Scratched FOX stanchion damaging dust wiper

[NotSoBigBen]

Just got my bike back from my LBS and found out that I have scratched a stanchion at some point and it is damaging the dust wiper which is then causing oil leakage.

The scratch is pretty small but such that you can feel it with your nail. Since it is pretty near halfway along the stanchion it is going to 'pass' the wiper quite often during normal riding.

 

Was thinking to maybe sand that little piece with some fine sandpaper to take the 'edge' off it.

 

What y'all experts think?

[TNT1]

Don't or can't mtbs use fork protectors like an MX bike?

[GoLefty!!]

It will still leak since you'll have to remove a fair amount of material to smooth down the scratch.

 

You may be able to polish it with the stuff they use to shine up aluminium but the best solution is to replace the inner legs, crown and steerer

[TNT1]

So that would be a no to my question?

[TNOSE_E]

Use very fine water paper to sand the area smooth. I do this often on the MX forks when I get stone chips etc. But remember the damage to the seal might have already been done from the nick. But worth a try.

[NotSoBigBen]

Use very fine water paper to sand the area smooth. I do this often on the MX forks when I get stone chips etc. But remember the damage to the seal might have already been done from the nick. But worth a try.

 

It now has new seals so I don't want to damage them! Is 600 fine enough?

[TNT1]

The one time I ask a cycling question. Just goes to show you.

[NotSoBigBen]

The one time I ask a cycling question. Just goes to show you.

 

NO

[Baaisikilist]

Naah TNT, u don't geddem for mtbs...

[TNT1]

Thanks. Why don't they make them for mtbs?

[dirtrider]

TNT1 those thing just gathers more dust !!!

[TNT1]

 

TNT1 those thing just gathers more dust !!!

 

Sorry, I was just thinking of the inverted fork on the DRZ getting hammered without protectors on...

 

[TNOSE_E]

Use very fine water paper to sand the area smooth. I do this often on the MX forks when I get stone chips etc. But remember the damage to the seal might have already been done from the nick. But worth a try.

 

It now has new seals so I don't want to damage them! Is 600 fine enough?

 

Start with a 600 then polish with 1000 water paper. Use circular movements round the nick so you dont create a groove.

[Johan Bornman]

Use very fine water paper to sand the area smooth. I do this often on the MX forks when I get stone chips etc. But remember the damage to the seal might have already been done from the nick. But worth a try.

 

It now has new seals so I don't want to damage them! Is 600 fine enough?

 

Start with 600 to get the sharpest edges off and then graduate to 900 or 1200. You want it as smooth as the rest of the stanchions, a state you'll be able to judge by scraping your nail over the area. Finish it of with Brasso or rubbing compound.  Your fork will be good for many many miles still.

 

If it weeps a little bit of oil after the operation it doesn't matter. Nicks and scars are par for the course in this game.

 

Your instinct to want to protect the seal is correct.

 

 

 

 

[TNOSE_E]

Don't or can't mtbs use fork protectors like an MX bike?

You can use a shock/fork cover. basically material that covers the tube and fastens via velcro. The whole lot will then compress with the fork/shock as it does its job offering some protection.

[Nuffy]

 

Don't or can't mtbs use fork protectors like an MX bike?

 

I think there have been a few forks that have had these, like the Manitou Dorado (upside-down design). It doesn't seem to have taken off, though, maybe because nearly all forks these days are the other way up.

 

It used to be quite common for forks to have rubber boots to cover the stanchion. Some low-end models still have short little guys on. Maybe they just collected too much dust and grime inside and made cleaning more difficult. Or maybe they just didn't look that cool.