Front Shock Maintenance Question

[TwoLeggedHorse]

I haven't really paid attention to the condition of my front shock until recently. Usually I just wipe it down after each ride, but recently a friend pointed out that the seals on my front shock are showing signs of wear and tear. I started to notice also that my shocks are showing signs of oxidation or rust spots, but not big ones. My question is, what is the general maintenance of front shocks? What's the best cleaning method? And what's the best lube to apply? I read up on Rock Shox's Judy Butter, but heard there are other more effective, cheaper lubes out there. Someone even made a lube out of synthetic oil and petroleum jelly. What are your recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

[Neccros]

What model of fork do you have??? also are they chrome-moly stancions??? those could possibly rust on a lower end fork... or is the rust elsewhere??

I usually wipe my fork down gently with a microfiber towel and rub a little bit of tri-flow on them to keep them smooth and not stick...

Depending on your fork model, look for Enduro Seals, they are a good replacement for the stock ones...

Originally Posted by TwoLeggedHorse

I haven't really paid attention to the condition of my front shock until recently. Usually I just wipe it down after each ride, but recently a friend pointed out that the seals on my front shock are showing signs of wear and tear. I started to notice also that my shocks are showing signs of oxidation or rust spots, but not big ones. My question is, what is the general maintenance of front shocks? What's the best cleaning method? And what's the best lube to apply? I read up on Rock Shox's Judy Butter, but heard there are other more effective, cheaper lubes out there. Someone even made a lube out of synthetic oil and petroleum jelly. What are your recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

[soul rider]

an older fork any brand say 2000 and older look into a new fork, imo. newer models send them back to the mfr, a specialized repair house eg. push or garage works or drop them off at your local bike shop, they should be able to handle a rebuild (new seals and or wipers, and fluid)
in regards to "adding" lubes it won't help whatever is happening on the inside of the fork, besides that introducing other lubricants that are not to oem spec may cause adverse effects to seals and other rubber components o-rings etc.
knowing what type of fork you have will get you a more informative response.

[SSinGA]

seals wear out and that is normal. I don't care for the enduro brand as they feel like that introduce more stiction.

Rust could be a problem, but you should be able to "sand" it off with some super fine steel wool pads. put a little shock oil on the steel wool first then lightly sand the rusty/oxidized areas.

as for lubricants - if you haven't changed the oil or lube (if its an elastomer fork with no damping fluid) in less than 6 months - do it ASAP. Rock-n-Roll lubes makes a great line of grease if you need it.

to keep things running smooth after you changed the seal and oil/lube I suggest using the finish line stanchion lube. It's a super slick lubricant that keeps the sliders clean and has a ptfe (teflon) base that is very slick.

[TwoLeggedHorse]

Sorry I forgot to mention the model of my fork. Its a Rock Shox Judy SL. Hope this will help.

[soul rider]

Adrenaline has a wall of "classic" Rock shock forks for cheap...i think less than 100.00...check them out.

[TwoLeggedHorse]

Right now I'm out of money. And quick fixes are all I can afford. But thanks for the recommendation. I'm the kinda person that really uses up something until it is completely broken.

[Neccros]

Originally Posted by SSinGA

seals wear out and that is normal. I don't care for the enduro brand as they feel like that introduce more stiction.

Ive got these seals in 2 of my forks and they work awesome... I think the problem you were having was during the break in period... they are hydraulic seals but once they get a little bit of use, the fork got really plush....

Originally Posted by TwoLeggedHorse

Sorry I forgot to mention the model of my fork. Its a Rock Shox Judy SL. Hope this will help.

What year of Judy???

[TwoLeggedHorse]

Originally Posted by Neccros

Ive got these seals in 2 of my forks and they work awesome... I think the problem you were having was during the break in period... they are hydraulic seals but once they get a little bit of use, the fork got really plush....



What year of Judy???

Its a 2004 Rock Shox Judy SL U-turn.

[Neccros]

Originally Posted by TwoLeggedHorse

Its a 2004 Rock Shox Judy SL U-turn.

You might want to check with Steve at Garage Works Suspension in Irvine and he will tell you what you need for your fork..

Enduro only has Judy seals up to 2002.... Steve will have the ones you need at his shop.....

[Mudman]

Originally Posted by TwoLeggedHorse

Right now I'm out of money. And quick fixes are all I can afford. But thanks for the recommendation. I'm the kinda person that really uses up something until it is completely broken.

stop being cheap! just throw a Boxxer fork and youll be good for uphill climbing(with the assistance of being towed by a truck)

your fork still seems to work, so thats a good sign. I got some of that lube thing I told you about to try out. how about giving that a shot before the next ride?

[Vince]

Can someone tell me how top find out what spring I have in my 06' Travis ? It feels a bit soft for me.

[Vince]

How much do you weigh ?I weigh 165lbs

[Vince]

I have the 06' Tripple Ti 203mm. I guess I'll have to wait till they get set up too. Someone said to try the path.

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by Vince

Someone said to try the path.

Always an option... and a good one at that