Help a noob with his fork

chevrolegs

chevrolegs

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Hey guys, I plan on changing the oil in my 2004 Manitou Black Comp this weekend, I'm not getting the full use of the travel (maybe only what seems to be 2-3 inches). I've watched a few videos online (nothing actually on the Black, but it's pretty much the same idea right?) and I also printed out the Black service manual.. my question is should I replace the seals while I'm at it? If yes, where can I buy these seals locally? I don't really want to order them online since I want to have it done this weekend. Hm I think that's it for now, any tips and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. oh and I think I'll be using Motorex 5w oil for replacement oil.

:beer:
 
Make sure you use the same weight oil unless you know you want to change the how the fork reacts. I would say if the seals have not been replaced for a while I would replace the seals. You best bet for having the seals in stock is probably the path. Give them a call.

Also make sure you have a good system for measuring the amount of fluid to replace. Some use syringe type items, others have used graduated cylinders
 
It wouldn't hurt to change the seals. But taking the fork apart only takes a few minutes once you're familiar with it. It is good to have a seal kit on hand in case you pinch an o-ring. Manitou uses 5 wt oil in most of their forks. Just mark a dowel with the recommended oil height for measurement. I 'm sure this is all explained in the service manual.
Most importantly, wear old clothing and have something to catch the oil when pulling off the sliders. You will always spill oil.
 
Ugh ok so I was going to go to the path today to buy seals but I couldn't find my measuring tool to measure the stanchions.. I see online it could either be 32mm or 30mm.. so when I find my tool it actually doesn't measure in millimeters, but centimeters.. so when I measure it, it's 9 centimeters and when I convert it.. it's 90 millimeters wtf! What the hell am I doing wrong haha
 
As a helicopter dude who's done ALOT of maintenance on things very similar to, and the same as, the forks you're working on, change the seals. They're five years old and have seen better days.:drunk:I know a guy who rebuilds Manitous so if you want his information, lemme know and I'll hook you up! :D
 
after you spill oil all over your garage/driveway/kitchen or whatever I have one tip for you, Clumping kiitty litter, i use the big sams club bucket kind, it leaves my driveway cleaner in the spots where I spilled oil
 
Just a couple more tips.

Wear rubber/ latex gloves. Fork oil has a funky smell to it that gets into your skin and is damn near impossible to wash away. Wears off after several hours, though.

Work smarter, not harder. I would always use two different containers to measure out my PIKE's oil (100 cc's in a big measuring cup, 20 cc's in a syringe). Finally wised up and just marked a laundry detergent cup w/ elec. tape after pouring the measured amount in #-o Was a breeze after that.

Rockinthecasbah said:
after you spill oil all over your garage/driveway/kitchen or whatever I have one tip for you, Clumping kiitty litter, i use the big sams club bucket kind, it leaves my driveway cleaner in the spots where I spilled oil
Click to expand...

Great tip. I use sawdust from my tablesaw, which also works like a charm. Whatever you have handy.

Good luck! Doing your own maintenance/ repair feels great.
 
tell the chard devin said hi! does he still do ydkd? sorry for the hijack, but richard does employ good people! and he can fix anything!
 

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