[sstalder5]

I am running an 06 Manitou Splice (pos version of the minute) on my fr bike. I didn't expect any problems since the bike has been kept indoors for the off season. But when i got on it today, I noticed that the fork will only use about half of its travel and refuses to go any further. Also, the travel I do have is rather soft. and the right stanchion leaks oil. So I guess buying a bargain fork didn't work out so well. What do you guys suggest? should I attempt a rebuild, or look for a new fork? If a new fork would be the best bet, I would want something with 140 or 160mm that could handle FR and still be light enough for the occasional dirt jumps.

 

[gonefirefightin]

36 Talas RC2

 

[sstalder5]

36 Talas RC2

Thats not really the price range i'm looking in... a used fox might be good though

 

[bohorec]

You can get domain 318 with u-turn. Solid fork, works well and it doesn't have ridiculous price tag.

 

[zebrahum]

Might as well tear it apart, it's not like it's going to become more unusable. Manipoos are really simple inside, you might be able to ID what's wrong. At the very least you could put some new dust seals on it if you think it will work. How did you store it? maybe it's hydrolocked with oil in the air chamber (if it's air, I don't know that fork).

 

[sstalder5]

Might as well tear it apart, it's not like it's going to become more unusable. Manipoos are really simple inside, you might be able to ID what's wrong. At the very least you could put some new dust seals on it if you think it will work. How did you store it? maybe it's hydrolocked with oil in the air chamber (if it's air, I don't know that fork).

Yeah i guess your right, the worst that could happen is that I send a spring through my skull.. It's a coil fork, I guess thats a plus for tearing it apart. I had it stored in my room leaning up against the wall. I stopped riding in late May when I pulled out the roadie and I didnt get back on it until few days ago, and the fork seemed a little soft so i pushed it down and it stopped about halfway, and i figured that it was just like that from sitting still for so long. But last night i took it out in the driveway just to get comfortable on it again and I kept trying to loosen up the fork but it wouldnt budge. And then I noticed the oil leak...

 

[zebrahum]

Well put on a hockey facemask and get that thing open. The problem sounds like it's going to be on the damping side if it's a coil fork. If it has adjustments for rebound and compression, open them up full (fast rebound, no compression) and see if the fork works properly (well, like a pogo stick anyway). If it works, dial them back down and cycle the fork a bunch of times in a middle setting to get the oil flowing in the internals again. If you can't adjust it, then I'd go fork shopping. Fix it if you won't be riding the bike much, replace it if you'll be riding a lot.

 

[sstalder5]

I'm planning on replacing it soon anyways, just not yet. See, I am hopefully starting the collegiate circuit next year for either Appalachian State or Lees-McRae so I will definately want a decent setup for that. So I was thinking about getting a new fork this winter anyways. I am about to try the adjustment thing. Hopefully it'll work.

 

[Racebike]

What you describe is a classic Manitou problem. The TPC oil seal at the bottom of your right hand side stanchion has most probably failed. This leads to oil getting into the outers, hindering the travel and messing with compression damping.

Get it replaced and see to it that your oil levels are correct and you should have no more problems (for now).

 

[sstalder5]

What you describe is a classic Manitou problem. The TPC oil seal at the bottom of your right hand side stanchion has most probably failed. This leads to oil getting into the outers, hindering the travel and messing with compression damping.

Get it replaced and see to it that your oil levels are correct and you should have no more problems (for now).

sounds plausible enough. So the oil is built up in the stanchion and Its in the way of the fork compressing so when it compresses the oil leaks out of the dust seal on the right. And the dampening isn't working because the oil is in the stanchion instead of in the "fluid-flow" dampening thing. Correct?

 

[Racebike]

sounds plausible enough. So the oil is built up in the stanchion and Its in the way of the fork compressing so when it compresses the oil leaks out of the dust seal on the right. And the dampening isn't working because the oil is in the stanchion instead of in the "fluid-flow" dampening thing. Correct?

Yes, you got it.

There is supposed to be a small amount of oil/grease in the outer legs, mind you, but just a few cc's.

 

[sstalder5]

Haven't attempted to take the fork apart yet. I took it for a ride yesterday and it was pretty bad but did not get worse. Today however, I took it for a ride and it was about the same until I went off a drop that was about 6ft to trans and the fork went completely rigid. When I stopped I could push it down about the same as before but the rest of the ride it kept freezing up. I guess I should stop using it for safety reasons but I don't want to interrupt my daily after school rides and I won't be able to afford another one for a few weeks. Any Ideas?

 

[Racebike]

FYI, do NOT ride when your fork has this problem, it can only compound the problem.

Borrow a fork or ride another bike.

 

[davep]

..Any Ideas?

Yea, take it apart and fix it. As mentioned, those older manitou forks were dead simple, with the coil versions being moreso. The manuals are on the Manitou site. Bushing lube should be (have been) changed every 20 riding hours or so....that would most likely helped keep things working correctly. It will never be the best feeling fork ever, but getting it working again should not take you more than an hour.

My guess also would be the damper seal head lip seal. Mine (seal) never failed per-se, they would just get pushed out of the seat in the seal head itself (it is a simple press fit) from internal damper pressures. All the damper fluid dumps into the lowers preventing full travel, and removing any damping at all.
I simply cleaned the seal seat good with some alcohol (remove all the oil residue) and used a little superglue to fix the seal into its seat in the damper seal head.

 

[sstalder5]

Thanks for all the help guys! I ended up borrowing an old Marzocchi from a friend, and I am looking at getting a Rock Shox Domain eventually