Cycle Fan Posted July 30, 2009 Posted July 30, 2009 So, I've managed to get a good deal on a new Rock Shox Tora fork. The question is ... can I install it myself (not having a clue how to) or do I need a professional bike mechanic to do it? I'd like to give it a go myself to learn something new but I'm afraid I make a hash of it and ruin the fork. How simple/complicated is it to install? What tools do I need, etc? Thanks for any advice...
bak2basiks Posted July 30, 2009 Posted July 30, 2009 Very easy.... allen keys, flat screwdriver and maybe a padded hammer....
Guest Big H Posted July 30, 2009 Posted July 30, 2009 I Googled "Instructions to install mtb suspension fork" and many links came up...... and this was the first one of the links..... http://www.mountain-bike-world.com/mountain-bike-forks.html Do the search and you will find a link that tells you how. It is quite simple but there are certain things that is verrrrry verrrry important. Ignore them and you could get hurt. Silly reply the one above..... like throwing egss flour and milk into a bowl and expecting a Christmas cake!!!!!!! .... < id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" ="">
Guest Big H Posted July 30, 2009 Posted July 30, 2009 Another good link.... more concise http://www.pinoymtbiker.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16652 .....< id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" ="">
BrendonMyb Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 its as easy as falling out the bus..... wish i was in the cape then i could come over & do it for you & show you. It shouldnt take you more than a half hour to do - properly that is. Youll need allen keys & thats pretty much it. * start by undoing your old allen bolt at the top of the steerer tube* then undo the remaining bolts on your stem - that is actually the "clamp" that keeps your stem attached to you steerer tube - your stem should now slide off the top of the steerer tube but make sure your bike isnt hanging up while youre doing this as the old fork will plumet out of the headset & hit the ground with quite a thud & then inevitable damage will occur.* then pull the fork out the bottom but make sure you keep an eye on the way that the bearings are situated on your steerer tube as you will need to put them back exactly the same on your new Toras - while you at it perhaps clean the old grease off your headset bearings & give a new coating of grease* insatll bearings & headset seals on the Toras steerer tube exactly the same way as they came off your old fork* then slide the steerer tube back through the headset from the bottom - also be carefull for the top headset bearings & seals, they need to be in the same order as when you took the old fork out* once the forks is through & the seals & bearings are nicely seated then put the stem back onto the steerer tube* Then using the allen key start tightening the steerer tube allen bolt at the top of the stem also making sure the allen bolt cup is in exactly as you took it off - tightning this bolt secures the fork properly within the headset so that you dont have any "play" - meaning your steerer tube doesnt move around within the headset while riding* then once it is nice & tight you can then align your stem with front wheel to make sure its nice & straight* then tighten the allen bolts on your stem nice & tight so that the stem clamps securely around the steerer tube finally check that there is no play whatsover between the steerer tube & headset - if there is you will need to undo the stem bolts again & tighten the steerer tube allen bolt a little tighter - you can check this by wiglling the bike backawards & forwards while holding the front brake. You will immeadely notice if its loose or not by hearing & feeling a clunk sort of noise as the steerer tube is flexing between the headset. If all thats is done - You are done - then enjoy your new forks
Cassie Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 Nice instructions...BumpnGrind!! Makes it sound all so easy....the detail just give one enough confidence to know that you will not destroy your new spares by trying it yourself.
mountain_lion Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 BumpnGrind, You forgot to swap over the front brakes from the old to the new fork, but that should be obvious...
Cycle Fan Posted July 31, 2009 Author Posted July 31, 2009 Thanks BnG - very concise! Think I'll give it a go myself!! WOW!!! The Hub is a wonderfull place!!!!
BrendonMyb Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 I also forgot, to mention: Check the spacers between your stem & headset. Your steerer tube might be a little longer or shorter. compensate this gap with headset spacers & then of course your brakes but you will also immeadetly notice if there are no front brakes good luck, I promise its not rocket science & if you do it slowly & look where everything comes off, then youll remember where to put it back on. Like i said it shouldnt take you more than a half hour if not shorter
NotSoBigBen Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 BnG, did I miss it or did you not mention that 'ring' that you mostly have to knock off the old fork - the one where the bottom bearing 'rolls' on? On that note now and then second hand forks come with them on, are they like universal or must you have the one that comes with your headset ........
BrendonMyb Posted July 31, 2009 Posted July 31, 2009 generally ive seen most forks come with that steerer tube ring on ( not always though/but that can be bought at the LBS & as far as i know one size fits all ) but yes make sure that ring fits your headset bearings just for incase. if im not mistaken most headset bearings are the same in diameter. Its only the headset cups that differ in size to compensate for a thicker/thinner headset tube.
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