Merlin Posted January 11, 2010 Share Hi everyone, I've got a serious F'-up on my side... In December whilst on holiday I damaged a part of my brakes. Both were subsequently serviced by the LBS down there. However, the front dragged a little but due to time constraints I was forced to accept the bike as-is. Believe me, had I had a chance, I would have given the bike to them to sort out properly. I got back to JHB and got a chance to investigate the issue... The @#%^ing Idiots have stripped the thread of my fork - a Manitou Black Elite 120mm. It's the design where the caliper bolts into the fork, and not 'across the ridge'. See photo... http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mikroz/MBE120.jpg I REALLY do NOT have several thousand Rand sitting dormant with which to buy a new fork. There is very little meat on the fork with which to play in terms of fitting an insert. I have been looking and have considered the following... [Viewing the fork as seen in the photo...] 1. Drill the slot in the caliper larger to the right, and then drill and fit a miniscule insert into the fork, if at all possible. 2. Find out what metal the fork is made from, weld (if possible) the hole closed, and then retap it. 3. Permanently fix the caliper to the fork - stupid idea. Period. 4. Attempt to get a new 'bottom' from Manitou? Are any of these possible? The fork is quite a few years old now. I am in JHB and anyone able to assist would be most appreciated. Many thanks, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Earp Posted January 11, 2010 Share Helicoil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 11, 2010 Share Hi SC, I'm not that technically inclined... Would you mind elaborating on that for me a bit please? What is it? Who in JHB can do it? Rough cost? Many thanks, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Marshall Posted January 12, 2010 Share Check out the following post. It covers the use of helicoils for stripped threads. Good luck with the repair. https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=60781&KW=helicoil&PID=906777#906777 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 12, 2010 Share Check out the following post.? It covers the use of helicoils for stripped threads.Good luck with the repair.https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=60781&KW=helicoil&PID=906777#906777 Thanks Chowder. I'm speaking to a Mechanical Engineer about this later this week' date=' and will also send a message to Johan [from your link']. Cheers, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassie Posted January 12, 2010 Share MerlinIf at all possible, speak to Johan B. If he cannot help you / suggest a solution, you can throw the fork away!! But i'll bet the price of a brand new fork that Johan will be able to sort you out... Good luck...and give the LBS some hell!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 12, 2010 Share Hi Cassie, I've sent Johan an email. If the fork goes, the bike goes - the budget can't support a new fork of similiar specs unfortunately. The LBS in question is in KZN, and due to severe time constraints whilst down there, I wasn't able to check the bike over properly whilst there. It would now be a case of "I say, they say..." Cheers, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrorider Posted January 12, 2010 Share Merlin, does it take a 6mm bolt? Dimensions of the boss itself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted January 12, 2010 Share I have had it done (helicoil) in a Skareb and no problem till today ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 12, 2010 Share Hi RR, To be honest, I haven't checked. I will do so tonight. What do you need me to measure in terms of the boss? Length and breadth? Sorry for the ignorant question - my engineering know-how is sadly lacking. Cheers, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrussell Posted January 12, 2010 Share 2nd option! maybe before that, try see what new lowers will cost from manitou. But there is another possible solution, when i had a stripped socket on my old bike, i bought some special glue that looks like a metal paste and you put that in the stripped sockets of your fork, put the bolt in, then the next day unscew it and the glue will hold the threads. unfortunately Id imagine it only works if there is a tight fit with the stripped fork mounts and bolt, otherwise i think you might have to do some pricise aligning which could be a mission. but speak to your hardware store, I didnt even ask my LBS and give that a try! if it fails, you can just drill out the glue Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 12, 2010 Share Thanks jrussell, I'll ask around for some more info' on the paste. Haven't heard from Johan yet, but I only email him this morning, sooo... Cheers, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrorider Posted January 12, 2010 Share Proper repair would be Time-sert insert. find out who does it in your area. Wurth most likely? The dimensions of the boss is relevant to see what insert it would or would not take. There are other options also, some i do not want to mention in case i am crucified by inhouse expert. You will get this fixed easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brighter-Lights Posted January 12, 2010 Share CRC has got black lowers for cheap... also... minute 1,2,3 uses same lowers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Posted January 12, 2010 Share Thanks for the tips. Have also emailed Manitou... It's a bad idea to surf bike websites - it makes my wallet cringe and me drool. I will wait to hear from Johan and Manitou before looking at buying new lowers. Cheers, Nic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrorider Posted January 12, 2010 Share See http://www.timesert.com/html/engineeringdataM.html and http://www.metalockasia.com/engineering_products.php#timesert This gives you an idea of what inserts available. take your shock to someone who has the kit and ask for repair. Otherwise if your shock has V-brake bosses, buy an old wheel and fit proper brakes (V-brakes).Retrorider2010-01-12 04:32:08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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