keith_b00ne

I have a Trek 4500 that has had very light use and is next to new. I took it on a 3 hour ride this weekend and the front forks had a ball of grey greese on them. Should they leak like that? Is there a break in?

Quadzone.com

Can you post a pic of it??

Sounds like it's just external teflon grease put on the sanctions. If they are leaking then I would presume the ride would be horrible and they would be bottoming out over every little bump. MY RST Gila's that came on my Trek 4300 had something similear to what your describing and it was just external grease, no biggie.

harov3

I think the 4500 comes with an RST T5, right? If thats the case then dont worry about it. There is no oil in there and a little grease leakage wont hurt them. The seals never were much good on the T5. Nope, according to the website its a rock shock judy TT which is much the same as the RST. No oil but does have an elastomer. Either way a little grease is no matter. Just remember to drain them if you ever drop it in a creek.

Joony

question for you guys,

I have a RST Gila T5 on my Trek 4300. What kind of lube or grease should I put on the stanchions? I really don't know how to maintain it! I have some of that Park PolyLube polyurea grease along with some Pedro's xtra dry chain lube.

Quadzone.com

I'll probably get yelled at for not spending $60 on a special bike lube at the LBS, but I just sprayed WD-40 on them.

BE CAREFULL TO NOT GET ANY ON YOUR ROTORS OR RIM IF YOU USE V-BRAKES....

Namenda

He said WD-40! Quick, duck!!

sherpaPeak

is WD-40 okay for to use on the forks? I dont care for those specialized lubs either, but I also dont want to ruin my fork. any more input....

Pheard

I dunt know what were sposed to use but I use triflow to lube everything lol

Quadzone.com

You won't ruin the fork I can garauntee that.

Just be extra carefull where you spray. YOu could actually spray it on a rag and wipe it on the stantions to be extra carefull.

I use WD-40 for everything on my bike so I'm like brekking all golden rules about chain lube and what not.... I'm headed to hell for sure.

harov3

The T5 has no oil, just grease internally. I could not recommend WD40 though for any part of your bike except as a cleaning agent, (like spray-n-wipe). If you really feel the need to grease the fork just lift the little rubber boots on the legs and wipe some grease under there then put the boots back in place. If you want to go further try this link . The manuals here do not specifically cover the T4/T5 but are almost exactly the same, enjoy.


Edit: Manual "E" most closley corresponds to what you will find inside a T4/T5, just no elastomers in yours.