A fork question...

mtbikerboy
mtbikerboy Posts: 325
edited April 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
I have decided to take the plunge and open up my marzocchi 55r 08 myself. i am trying to increase the travel from 140mm to 160mm.

However i'm stuck as theres a tool i dont have to open the top cap on the right leg.
The security guys at the apartment blocks where i stay have given me acces to the workshop (never thought i would like anything about living in large apartment blocks until today) so i have every imaginable tool at my disposal- except bike specific ones.

So is there any way i can improvise?

The tool i need: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... otohosting

The fork:snctqb.jpg

Thanks

Comments

  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    do not improvise, you might get it out, but getting it back is is unlikely to be possible.

    Looks like it might be a cassette lockring tool though!

    Generally it is best to have the instructions for taking forks to pieces so that you know in advance if there is a tool that you need.
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    not the answer i wanted to hear but i think you're right.

    Guess i will be making a trip to the LBS tommorrow if they are open.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    can you tell me the larger of the two diameters (ie the bits of the splines furthest from the center) and the number of them and i'll try to figure out if it's a cassette lockring tool, if it is then that'll be a tool worth buying
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    it has the same number of splines, which is a good start!!!!!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    mtbikerboy wrote:
    not the answer i wanted to hear but i think you're right.

    Guess i will be making a trip to the LBS tommorrow if they are open.

    very unlikely with it being Easter Sunday.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    can you tell me the larger of the two diameters (ie the bits of the splines furthest from the center) and the number of them and i'll try to figure out if it's a cassette lockring tool, if it is then that'll be a tool worth buying

    diameter is ~2.4cm
    there are 12 of them
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    pretty much the same diameter, you should be able to use a cassette lockring tool, whereabouts are you, there might be someone with one you can use.

    Obviously you want one without the center pin
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    whereabouts are you, there might be someone with one you can use
    Sheffield- city centre
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    Ok, thanks for the help so far. I managed to get the tool, and now i am in the process of reassembling the fork.

    i am trying to tighten the damping catridge to the bottom of the lowers but the bolt is just spinning since it is moving round with the whole catridge.

    what can i do?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    add force on the cart so that it presses against the bottom of the fork. that should give enough friction to allow you to tighten the footnut as much as it needs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    Ok, so in other words compress the fork as i tighten? i'll try that now
    Thanks
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well not really as there should not be a spring in yet?
    but if there is it makes it easier as you can apply real pressure then.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    This doesnt seem to be working (compressing the fork). i think i need to take out the spring from the right leg first, tighten the left then put the spring back and tighten the right
  • mtbikerboy
    mtbikerboy Posts: 325
    success!!!! Job Done... and it was good :D

    The most technical job i have done on my bike without going to the LBS.

    Always thought a fork was a mega complex piece of hi-tek technology. its actually quite simple
    Final product:2lno1e.jpg

    Appreciate the help!