Interesting Topic...Should MTB's be stored upside down?

arjandelaney
arjandelaney Posts: 27
edited April 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I have had a problem with a brand new Pike 454 fork leaking oil from around the U-Turn adjuster, and the bike shop rep says it could be because I transport my bike upside down in the jeep on my way to the trails.

Apparently this could be a reason for the leak. Should the seals not stop this happening?

He went on to say that this could create air pockets in the brake line causing spongyness of the hydraulic brakes. Could it be that the new XT brakes were not properly bled in the first place?

Any thoughts out there? Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • P-Jay
    P-Jay Posts: 1,478
    I used to store my Endruo hanging from the front wheel, played havoc with my brakes even after I had them bled at my LBS to make sure they were right. I probably wouldn't store my bike upsidedown. Just leaves oil and brake fluid resting on the seals and I don't thing they're designed for that. Like to think it would be OK for an hour or so driving to the trails though......
    Shocker Enduro
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the rep is talking crap. the fork needs fixing.

    re the brakes yes it can happen on some brakes it there is any air in the brakes but as most have a rubber diaphragm there should not be any air in there in the first place.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • arjandelaney
    arjandelaney Posts: 27
    Thanks for the advice lads. And nice one for talking straight Nick! Forks going in the post tomorrow.

    Arjan
  • Rockhopper
    Rockhopper Posts: 503
    My bikes get carried on their sides in the car. Okay thats not upside down but its not far off. Sometimes i can't be bothered to take them out when i get home so they can be in there for a week or so. Both my bikes, forks and all four (Hope and Avid) brakes are absolutly fine! The only time i've had any kind of leak was with my old Pace RC36 forks and even then it was becasue the damper seal has gone.
  • BOYDIE
    BOYDIE Posts: 528
    Once a week its good to store your bike upside down,this is to let all the oil in your forks run up and soak into the oil seal which sits just under your wiper seal,and also recoat between the bushings.If this is not done all the oil bath tends to sit at the bottom of the fork legs doing nothing at all.The oil is ment to splash about, but most folk dont work there forks hard enough to let this happen.Try it it keeps them buttery smooth. And with regards to the leak from you U-Turn adjuster this is a common problem with this system and should and can get fixed under warrenty.

    Check out this site it lists the problem leak.
    http://www.tftunedshox.com/faq/cat/pike ... tml#faq132

    Ryan. :D
  • danhx
    danhx Posts: 165
    I store mine upside down, not had a problem with the brakes at all (my forks are air so doesnt apply).

    My brothers bike would leak oil from the forks IF I left the lock out on while it was upside down for cleaning. He has Marz MX Comp forks... probably need looking at.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/24605996@N02/
  • 26 to Life
    26 to Life Posts: 194
    As a quick aside - With open bath forks it is worth leaving the oil to settle for a minute after you turn them the right way up. You shouldn't do any damage if you don't but you could end up with air going through the damping circuit which reduces damping performance.
  • KonaMike
    KonaMike Posts: 805
    I was told by a LBS that it is worth turning the bike upside down to let the fork seals lubricate but im not sure how much difference it really makes. :?
  • baggsy
    baggsy Posts: 44
    Never had a problem with my forks being upside down, after cleaning the bike, replacing wheels etc I often leave it like that for a week or so..

    however, my Fox RL100's on lockout don't stay locked out. They slip down slowly. Anyone had a similar problem?

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