Fork pressure loss

[Mark Y]

The last time I rode I noticed I was getting a "knock" in the front suspension sometimes on hard dips,etc. I thought maybe the fork was bottoming out. I acquired another bike and today when I was showing my son the ins and outs on the old one we adjusted the fork to his weight. The pressure was WAY low.(50%-60%) travel with him static in normal riding position. We pumped it back up to maybe 30% travel, but I'm concerned about the initial pressure loss. Is it normal for pressure to bleed off over time like tires do? If so, what is normal; i.e., how often should one check the pressure/travel? If it isn't normal, is it a big deal to replace seals or valve?

[azdrawdy]

I have had many, many forks and shocks over the years but have never had one lose air pressure. I have had several rebuilt, and have also sent some off for rebuild (either to Fox or PUSH). My rebuilds were always due to stiction or excessive oil seepage.

I typically check my air pressure weekly. I also have my base pressures written down for quick reference. I may even run different pressures on different trails, as there's a big difference between Lick Fork and Bartram. You always lose a tad when attaching the small pump, and topping off after checking it is required.

All that said, the local expert around these parts is ted/Todd. If you have today off, and have the time, drop by Chain Reaction and talk to him about it.

MD

[dgaddis1]

Both of my shocks lose air over time. I check them every month or so.

[bontrager83]

if you loose more than 20% in a week, it's most likely time for a rebuild, I suggest B Rose at the Shockspital. He is a grass roots guy, all he does is Forks and Brakes, and is very good.


www.shockspital.com