WP air fork bleeder screw

Dan_Linke
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Monroe Township, NJ US
9/12/2021 5:58pm Edited Date/Time 9/15/2021 2:22pm
I got a 21 fc 450. Recently came across the issue that the bleeder screw doesn’t tighten down all the way. It just spins after it’s threaded in all the way, i get some oil come out when i ride. I tried another screw and same issue. So i’m assuming the internal threads got messed up. What are my options to fix this?
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Rider 5280
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Denver Metro, CO US
9/12/2021 6:29pm Edited Date/Time 9/12/2021 10:42pm
Seems like you need to remove the fork cap and Heli-coil or Timesert the damaged threads.

Something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Heli-Coil-Helicoil-5546-6-Metric-Coarse/dp/B0002…

You might consider gently removing the current bleeder screw and replacing it with a fork push-button bleeder that you apply sealant to prior to install and gently thread it in and stop just before you would expect it to spin again (versus torque up). Don't apply sealant on the initial threads to ensure no debris ends up in the fork, but apply sealant liberally on the upper threads and screw base. Then wipe away excess upon install, Yamabond 6B is likely an excellent product for this repair approach:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/yamalube-yamabond-6b-p

If the above Band-Aide holds and your press-button bleeder works well, problem solved, if it doesn't, move on to more thorough measures like Heli-Coil.

In the end, you may need a new fork cap, but I honestly don't think so. This sounds salvageable to me.

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Rickyisms
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9/13/2021 6:37am
Just buy a new cap, I am sure you can find them cheap on eBay since majority of people ditch the air for a spring conversion.
FGR01
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Fantasy
1334th
9/13/2021 8:09am
Rickyisms wrote:
Just buy a new cap, I am sure you can find them cheap on eBay since majority of people ditch the air for a spring conversion.
Problem is, OEM-wise, the cap is not sold separately. It's part of the whole inner air chamber and is about $200.

Anyone who did the spring conversion is also not going to want to disassemble and sell just the cap. Here is a complete air cartridge insert, actually for a 21-Husq (10mm shorter version) and it's $255.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373707808438?hash=item5702b89eb6:g:nrQAAOSwWMB…

Helicoil sounds like a good approach to me. Need to disassemble the forks to make sure you can properly clean out all the shavings from drilling and tapping. Make sure you use some good loctite or sealant when installing the thread insert and let it dry overnight or else you might end up with air leaking around the threads. Also, be careful not to mess up the countersink that the little o-ring seals into.

The Shop

Bruce372
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US
9/13/2021 9:26am
Just tap it out with the next size larger screw.
Dan_Linke
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Location
Monroe Township, NJ US
9/13/2021 12:06pm
thanks for the suggestions. my first go to was replace the cap but after i looked at the oem fork diagram i saw you couldn’t just buy the cap, it was the whole assembly. Probably gonna end up drilling and tapping it.
PNWRider
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Stanwood, WA US
9/13/2021 2:59pm
Might check with some of the big-name suspension folks-they sometimes have access to parts that we don’t as consumers.
5
Rider 5280
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2006
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Denver Metro, CO US
9/13/2021 5:51pm Edited Date/Time 9/13/2021 8:44pm
PNWRider wrote:
Might check with some of the big-name suspension folks-they sometimes have access to parts that we don’t as consumers.
PNWRider makes an excellent point.

I once sent a leaking Showa cartridge rod assembly to Craig Decker at Enzo in TX because it was IMPOSSIBLE to fix it appeared, the parts were no longer available, parts were previously only available to suspension companies, yadda, yadda ... but he was willing to check it out, so I was game.

About 2 weeks after Craig received the parts from me, he contacted me excitedly (that's a joke if you know his mega chill temperament) and said "I fixed it. I found the parts needed (some rare source in US) ... and it's on its way back to you."

So there's that. Which was nice.
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AJ565
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San Antonio, TX US
9/13/2021 6:47pm
In terms of repair, a timesert is a better repair then a helicoil is if you choose to go that route. A helicoil just goes into threads you cut in. A timesert screws into the new threads and then is expanded into them for a stronger repair as it’s a full tube instead of a coil of wire.
2
Chase_Dehart
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Woodbury, NJ US
9/15/2021 12:18pm
I have this exact problem but on my right side fork cap, let me know if you have any luck and I’ll do the same.
Dan_Linke
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Location
Monroe Township, NJ US
9/15/2021 2:22pm
I have this exact problem but on my right side fork cap, let me know if you have any luck and I’ll do the same.
i talked to a WP dealer in pennsylvania and they can get just the cap of the fork. he said it’s like $20. The dealership is called Solid Performance
3
Chase_Dehart
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52
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Location
Woodbury, NJ US
9/15/2021 2:41pm
I have this exact problem but on my right side fork cap, let me know if you have any luck and I’ll do the same.
Dan_Linke wrote:
i talked to a WP dealer in pennsylvania and they can get just the cap of the fork. he said it’s like $20. The dealership is...
i talked to a WP dealer in pennsylvania and they can get just the cap of the fork. he said it’s like $20. The dealership is called Solid Performance
That is awesome thank you, they are actually only an hour from me, I’m going to get in touch with them too.

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