Oil/Grease on Suspension forks HELP!....

chudy-stuey

Ok, I know my suspension forks are pretty cheap ones but I keep getting oil/grease on the stems (see pic) is this normal?

I'll clean them with a rag and after 1-2 rides they're black again. Do I need to take them apart, clean them and re-grease?

Thanks in advance

Stu

Horton

Looks like it's time for a service or at least a seal/foam ring change - pretty simple job on most forks. Are the stanchions worn when you clean them? If so you might be fighting a losing battle.

When you clean them, I'd avoid using grease - a light fork oil or a silicone lube is better - wipe it on, bounce it a few times then wipe it off. Repeat until you stop getting dirty rings on the stanchions. If you use grease it will just attract dust and grot and keep it stuck to the stanchions...

kickaxe

I've got to ask, do you have a couple hundred to get a new and better fork?

kickaxe

oxoman wrote:

No it's not really normal, what make are they.

Judging by the sticker on the side, it a suntour.

chudy-stuey

Thanks for all the replies.

They're Suntour XCM -HLO 27.5

I wish I had a few hundred quid but to be honest the bike is a diamondback Response so its not really worth splashing out money on the bike.

The stanchions don't look worn when they're clean. Hopefully it just needs new seals. Suspension wise they seem to feel ok, just looks crap!

Thanks

The Rookie

New wiper seals needed, but I would be surprised if when you take them apart you don't find the stanchions are toast below the wiper seal. I've tried to salvage a pair that looked fine above the wiper seal and were rusted solid below it

Good quality used forks start at about £60-70, new seals will costs you £15.

Don't but anything until you've split them, to check the lower stanchions.