RodTi Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Hello all, Would appreciate some advice. Just had a new Fox F80RLC put on - done maybe 6/7 rides with it.Got back from the red and black loop at Dirtopia this afternoon, and noticed this scratch on the stanchion leg, as below... Can only think it happened when I stopped for some grub on the trail, and the bike blew over and connected with a rock... Didn't notice any damage at the time, but guess I missed it... As you will note, there is a circular scratch mark [ok - it's really 4 little dents in a circular formation ], and next to it, to the right, a little scratch running top down... What do I do now - how serious is this? The 'round' scratch is a bit abrasive... Should I take sandpaper to it to smooth the edges a bit - so that it doesn't damage the wiper seals etc? Or should I take it in to the nearest dealer? I'm in Paarl... Anyone out there with similar scratches etc on the stanchion - out of /10 - how big a problem is this? Many thanks in advance... Finally got the pic's loaded... I've had some useful pm's since then - Thanks!Did the light sanding last night.Will hope for the best... RodTi2009-01-27 10:22:14
singletrackmind Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 it doesnt sound to bad, accidents happen and the forks are made tough
vanniri Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Happened to me once with a Bomber (Marzocchi) - although by your description, much less damage, still clearly noticeable and somewhat abrasive. The shock still worked fine, lasted till I sold it and was sold twice after that with zero problems (in fact one of the most hazzle free f/shocks I have had). Btw the marked become less noticeable over time, until it was hardly visible.
Johan Bornman Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Abrasive marks should be buffed off using 600 grit sandpaper. Get rid of the worse burrs otherwise it will damage the seal. Do it and stop worrying about the fork. Stuff happens.
Wyatt Earp Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Abrasive marks should be buffed off using 600 grit sandpaper. Get rid of the worse burrs otherwise it will damage the seal. ? Do it and stop worrying about the fork. Stuff happens. ? What seal ?
vanniri Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 What seal ? The seal where the stancions enter the lower section - it is rubber can?t miss it
Wyatt Earp Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 ? What seal ? ? The seal where the stancions enter the lower section - it is rubber can?t miss it Really ????? It's called a dust wiper, some call it a dust wiper seal (Fox) so my reason for asking is quite obvious.Summit Cycles2009-01-25 21:39:44
RodTi Posted January 26, 2009 Author Posted January 26, 2009 Thanks for all the suggestions... Will load pictures when we can again - but in the meantime, will take to it with the old sandpaper... - so as not to damage the seal/dust wiper/dust wiper seal... Will try and not let it get to me Mr. Borman - but in this case, it's kinda like getting a big old ding on your brand new, one week old car.... Joy!
Wyatt Earp Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 Will try and not?let it get to me Mr. Borman -?but in this case' date=' it's kinda like getting a big old ding on your brand new, one week old car.... ? Joy! ?[/quote'] That is never a good feeling
Iwan Kemp Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 Great, your first scratch. Now ride it like you stole it. Delvera is an awesome ride.
RodTi Posted January 26, 2009 Author Posted January 26, 2009 Great' date=' your first scratch. Now ride it like you stole it. Delvera is an awesome ride.[/quote'] Crow - .... Delvera was a blast. Nearly saw my behind on the Northshore(?) ramps in the little forest... Takes some getting used to, that does. Serious respect for those who cruise over those ramps ignoring the fact that they are not actually on the ground.... The singletrack is mostly really cool. Very rocky though in parts - and the softy in me cannot but help wonder whether they're designed with duallies in mind... Having said that - hardtail or not, the initial uphill singletrack getting on to the Yellow-wood koppie, really cleaned my pipes .... Need to get fitter etc etc....
Reghard111 Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 Be carefull, DONT SAND IT TOO MUCH!!! there is a coating and with the coating worn off the seals will wear in no time!
RodTi Posted January 26, 2009 Author Posted January 26, 2009 Be carefull' date=' DONT SAND IT TOO MUCH!!! there is a coating and with the coating worn off the seals will wear in no time![/quote'] Thanks OPC - like sandpaper to a baby's bottom it shall be!!
RodTi Posted January 27, 2009 Author Posted January 27, 2009 'Bumped' this since I got the pics uploaded...
Johan Bornman Posted January 27, 2009 Posted January 27, 2009 Tie-rod, I've been thinking about your fork.Once you've done the sandpaper thing and the seal still leaks or it bothers you when you sleep that water could enter, try the following. Fill the little holes with a good epoxy (there are one or two epoxy specialists who lurk here on The Hub and they can advise which), and smooth it off, It needn't form a strong mechanical bond since there will be no stress on the expoxy itself. It's a little bit like body putty at a panelbeater. If the expoxy doesn't hold, roughen up the insides of the holes with an engraving tool and try again. I'm convinced that'll make the stanchion as good as new.
RodTi Posted January 27, 2009 Author Posted January 27, 2009 Tie-rod' date=' I've been thinking about your fork.Once you've done the sandpaper thing and the seal still leaks or it bothers you when you sleep that water could enter, try the following. Fill the little holes with a good epoxy (there are one or two epoxy specialists who lurk here on The Hub and they can advise which), and smooth it off, It needn't form a strong mechanical bond since there will be no stress on the expoxy itself. It's a little bit like body putty at a panelbeater. If the expoxy doesn't hold, roughen up the insides of the holes with an engraving tool and try again. I'm convinced that'll make the stanchion as good as new. [/quote'] Thanks JB! I was actually toying with throwing that idea out there.... given that, as you state, the only stress (if any), will occur at the point that the stanchion passes through the dust wiper - and if so, this could be adequately dealt with if the epoxy managed to bind properly to the holes... Having said that, given the small size of the holes - this would be an operation on the smallest of scales, which would be challenging... The one possible catch would be the use of the engraving machine to rough up the holes if the epoxy doesn't want to take... That would require an engraver with a steady hand - since the last thing I'd need is a neat, round hole straight through the stanchion!!! I'll play it by ear. As you say - assuming I don't lose too much sleep, and I cannot notice any oil residue on the arm post-ride, I'll let sleeping dogs lie.... RodTi2009-01-27 11:01:54
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