Servicing Manitou 4 Forks

TrickyT
TrickyT Posts: 16
edited February 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
I have been away from cycling for a few years. Went out on my MTB last weekend after having a few sessions on the turbo trainer to get some fitness.

I have a set of Manitou 4 forks on my bike, but they seem to have locked solid. Does anyone have a service guide for them, looked on the Answer website but they appear to be too old.

I appreciate I may need to get some new forks, but it is a Klein fram with an 1" headset, so my choice my be limited.

Any advice appreciated.

Trevor

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    pace/marzocchi/magura can all do forks with 1" steerers to order.

    bet the elastomers are solid.

    good luck. Manitou have never kept spares for more than 3 years.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • TrickyT
    TrickyT Posts: 16
    Thanks for that. I was trying to remember how the forks came apart to service them. There is the adjuster at the top and a nut at the bottom. May just be a case of having a go.

    Will look at your recommendations.

    Trevor
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    a manual may be available here http://www.enduroforkseals.com/id12.html
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • TrickyT
    TrickyT Posts: 16
    No manual for the Manitou 4's but the 99Xvert manual gives a good idea on how to service. Should be of some use.

    Many thanks

    Trevor
  • TrickyT
    TrickyT Posts: 16
    I have taken the forks apart and the elastomer's are shot, those that are not solid had started to crumble away.

    Does anyone know where I can get replacement elastomer's from?

    Regards

    Trevor
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    nope as Manitou only kept spares for 3 years and are now owned by Hayes.
    Distributors in the UK have changed hands at least two times.
    I dont even thing there are any Spring conversion kits out there.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Some geezer on ebay was doing old manitou elastomers.

    Faling that I am sure you could cut down some RST ones or even a coil.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • TrickyT
    TrickyT Posts: 16
    Thanks for your replies, did a quick look on ebay, found someone from the US who has sold them in the past, just waiting to see if there are any more put on there.

    Had not known about a spring conversion or even cutting down a coil.

    Dont really want to fork out for new ones, especially as I am only just getting back into cycling. Also because its an 1" headset getting the right forks would be difficlut.

    Trevor

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