Shocks / Forks / Suspension Service – old

The forks and shocks are a much neglected maintenance item – the reasons normally being the cost and the perceived inconvenience.  Many riders do not notice the slow deterioration in performance until it is too late:

forkleg

– Forks become stiff or sticky
– The fork loses air
– The bike’s handling and steering feel different
– The overall ride quality becomes harsher
– The stanchions become scratched

A common scenario is that dust / mud / water enters the fork past the dust seals, and this forms an abrasive paste that wears away the coating on the fork legs and bushes in the lower legs. None of this is visible from the outside until it is too late.

The 29’er fork on the left is only 2 years old, and it is beyond repair.  Replacement cost of this fork is in excess of R9000.00 excluding labour – for other forks, it can be a lot more expensive.  Regular maintenance would have been a far more cost-effective option.

Basic maintenance is simple: Wash the fork and shock after every ride with mild soapy water.  Do not use a pressure washer, as this will force dirt in under the seals. Check the air pressure, sag and fork operation as often as possible, and check for scratches on the legs.

Depending on your brand of fork, the service interval can start at 30 hours – for a weekend warrior who rides 2 hours per weekend, that’s about a 4 month interval for a fork oil change.    The damper needs to be serviced less regularly. Obviously, there are many factors that influence the service interval, but if you are unsure, it may be best to have your suspension serviced soon – to avoid costly replacement bills. For a regular rider, we recommend servicing your suspension at least once a year.

Rear suspension linkage bearings seize and wear over time. These failures can range from squeaks and creaks to no audible signals; however, a seized bearing can lead to snapped chainstays, therefore, as with forks and shocks, preventive maintenance is key.

Fork, shock and suspension linkage servicing prices will be quoted per job.