rebuilding a Rockshox Judy
04-01-09, 12:14 AM
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rebuilding a Rockshox Judy
Hi. I have a '95 or '96 Judy XC that needs to be serviced. It doesn't have any travel and is fully compressed, and won't uncompress. I haven't tried draining the oil or anything yet. Its on a '95 or '96 Bontrager Racelite so I can't get a new fork due to the 1" tube (I think?), nor would I want to anyway. I'd like to give it a spring upgrade if possible but am not familiar with the internals. Are there any special tools, seals, hardware, etc. needed to do this job? Is this something a first-timer should attempt?
Last edited by 8ball; 04-01-09 at 12:20 AM.
04-01-09, 12:25 AM
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1996 Rock Shox Judy Service Guide: https://manualer.happymtb.org/rock%20shox/1996%20judy%20service.pdf
New fork with 1" steering tube: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22693
New fork with 1" steering tube: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22693
Last edited by cobba; 04-01-09 at 12:30 AM.
04-01-09, 12:09 PM
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Sounds bad since it won't uncompress. I had a 98 Judy XC for a few years and when the coil spring broke my fork had no suspension. I bought a different fork because the bushings were worn and parts weren't available. Axle to crown height is the measurement to be most concerned with. The fact that your fork is 1" steerer and was 50-60mm of travel you will have almost zero options. If you go to a higher stroke fork it will slacken your Bonts geometry and mess up the handling. There used to be a shop called Hippie Tech(?). Google that. They were known for servicing older forks and doing upgrades. If your spring is gone they may have some older Englund air carts. You may have to replace with a ridgid fork.
04-01-09, 01:51 PM
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My 95 Judys are Elastomer. If yours are- then make certain you get the right grease for Lubrication.
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04-01-09, 01:58 PM
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Regarding grease I have a couple small tubs of Judy Butter. 8ball if you decide to service yourself and you would like OE grease PM me.
04-01-09, 05:23 PM
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My Judy from about that time were elastomers....no oil, no springs. I converted them to Air Cartridges....I think the brand was England or something like that the kit cost about $100, many years ago
04-01-09, 09:20 PM
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Thank you very much for the info and links.
I emailed Hippie-Tech back in Nov. and they said it wouldn't be a problem. I put it off until last month and tried emailing them again a few times without any success.
G C, thanks for the offer, I may take you up on the butter. Maybe I'll contact you by the weekend if I decide to try it myself.
I see in the Judy service manual there are some special tools required so I'm going to have to look into that some more. As well as getting replacement internal parts. Ideally I'd like to get some springs.
Thanks again.
I emailed Hippie-Tech back in Nov. and they said it wouldn't be a problem. I put it off until last month and tried emailing them again a few times without any success.
G C, thanks for the offer, I may take you up on the butter. Maybe I'll contact you by the weekend if I decide to try it myself.
I see in the Judy service manual there are some special tools required so I'm going to have to look into that some more. As well as getting replacement internal parts. Ideally I'd like to get some springs.
Thanks again.
