Air line to front forks cracked.

[CaseyJ955]

The supply line that goes to the left collar is cracked right before the metal crimp, the line that links them appears fine. I dont think it was leaking but it really needs to be replaced. Is there a universal solution for this or do I need to find someone with a parts bike/Ebay?

 

I've yet to slide the fork uppers out and get the bearings done, would love to get it sorted while everything is apart.

[bongobobny]

Yes, Ebay etc is probably your best bet. Several years ago I went the route of replacing with new hoses and they are/were quite pricey! May not be available any more...

[CaseyJ955]

Yes, Ebay etc is probably your best bet. Several years ago I went the route of replacing with new hoses and they are/were quite pricey! May not be available any more...

 

Cool, thanks. I'll put an ad here and give that a day or two before I go to Ebay.

[syscrusher]

I wonder if you could disconnect one end of that tube and find the right size of heat shrink tubing that would fit over it and the crimping area. Maybe even the next larger size as well. Coat it with epoxy around where the cracking is and then before the epoxy has fully set carefully slide the first of many sections of heat shrink over the area. Use a heat gun or a blow drier, not a flame! Shrink each layer one at a time and let it cool before slipping the next one over that. Build up 5 or 6 layers, as many as you need to allow a tight fit from a section of reinforced radiator hose to fit over it all fairly tightly and then glue that in place with RTV silicone. Heck, I'd do this over the entire length of the rubber tube that has cracks in and extending over the crimping on either end. I would only epoxy the part where you have already seen cracks though, the tube needs to have some flexibility. This process will make it stiffer than before but the left side collar is free to rotate around the fork a little when making turns. Covering it like this will probably keep it working even as the original rubber deteriorates further.

 

Two main points: It only needs to hold up to 21 PSI, although it may be slightly more when the forks are compressed, and it's not a critical facility. It shouldn't cause you to crash even if it suddenly loses all air pressure. Many people on the forum claim that after installing the Progressive springs they don't put any air in the forks anymore. I wouldn't let it hold me up for long and I wouldn't spend big on making the repair.

[CaseyJ955]

I wonder if you could disconnect one end of that tube and find the right size of heat shrink tubing that would fit over it and the crimping area. Maybe even the next larger size as well. Coat it with epoxy around where the cracking is and then before the epoxy has fully set carefully slide the first of many sections of heat shrink over the area. Use a heat gun or a blow drier, not a flame! Shrink each layer one at a time and let it cool before slipping the next one over that. Build up 5 or 6 layers, as many as you need to allow a tight fit from a section of reinforced radiator hose to fit over it all fairly tightly and then glue that in place with RTV silicone. Heck, I'd do this over the entire length of the rubber tube that has cracks in and extending over the crimping on either end. I would only epoxy the part where you have already seen cracks though, the tube needs to have some flexibility. This process will make it stiffer than before but the left side collar is free to rotate around the fork a little when making turns. Covering it like this will probably keep it working even as the original rubber deteriorates further.

 

Two main points: It only needs to hold up to 21 PSI, although it may be slightly more when the forks are compressed, and it's not a critical facility. It shouldn't cause you to crash even if it suddenly loses all air pressure. Many people on the forum claim that after installing the Progressive springs they don't put any air in the forks anymore. I wouldn't let it hold me up for long and I wouldn't spend big on making the repair.

 

Those are some great ideas, I'll pull the line out today and see whats what, it looks fine except for that one crack. I'm OCD enough that if it doesnt work it will bother me

[ddoggma]

I thinks I saw the collars and hoses in the classifieds or for sale on this site for like cheap! Just last night or so.