Another Fork Question - Stanchions

Mike679

Active Member
I have a 2006 Fox TALAS RL fork that is original to the bike I am currently riding. Changed the oil every year and this past summer noticed a little more oil on the right stanchion than usual, so I figured it was time for new seals. Brought it to the LBS and when they dismantled the fork there was significant wear on the stanchions on the left side (opposite the side that was leaking). Had the seals replaced anyway, and pushed the travel down about 20mm so that the worn section of the stanchion is at or beneath the seals. Hasn't leaked a bit since then.

Here are my questions:

a. Can I reasonably expect that this will hold for any period of time with meticulous cleaning and so forth, or will the stanchions continue to wear to the point of leaking?

b. Is it worthwhile to look into replacing the stanchions/crown, etc, or would I be better off just replacing the fork altogether? The reason I am even considering this is that I actually use the adjustable travel and have seen the price on a new TALAS and they ain't cheap.

Thanks.
 
I rebuilt my Reba SL due to seal leak, but found no damaged stanchions. You think it could have been a result of previous maintenance? The stanchions can get hurt if they do get in direct contact with rocks or stump, or if the seal tops are not cleaned off a muddy ride. As far as significant damage, was it a result of these or just a mechanical issue which could be a result of poor service by the service tech who changed the oil.
 
There is a couple of ways you could go about keeping your fork. I rebuild lots of forks a year. Replace your seals get your proper oil and ride it like you stole it. It is pretty much slowly detieriating. But if you keep up with it you should be able to slow down the detieriation. Second if you do get parts of ebay just be careful if there used and if there new you have to make sure your lower stantion bushing are still good. If there bad you will end up in the same boat.
 
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