Suspension help

kennygalbraith

Hi all
I have a specialised crosstrail 2012 with front suspension, I bought the bike last May for a daily commute of 19 miles return. I store the bike in a garage at home and work, I regularly clean it with muc off. I found that the front forks continually had surface rust. I took it back to the shop who sent them away, they are coming back after they found a pint n a half of water in the forks, they replaced the forks as a goodwill gesture NOT under the two year guarantee and said they won't be under guarantee any more.
I don't understand what I've done wrong regards maintainence as its been cleaned most weeks with muc off and the shower mode on the hose so I've not forced water into them.
They also found the gear cables had corroded and the bottom headset bearing worn out. I've done 2500 miles since may.

The bike is under a year old and it was the last thing I expected to happen, any advise please.

supersonic

2500 miles is not bad going for gear cables and a headset bearing. Have you ever taken the cables out, cleaned them? Same for the headset bearing? They are treated as consumables.

Also the suspension needs stripping down and servicing every so often too. What make of fork is it?

The Rookie

Don't spray near the fork seals with any water at any pressure....you cleaned with muc-off but did you replace the thin film of lube with anything after you washed it off? To be honest sounds like user error.

kennygalbraith

sorry for the late response, Suntour replaced the system FOC. My maintenance has been to clean the bike down weekly with muc off, then I dry with an old rag and spray as much as I can with GT85 and polish up.Hence the reason I thought I was doing a good job looking after the bike. I'm still not sure what I can do too keep the suspension in a good condition I'm guessing getting it serviced every 6 months or so? I'm doing 90/100 miles a week.

I've since bought a tool kit, replaced the rear cassette/chain and taken off the seat post/saddle/pedals and greased them and replaced the brake pads so its working much better....much too learn!

supersonic

GT85 is not good to use on a bike - it is only a very light lube, and the aerosol can rot seals and wash out grease from where it is needed.

The suspsension is easy to pull apart, I'd be doing that every 3 months through the winter.

But is good you have a toolkit/grease and are learning, sounds like you are well on the way! Have a look at the headset next?

kennygalbraith

ahhh ok, you learn something everyday! The guy at the bike shop gave my a castellated spanner that fits round the top of the suspension but didn't have time too explain what it was for, they said the headset was worn is that something I can do myself as well? Thanks for the help, appreciated .

Double Dutch too me: Headset: FSA Ahead, 1-1/8" cold forged Cr-Mo cups, loose ball

supersonic

Loose ball headsets often need servicing.

http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/fett ... rvice.html

maringirl

The 'castellated' spanner you were given removes the top caps on Suntour forks. Get a manual for yuor model of fork from internet if you want to do service your self.