Last week we covered how to do a quick post ride fork service [click here], now we will walk you through the process for a Lower-leg service of the RockShox Pike. During the process we will clean the inside of the fork fill it up with some new suspension fluid.
Despite regular maintenance after every tour, it is advisable to do a lager service of the fork after about 50 hours. Simply greasing the dust seals and replacing the oil will help extend the life of your fork. If this service is neglected, the performance of the fork deteriorates and it can cause damage to the fork stanchions and other components.
From the chamber of horrors – Insufficient maintenance destroyed the upper assembly of this fork.
Level
easy – advanced
Tools
valve screwdriver
2.5 and 5 mm Allen Key
rubber mallet
RockShox 0w30 suspension fluid
RSP Slik Kick grease or Buzzys Slick Honey
20 ml Syringe
How to
To start you should unscrew the valve using a valve screwdriver, ensuring that there is no more pressure in the air chamber. This makes the disengagement of the retaining bolt at the lower part of the fork easier.Following that the adjustment knob of the rebound dial can be removed with a 2.5 mm Allen key.The screw underneath should then be partially undone with a 5mm Allen 3-4 turns.The bolt on the other side, can now be undone a few rotations.With light hammer, tap the bolt heads to release the internals of the fork. If the bolt heads rest against the fork body, this has already happened. This usually required just a little force.Now both bolts can be completely unscrewed.Now the lower assembly can be drawn downward. NOTE: Oil will now pour out, this has to be collected and disposed of properly.The oil should be collected with an oil pan or a bucket.It is now time to clean the dust seals. For this purpose, it is advisable to turn the lower assembly upside so dirt does not fall inside.The dust seals should be lubricated with RBS Slick Kick or Buzzys Slick Honey fork grease.The lower assembly can now be pushed back over the stanchions again.For an easy installation, it is recommended to release the spring rings of the dust seals.Now the fork is reunited.Now the lower assembly is refilled with new oil. This can be done most accurately and precisely by administering with a syringe.The lubricating oil gets injected into the bottom of the lower assembly. Drive Side 5 ml and the non drive side 15 ml of 0W30 oil.Now the bolts can be pushed through again. It is also recommended to put some grease on them before the get assembly.The bolts should get tighten to 7.3 Nm.Finally, only the rebound knob must be mounted again and the work has been completed.The RockShox Pike is ready again for the next 50 ours of trail riding. So go out in the woods and shred some trails!!
Words: Christoph Bayer / Trevor Worsey Picutres: Christoph Bayer
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