Maintenance intervals
That's what the manufacturers say:
After every journey:
➜ Clean the standpipes, dust deflector
➜ Check standpipes for scratches
Every 25 operating hours (additional):
➜ Check the torques of all fastening screws
➜ Check the air pressure
➜ Oil the dust deflector (fork oil)
➜ Lubricate Bowden cable/lockout
Every 50 operating hours (additional):
➜ Clean and grease the dust deflector
➜ Clean and grease the bearing bushes
Every 100 operating hours (specialist workshop):
➜ Disassemble the entire fork
➜ Clean and lubricate the damper cartridge
➜ Suntour: Clean and lubricate the air chamber
Replace the oil seal (oil 80 W or higher)
➜ RockShox: Remove the air guide rods
Change damping oil (5 W oil)
How the professional does it
A service should be carried out every 50 operating hours, but at the latest when dirt or moisture has penetrated the fork. Disassembly, thorough cleaning and lubrication - this helps every fork to get back on track. Any scratches or cracks can also be recognised at an early stage during a DIY service. With new grease in the right places and freshly adjusted, the suspension will work perfectly again and last longer.
Christoph Eichinger, Service Technician Suntour
Tips
Important: Do not use any aggressive degreasers or cleaners on your fork. These can attack or dry out seals and rubber.
Dust deflectors should never run dry. This damages the sealing lips and coating of the standpipes.
➜ You should not use low-viscosity spray oil for regular maintenance. This can wash out and
wash out and dry out the seals.
➜ Instead, drizzle thicker fork oil under the dust deflectors, which is also used for internal lubrication.
is also used for internal lubrication.
➜ Wear protective goggles and gloves when working on a suspension fork.
➜ Avoid direct skin contact with the fork oil.
➜ Make sure that the air has been completely released from the chambers. There is often some residual pressure
pressure often remains if you only actuate the valve once.
The full-length article from issue 1/2015 is available as a free PDF download.
