Repairing fork pits?

[Forde]

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

[Banditmax]

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

[erik]

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.

[Forde]

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?

[tomacGTi]

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

[Banditmax]

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.

[gsxr400 racer]

bushings everybody change your bushing,   the round copper things.

[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

[Thief400]

bushings everybody change your bushing,   the round copper things.

What he said      lol

[gsxr400 racer]

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!