Problems with my Pike 454 air u turn

[schleppp]

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

This is the second time I have had this problem.

On my fork if I have it fully extended to 140mm of travel if I compress the fork, either by just pushing on it or whatever, it sounds like there is air leaking out from under the adjuster knob. If I turn the knob 2 clicks down it no longer makes this sound. The kicker is that if I leave my bike on it's side overnight oil will leak out.

I had this problem before and R.S. sent me a new fork and I am having the same issue. FYI these forks have had less than 20-30 miles on them, mabye even less on the first one...

[2wheel_lee]

You mentioned that when you lean the bike on its side that oil comes out. Does it come out of the top adjuster? With the fork being angled, it would seem strange that oil would come out...unless it's being blow out through a leak.

I've had the same fork on my 4X bike, and I haven't had any problems or oddities with it.

If you don't want to wrench on it yourself (Rock Shox does have great service info on their webside), take it to a shop that is very capable with suspension. Or you could simply return it back to RS and get another fork.

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

You mentioned that when you lean the bike on its side that oil comes out. Does it come out of the top adjuster? With the fork being angled, it would seem strange that oil would come out...unless it's being blow out through a leak.

Yes, the oil leaks out right below the travel adj. but only after some time. I had my bike in the trunk of my car over night and there it was when I went to get it out...

[bcblur]

There's a thread on MTBR about this.

I don't turn my bike upside down so I don't know if I have this problem. I'll check today and try the DIY fix if there's problems.

Found another thread on a different issue that might cause a leak.

So that's a possible small leak from each side of the fork... maybe I don't want to turn it upside down later.

[bighit8]

I have heard or read somewhere; that it is good from time to time to let the bike sit upside down.The purpose is to let oil reach some of the seals that normally dont get a lot of oil. It keeps them from getting dry.

[TURNERob]

There is an o-ring underneath the u-turn adjustment knob that rotates everytime you use the u-turn knob. This o-ring eventually gets flattened out and will let oil seep by. It is a pretty easy fix. Just take the u-turn knob off by removing the c-clip, then take the top nut off and the top portion of the u-turn mechanism will come out and you will see the o-ring on the shaft. I just went to a hardware store and got a new o-ring and problem solved. You don't have to drain the oil out or anything....pretty simple fix.

[Ladd Jasper]

I've performed this fix a couple times myself, and as Rob mentioned, it's pretty quick and very simple.

I'd add that you'll want to be extra careful when removing the U-Turn cap, as there are several tiny ball bearings and springs underneath that allow the knob to index properly (those clicks you hear when it's turned), and keep it from moving on its own. If you go tearing in there, those tiny buggers will scatter like roaches in sunlight and you'll be searching for days trying to find them all.

Yes, I speak from experience