Posts
2420
Joined
11/14/2016
Location
CA
US
Has anyone here tried it? I'm somewhat decent around a work bench and have the tools to change my fork seals. Is changing the fork tube a lot more work? I already looked for a video on YouTube and couldn't seem to find one
Here is a video from Rocky Mountain and one showing the clamp being heated and removed. . Note: I have NEVER removed a lower tube as easily as seen in the video.
Many forks axle clamps will have a peened set screw to keep the tube from unscrewing. This needs to be removed. You will need to apply a good amount of heat to the clamp for a significant period of time to break the thread lock loose. I just replaced a set of fork tubes and could not get one of them to unscrew from the clamp.
Took it to a professional suspension shop and they used a tool with much longer arms attached via the two holes on the top of the tube (Rcky Mtn tech used a screw driver through the holes) with bars nearly a foot on either side for torque to break it loose after applying heat. It took that much force even with heat to break it loose. There was some galling of the clamps threads, but still usable.
So bottom line, yes you can buy some new tubes from someplace like Racetech and probably replace them yourself with the right tools, technique, patience, and muscle. Some come out easy peasy, many not, others still might get damaged. So if you are prepared for that, go for it. If not, either buy a whole new lower tube with clamp or take the new tubes to a professional.
The Shop
Post a reply to: Some help with changing a fork tube on CC forks?