how to look after sus. forks

mar_k

I was in Evans cycles today, just buying some chain lube and a Nobby Nic tyre to putr on the front of my cube.

Whilst I was there I thought I would ask about some oil for the forks.
The assistant asked why I needed it to which I replied 'to maintain them between services'.

The guy gave a little smile and told me that the only thing I should be doing to them between services
is cleaning them after a ride and nothing more.

I was led to believe that the dust seal required a few drops of oil every now and then and a few drops on the stanchions?

Is the guy in Evans right?

Or should I be doing some thing to maintain them after a ride?

Shocks are Rockshox Reba's

al2098

I would say it is safe to state that all you should do is clean them.
I tend to apply a bit of either fox fork fluid or a light lube (not water dispersant such as WD40) to the forks. (I don't always play safe). Let it settle for a minute, then cycle the fork once and you have a ring of grit around the shaft which I just wipe off with a tissue. This cleans the outer seal and they feel nice and smooth. I then do that again and finally wipe the fork dry at the seal junction. My forks run smooth as silk and have done for some time, I'm not a fair weather rider either.
This would have no effect on the seals as the oil is not an invasive corrosive substance not recommended for rubber or seals. Just be careful what type of oil to use and you should have no problem. Or alternatively disregard this advice!!

Johnmc28

I don't, I just make sure they are clean after every ride. They will keep themselves lubed and you might even do more damage than good as all sorts of rubbish may get in.

mar_k

Thats pretty much what the guy in Evans said,
Its possible to do more damage than good. He said they are designed not to be messed with apart from the service interval.

Thanks for posting, looks like I'll just keep giving them a wipe down after a cycle

Johnmc28

Yeah just make sure they are clean and just wipe away the dirt from the seals gently

benpinnick

Johnmc28 wrote:

I don't, I just make sure they are clean after every ride. They will keep themselves lubed and you might even do more damage than good as all sorts of rubbish may get in.

I disagree - lubing your stanchions with a little fork oil or silicon spray lube (such as Juicy Lubes) can seriously improve fork action. Only open bath forks like Marzocchi are 'self lubricating'. Don't slather it on, but every now and again will keep them running smooth.

cooldad

I smear a tiny dab of float fluid around the bottom of the stanchions after a clean, and cycle the forks a few times.