Bearing change

[ballisticz4]

Hello.

 

Just got a Mongoose super Elite of the tree of Gum. I just noticed that the front fork moves forward and back in the frame (got advise from a forum member regarding this matter so busy sorting out that). Anyway, my question is, would it be able to change the old style bearings in there to the later sealed type? If it is possible, what else would have to be changed?

 

Bike has got a Suntour XCT V4 fork fitted to it.

Regards

Cedric

[Daniel J Méssem]

yes, requires you to fit a new headset, one that comes with sealed bearing

[ballisticz4]

righty, thanx for the info. Off I go looking for a headset then

 

But wait, just out of interest sake, how much better is the later bearing over the older tech?

[Daniel J Méssem]

well if your headset is really old it may need replacing anyway

 

personally I like the old cup and cone bearings for hubs, but headsets that use them tend to at the lower end

 

if its working I doubt you will notice an improvement - if its always falling apart then you will

[David Marshall]

Easier to maintain and keep clean.  Just be sure that the play you are feeling is not in the fork itself.  (Movement between the stanctions and bushings in the lower leg).  Also check the top cap on the fork is not bottoming out on the steerer tube.  Remove the top cap while the stem is still attached and check that the stem is a few mm proud of the steerer tube.  Then check that the headset is not loose.  Sit on the top tube and with the front brake on rock the bike while using your other hand to grip the headtube so that your hand also covers the top headset joint.  If you feel movement between the frame and fork in that hand, loosen the stem bolts and tighten the top cap down until the play disapears, while the headset is still able to rotate smoothly.

[ballisticz4]

 

Also check the top cap on the fork is not bottoming out on the steerer tube.

 

This is exactly whats happening by me. There is a long bolt going down the steering tube, which runs through 2 tubes, they are at an angle to each other. One looks like the old style neck thingy me bob. Sshould this bolt be tight in the fork or loose? Cause if I tighten it then I cant get the cap screw to take, loosen it and the cap screw does not press down at all.

[Vangar]

This is exactly whats happening by me. There is a long bolt going down the steering tube, which runs through 2 tubes, they are at an angle to each other. One looks like the old style neck thingy me bob. Sshould this bolt be tight in the fork or loose? Cause if I tighten it then I cant get the cap screw to take, loosen it and the cap screw does not press down at all.

 

 

Wait a sec, something does not make sense here. That sounds like a quill stem, the precursor to our current threadless headset. Best is to post a photo (use more reply options) then someone can give you the right advise. PS. Is this a road bike?

[ballisticz4]

 

That sounds like a quill stem

 

Hi Vangar, I just found out today by the bike macki @ neils Wheels in Plumstead that it is indeed a quill stem conversion. So now I'm siting with a bike that has a short fork (Thanx Chris) and a conversion wat skrik vir niks. It's a good bike with some descent gear on it, so would hat to see it leave. I tried 2 x 3mm spacers but found the cap bolt to short, gonan try a longer bolt and then report back.

 

I was told that welding the fork to increase it's length is an option. Cheaper than a new fork (which I cant afford), and that's if I can even find a fork for v brakes :-(

 

Has anybody got any ideas or suggestions that could help?

[marko35s]

Hi Vangar, I just found out today by the bike macki @ neils Wheels in Plumstead that it is indeed a quill stem conversion. So now I'm siting with a bike that has a short fork (Thanx Chris) and a conversion wat skrik vir niks. It's a good bike with some descent gear on it, so would hat to see it leave. I tried 2 x 3mm spacers but found the cap bolt to short, gonan try a longer bolt and then report back.

 

I was told that welding the fork to increase it's length is an option. Cheaper than a new fork (which I cant afford), and that's if I can even find a fork for v brakes :-(

 

Has anybody got any ideas or suggestions that could help?

Suggestions?

Sure my first one would be to stay away from Neil's Wheels for a start.

[ballisticz4]

Jurre man, ek het nie geld vir die ding nie. Blerry aap that sold it to me

 

Will try Epic as well. May I ask why you avoid them?

[Flowta]

Jurre man, ek het nie geld vir die ding nie. Blerry aap that sold it to me

 

Will try Epic as well. May I ask why you avoid them?

They've been linked to a couple of stolen bikes.

[marko35s]

Jurre man, ek het nie geld vir die ding nie. Blerry aap that sold it to me

 

Will try Epic as well. May I ask why you avoid them?

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/104856-no-deal-with-neil/

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/106145-neels-wheels-did-it-again/

 

There are more.

[ballisticz4]

 

http://www.thehubsa....deal-with-neil/

 

http://www.thehubsa....s-did-it-again/

 

Eish, I had no idea. That topi then looks so calm, I think my 2 year old grand daughter can donder him.

 

AS mentioned in one of the comments, it's guys and businesses like that, that contribute the the escalation of stolen goods. I have seen guys in my area riding 10k+ bikes. No harm in that, but if you must see the guys riding it, gamgster tattoes (tjapies), no teeth, you name it. There is no way on earth that some of them coudl even afford to buy the seat his ass is sitting on. Let alone the whole damn bike.

 

I sent a nemail to Epic Bikes in Plumstead, hopefully they will be able to assist me.

 

I wish some good samaritan could gimme a call and say they have a good used fork to offer for free

 

Or maybe I should try and bum a cheap fork in the classifieds. What do these go for anyway?

[Flowta]

Eish, I had no idea. That topi then looks so calm, I think my 2 year old grand daughter can donder him.

 

AS mentioned in one of the comments, it's guys and businesses like that, that contribute the the escalation of stolen goods. I have seen guys in my area riding 10k+ bikes. No harm in that, but if you must see the guys riding it, gamgster tattoes (tjapies), no teeth, you name it. There is no way on earth that some of them coudl even afford to buy the seat his ass is sitting on. Let alone the whole damn bike.

 

I sent a nemail to Epic Bikes in Plumstead, hopefully they will be able to assist me.

 

I wish some good samaritan could gimme a call and say they have a good used fork to offer for free

 

Or maybe I should try and bum a cheap fork in the classifieds. What do these go for anyway?

I may have something for you. Got an old Rockshox J3 kicking about the garage that you can have. Definitely needs a service, I don't know the condition of seals etc. I'll check it tomorrow if I get a chance.

[ballisticz4]

 

I may have something for you. Got an old Rockshox J3 kicking about the garage that you can have.

 

Aaah man, that is awesome. It will be greatly appreciated. Do I owe you anything for it?

[PeterF]

Whatever you do, do not weld onto the old fork!! That just won't have a happy ending.