Assessing condition of old suspension forks?
01-30-10, 11:28 AM
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Assessing condition of old suspension forks?
we have several old forks in our shop, ranging from probably 5-10 years old. they all *seem* to be okay, but what are some methods of checking the condition of a fork? other than pushing on it to test the rebound and a visual inspection for cracks or oil leaks, i'm really a loss other than taking it apart, a tedious task for something worth maybe $30. obviously there are different types of forks; air, coil, etc etc, but any knowledge or resources would be appreciated. thanks!
01-30-10, 08:56 PM
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we have several old forks in our shop, ranging from probably 5-10 years old. they all *seem* to be okay, but what are some methods of checking the condition of a fork? other than pushing on it to test the rebound and a visual inspection for cracks or oil leaks, i'm really a loss other than taking it apart, a tedious task for something worth maybe $30. obviously there are different types of forks; air, coil, etc etc, but any knowledge or resources would be appreciated. thanks!
01-30-10, 10:40 PM
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Air sprung forks; pressurize and submerge in water, looks for bubbles indicating air loss.
Oil bath forks; excess oil build up indicates worn seals.
Externally adjustable forks; turn adjuster knobs to see if they have any effect.
Forks ranging from 5-10 years old; throw away, donate to suspension fork museum, or disassemble and consider it training.
Oil bath forks; excess oil build up indicates worn seals.
Externally adjustable forks; turn adjuster knobs to see if they have any effect.
Forks ranging from 5-10 years old; throw away, donate to suspension fork museum, or disassemble and consider it training.
01-31-10, 10:59 AM
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thanks for the other info, that's more what i was looking for.
01-31-10, 04:24 PM
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Suspension forks function OK for a long,long time.The simpler they are-just sprung with steel spring and no actual damping , the longer they will work. They last a long time because most get very little use.
Forks with those polymer spongy springs also last longer than you would think-maybe 10 years.Hard to believe that some spongy plastic like material can take some many hits and so much time, but they do.
I never throw anything away.Just ride it-nothing leaks- don't bottom out it works.MC forks take more of a beating, and they also last 10-20-30 years.
Like anything else, the fancier they are the more maintenance they need-and they usually haven't gotten that maintenance, so they gum up and quit working.
If they seem to work, they work.
Charlie
Forks with those polymer spongy springs also last longer than you would think-maybe 10 years.Hard to believe that some spongy plastic like material can take some many hits and so much time, but they do.
I never throw anything away.Just ride it-nothing leaks- don't bottom out it works.MC forks take more of a beating, and they also last 10-20-30 years.
Like anything else, the fancier they are the more maintenance they need-and they usually haven't gotten that maintenance, so they gum up and quit working.
If they seem to work, they work.
Charlie
