Fork Doesn't Lock Out

[M. Yahya Sonnie]

Hi, as described by the title, the fork isn't locking out.

The blue switch doesn't do anything. I can compress the fork a fair bit even in the "locked" position, about the same if not exactly the same as when the fork is in the "open" position. I notice there is some oil/fluid on the stanchions, not sure what it means but I think it points towards the problem?

I've already tried to tighten the thing under the lockout switch with the 4mm Allan key but to no avail, the problem persists.

The bike belonged to a friend of mine and he said that he hasn't used the bike in a while, he also said that it had never been services but he didn't use it too much in the first place, the stock tyres don't have much wear on them.

I'm not too experienced in DIY ,with forks especially, but I wouldn't mind trying things out. Although depending on how much work/complicated it is I may just leave it or take it to the bike shop :p

Any and all tips are very appreciated
Thank You!

Edited March 18 by M. Yahya Sonnie
added extra context

[BuffsVintageBikes]

I can hear those forks begging for a service through my laptop speaker 😲

[Barry]

You can start by removing the blue knob. Then, you will find a round piece with many small spline teeth; remove that as well, either by using your fingers or a magnet. Next, insert a 4mm hex wrench into the hole and turn it clockwise until the fork locks out. After that, replace all the parts, ensuring the blue knob is in the locked position. Finally, test to see if this resolves the issue.

[M. Yahya Sonnie]

4 minutes ago, Barry said:

You can start by removing the blue knob. Then, you will find a round piece with many small spline teeth; remove that as well, either by using your fingers or a magnet. Next, insert a 4mm hex wrench into the hole and turn it clockwise until the fork locks out. After that, replace all the parts, ensuring the blue knob is in the locked position. Finally, test to see if this resolves the issue.

Hi, I added that in an edit, thanks for the info but it didn't work :_)
The fork doesn't lock out at all even using the hex wrench

[Barry]

10 minutes ago, M. Yahya Sonnie said:

Hi, I added that in an edit, thanks for the info but it didn't work :_)
The fork doesn't lock out at all even using the hex wrench

There should also be a 5mm hex that needs to be tightened clockwise it is not as deep as the 4mm close to the top.Otherwise you might need a new cartridge but probably easier to replace the fork. @droo might have more info.

[M. Yahya Sonnie]

28 minutes ago, Barry said:

There should also be a 5mm hex that needs to be tightened clockwise it is not as deep as the 4mm close to the top.Otherwise you might need a new cartridge but probably easier to replace the fork. @droo might have more info.

Thanks, will try that. Maybe I will replace the fork, but I'd rather not. I'm not too fussed about the lock out not working, more so the fact that something on the bike isn't working. So the cartridge may need replacing?

And would replacing the cartridge also fix the oil/fluid spilling onto the stanchions?

Edited March 18 by M. Yahya Sonnie

[droo]

If the 4mm hex doesn't solve the problem the cartridge is blown and needs replacing.

275 and 29 cartridges are in stock with the agents, 26 are not.

[M. Yahya Sonnie]

Thanks, any idea when they might get stock of the 26? And around how much do they cost?

 

[Barry]

Maybe keep an eye out for a good second-hand fork. 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/mountain-bike-forks/894625/rockshox-recon-silver-tk-26-inch-100mm