pipe cutter is by far the easiest to shorten the steerer. You can easily pull the star nut into the steerer with a long thread nut and washer (search youtube for some videos)

[garrethk]

Make sure that you get the right steerer on the fork. Entry level often come with 1 1/8 steerer and a lot of higher end forks come in the option 1 1/8 or tapered.