Topic: Check state of forks without opening them up ?

[sebastienb]

I bought a pair to replace my rusted ones on eBay, seller says they came of a working bike and they look brand new. Is there a way to check the condition of the forks besides visual appearance ? They look brand new and were taken off a working bike. If possible I would rather not open them up.


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[ekpent]

Changing the oil/fluid in them can tell real quick if water has got past the seals which would not bode well for their condition. Lots of oil or stuck crud on the outside are tell taale signs of bad seals also.

[mystic_1]

While they're off the bike, take the few minutes to pop the caps off the top and pull the springs out, at least.  The condition of the springs along with the fluid will tell you a lot about the condition of the shocks, and it will never be easier to change the fluid than it is right now.

mystic_1

[Don R]

 Put em on and hit a big bump?

[Stev-o]

They are most likely 35+ years old, do it right, change the springs, seals and oil.

[Shane72]

I bought a pair to replace my rusted ones on eBay, seller says they came of a working bike and they look brand new. Is there a way to check the condition of the forks besides visual appearance ? They look brand new and were taken off a working bike. If possible I would rather not open them up.


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Plenty of working bikes have forks that are in desperate need of rebuilding.

It's easy (and cheap) to do the job now, while they are on the bench.

All the best,

Shane

[eigenvector]

I'll third the sentiment and say "just do it".

If you're worried about doing, don't.  I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed and it really wasn't a challenge.  Popping out the seals is the hardest part, after that the rest is just like stripping and cleaning an M-4.

[750cafe]

I am with the replace the oil and seals BEFORE installation opinion. Never believe what someone tells you.
Start with a clean chalkboard so  to speak.   

Eric

[FunJimmy]

Fork oil is consumable and should be changed regularly.
At the very least, do that.

[Deltarider]

Fork oil is consumable and should be changed regularly.

How about the oil in the rear shocks then?
Sorry to repeat myself: my forks have done over 130.000 kms. I did not have to change a seal or a spring yet and the last fork fluid change was over ten years ago. So?
Do it right, yes, and don't fix what isn't broken.

[strynboen]

its vater komming in by leaking seals..vho make rotten oil in the forks..and rust.
. bent /tubes is a problem vho can be thekked..bu rolling the inner tube on a flat tabel.
..and thek for movent in bend parts..but a good vay to get the under legs polished and kleande up..new seals and oil...and then drive and thek.
.is it fine.
.then vast no more money on new springs and stuff..

[FunJimmy]

Fork oil is consumable and should be changed regularly.

How about the oil in the rear shocks then?
Sorry to repeat myself: my forks have done over 130.000 kms. I did not have to change a seal or a spring yet and the last fork fluid change was over ten years ago. So?
Do it right, yes, and don't fix what isn't broken.

You're right. Leave well enough alone.
There will always be a subset of society that's superior for having outwitted the rest of us and saved a few shillings. Those are often the same folks that couldn't distinguish between good suspension and a flat tire.


 

[750cafe]

You're right. Leave well enough alone.
There will always be a subset of society that's superior for having outwitted the rest of us and saved a few shillings. Those are often the same folks that couldn't distinguish between good suspension and a flat tire.

  Exactly right. 

I see those geniuses on the highway daily. Bouncing along when they hit the slightest of bumps with their vehicles listing to the drivers side with two flat tires...
ON THE DRIVER SIDE WHERE THEY ARE EASY TO SEE!!!! 

Eric