Forks and Oil

[Sighnide]

On almost all rides there is a bit of oil that 'escapes' between the stanchion and seals of my fork. I have a Reba Race, but my mate with a Fox fork has the same issue.

Is this something to be concerned about? Even though the amount of oil is small, over time the source will run dry...right?

 

 

[AndreZA]

it's fine and it will be dry by the time it's due for a service or it's time for service when it runs dry.

[GoLefty!!]

thats justthe lube oil for the bushes. Wipe it away and make usre you service the fork between 40 and 60hrs of use if you ride offroad often.

 

If you ride regularly in the rain then drop the lube oil change to 10hrs.

This is simply a removal of thelower legs, oil drain and replace.

 

You can use a 5w30 or 5W40 Engine oil for this purpose.

 

for the damper you will need a dedicated hydraulic damping oil.

 

Note: Open bath forks are lubes with damping oil. Engine oil is not suitable for use in these forks.

[Sighnide]

Thanks

[Johan Bornman]

Lefty is right, but he's getting old and forgot to mention that the Fox' right leg is full of damper oil that lubricates and damps at the same time. Engine oil mustn't go in there unless you're in the middle of the Kalahari and it has run dry.

 

You are right about the source eventually running dry. I see this often, especially with the air piston side where the piston only has 5ml of oil on top. 90% of them are dry.

 

If the oil is just a mist on the stanchions, you're OK, if it drips down, the seals are shot.

 

BTW, lefty, drop me a PM with your e-mail address please, I want to set up a wheelbuilding session for you and some other interested parties.

 

[GoLefty!!]

oh yeah fox and their weird designs...

 

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