How do I free up seized suspension forks?

Triophile

A friend of mine has given me a Halford's Banshee 27-spd MTB from a few years ago. Apart from the seized sus forks, a worn BB and some cabling problems, it works fine. I'd quite like to try to unseize the forks as the bike's got a 7005 frame and Deore parts on it, and would be a good intro into full-sus riding for me.

Anybody have any pointers for freeing up the forks other than plenty of WD-40, which is what I've tried so far to no effect? He says they seized after the bike had been left out in the rain for a few months, but I don't know if they might have taken a hit off-road too (though the bike's very rarely been used off-road). At least the forks haven't seized in the compressed position - the bike's perfectly ridable as is (with the exception of the BB and some rusty cabling). Peeking under the seals at the tops of the stanchions, there's definitely some rust in there.

Any guidance much appreciated.

azzer2005

HI, why not try applying some grease, and pushing down on the forks as hard as you can this might lube them up a little otherwise im stumped :?:


azzb

Triophile

Unfortunately, there's no movement whatsoever in the forks, even when I lean hard on them. I've tried bumping down the kerb a few times too, and still no movement.

clarkson

what forks are they? it could just be that they're screwed.

Triophile

They're made by some company called TGS, and the model is 207e, AFAIR. They look like no-name cheapos.

nicklouse

the forks will be full of water.

strip and clean and repeat after each wet ride.


Or just bin them and fit new forks.

billflat12OiPs3nFG

After removing the upper fork seals soak the lowers gt85 & leave them overnight in a vice , then use a lump hammer & a block of wood to avoid damage. Hit the underside of the crown while upside down & It will free up eventually, if there's evidence of any heavy pitting just replace the oil and maybe the forks at your earliest convenience