[racefit]

I have a fork that is about 3 years old with only 5 short rides on it. It’s about to go on a new build but I’m wondering if I should service anything due to its age and not it’s mileage.

Was thinking just new oil in lowers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Th3Bill]

I have a fork that is about 3 years old with only 5 short rides on it. It’s about to go on a new build but I’m wondering if I should service anything due to its age and not it’s mileage.

Was thinking just new oil in lowers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

3 years, I’d do a service on it…I’d imagine the wiper seals are pretty dry and depending on where it was stored, oil should probably be replaced as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[racebum]

depends on where it was stored. personally i would change the bath oil and grease the seals. i would not however pay a shop to do it if i either didn't know how to or didn't have the tools. if this has been stored inside the whole time it should be in great shape

 

[racefit]

Fork was stored laying down in original box and in my garage. Not climate controlled but but not outside either. I’m in the Northeast so not overly dry.

Replacing oil in lowers is reasonable. I do have an extra seal kit but would hate to waste if not necessary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[r-rocket]

I would base Skip the seals and just replace the fluids.

Back before the supply chain mess, it wasn't crazy for seals in a brand new fork to be a year old or more before the fork got ridden for the first time.

The seal gets manufactured.
Stored at the factory
Sent to a fork maker
Stored by the fork maker
Put in a fork
Fork is stored by fork maker
Sent to a bike maker
Stored by a bike maker
Fork put on a bike
Bike stored by the bike maker
Bike sent to distributor
Stored by the distributor
Sent to a bike shop
Stored by a bike shop until built
Sits on the shop floor after being built until sold

Modern seals do just fine.

Removing the fluids is the only way to measure if the fluid levels are OK. Might as well put new fluid in.

 

[sillymonkey]

Just replacing oil is probably fine. Only replace dust seals if they are cracked/leaking.

I've been just changing lowers oil and reusing dust wiper seals and foam rings for several seasons on my bikes without issues. Also wash the foam rings since they are usually dirty.

 

[racebum]

Just replacing oil is probably fine. Only replace dust seals if they are cracked/leaking.

I've been just changing lowers oil and reusing dust wiper seals and foam rings for several seasons on my bikes without issues. Also wash the foam rings since they are usually dirty.

yea it's not necessary to replace the seals. shops will tell you to but they are also looking for your $$. seals die 2 ways, age, over 7-10 years they harden or if stored somewhere really hot. second is the grime. you can usually get 100-150 hours out of a set of seals before more grime starts slipping past them.from all the little micro pits, tears and deformities

 

[milehi]

I have a Marzocchi RC3 Ti with 1000s of miles on it. Its 11 years old and its never been opened up. Its leak free and buttery smooth but I might do a oil change on it this winter.

 

[Mudguard]

I have a Marzocchi RC3 Ti with 1000s of miles on it. Its 11 years old and its never been opened up. Its leak free and buttery smooth but I might do a oil change on it this winter.

Careful, it may not be as pretty as you'd like...

 

[Dougal]

I have a fork that is about 3 years old with only 5 short rides on it. It’s about to go on a new build but I’m wondering if I should service anything due to its age and not it’s mileage.

Was thinking just new oil in lowers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Turn it upside down and pump it. If it feels good then run it.

 

[RS VR6]

I'd at least replace the oil. I drop the lowers on brand new forks. You'll be surprised at how little oil comes out of a new fork.

 

[Dougal]

I'd at least replace the oil. I drop the lowers on brand new forks. You'll be surprised at how little oil comes out of a new fork.

It's not milk, it doesn't go off just sitting. If the OP had confidence it had oil in it originally then the oil is still in it.

You will know after a few pushes how it's going.

 

[RS VR6]

I'm talking about how sometimes a new fork can have very little oil from the factory. I'll drop the lowers on forks for a first time service and I've come across forks that have very little oil in it. I did my "new" Fox 34 earlier this year...there was probably less than half the amount of oil spec'd by Fox.

 

[TheBossOfBread]

I'm talking about how sometimes a new fork can have very little oil from the factory. I'll drop the lowers on forks for a first time service and I've come across forks that have very little oil in it. I did my "new" Fox 34 earlier this year...there was probably less than half the amount of oil spec'd by Fox.

Often times the foam rings aren't soaked before installation, they suck up a lot of oil