Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: Forde on July 02, 2007, 11:18:53 AM

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: Forde on July 02, 2007, 11:18:53 AM

My forks have a couple of pits in them, and they are now leaking so im goin to replace the seals but i wanna fix the pits while im at it so i dont have this problem again.

Should i just sand them out?

I heard it mentioned that pits can be filled with epoxy resin?  Does this work?

CHeers

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: Banditmax on July 02, 2007, 05:09:44 PM

You can fill the pits with epoxy for a temporary fix. THe only way to properly do it is too get the legs rechromed.

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: erik on July 03, 2007, 05:22:34 AM

How do you do it with epoxy resin?

I've just redone my seals last weekend and tried filling the pits with 5 minute epoxy. I put a bit too much on with the intention of sanding it back, but it just clogged the sandpaper, so I ended up scraping it all off again with a craft knife.

I guess you have to use a less-rubbery type of epoxy like what they use for moulding things? And put a whole lot less on (like a drop from a toothpic on each pit)?

I gave up on the epoxy idea and just sanded the forks with 400 grit and 1200 grit like BrianM suggested in his post in the "Another fork question" thread in the FAQ section and put the forks back together with the new seals.

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: Forde on July 03, 2007, 09:37:59 AM

if you sand the pits out that will make a dip in that part of the stanchion as it will be lower cos you have sanded it away, would that cause any problems or leaks etc?

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: tomacGTi on July 03, 2007, 10:35:52 AM

As long as the stanchion is smooth and will not catch a fingernail, you should be fine. The lips to the seals are spring loaded afterall.

I would suggest coating the nick or smoothed down area with some clear nailpolish as well as the lacquer will provide a smooth surface for the seal to travel over.

-Randy

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: Banditmax on July 03, 2007, 10:39:28 AM

Its not a good idea to rub away the pits as it will not seal. And to fill with epoxy i use JB weld put only just enough to fill the hole in then let it dry fully and sand it flat.

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: gsxr400 racer on July 03, 2007, 08:16:49 PM

bushings everybody change your bushing,  :grin: the round copper things. :stickpoke:

Title: pits in forks
Post by: JReviere on July 03, 2007, 08:51:37 PM

I've had good service using a whet stone...a very fine grain one... with LONG strokes in the direxion of fork movement. Do this VERY LIGHTLY, almost NO PRESSURE against the fork tube. Just remove any "lip" the pit may have in this manner, then fine finish with 600 grit cloth backed abrasive soaked in oil... or even jeweler's rouge...  A small depression where the pit is won't usually cause a leak... What really causes leaking is rough edges of pits ... unless they are really big ones...

When slipping the tubes into new seals, have the tubes coated with fork oil.... be sure they are clean of all grit too...

JR

Title: Repairing fork pits?
Post by: Thief400 on July 03, 2007, 09:12:24 PM

Quote from: "gsxr400 racer"

bushings everybody change your bushing,  :grin: the round copper things. :stickpoke:

What he said  :worship:    lol

Title: Re: pits in forks
Post by: gsxr400 racer on July 04, 2007, 01:36:06 PM

Quote from: "JReviere"

I've had good service using a whet stone...a very fine grain one... with LONG strokes in the direxion of fork movement. Do this VERY LIGHTLY, almost NO PRESSURE against the fork tube. Just remove any "lip" the pit may have in this manner, then fine finish with 600 grit cloth backed abrasive soaked in oil... or even jeweler's rouge...  A small depression where the pit is won't usually cause a leak... What really causes leaking is rough edges of pits ... unless they are really big ones...

When slipping the tubes into new seals, have the tubes coated with fork oil.... be sure they are clean of all grit too...

JR

good way to do it mate! :motorsmile: