Marzocchi bomber - sticky

twain

Retrobike Rider
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a while back, i serviced my MX Comp Bombers - did a basic oil change and seal/wiper replace.

since doing that though, they are sticky (stiction i think its called) when compressing/returning.

they arent nearly as smooth as they were when i first got them. they needed new seal wipers as the others had perished, soooo....

what gives?

i gave them a while and have since built up about 6-7 hours riding on them but they haven't smoothed out at all.
i took them apart again last night, added more [Stendecs] lube to the wipers (they did look a little dry), checked the bushes and lowers, then made sure the correct amount of oil and weight of oil was used (125ml 7.5wt) and pumped up to 50psi.

now, they are 'improved', but STILL sticking. so im at a loss as to what the problem is...
can the wipers really cause this amount of stiction? (it was a genuine set of Marzocchi wipers and the size is correct)

it means the forks arent soaking up the little bumps - and when riding it feels like the hub is loose (it isn't) but thats the only way i can describe the feedack from the stiction travelling up the fork legs into my handlebars.

the only other way to describe it, is like a lubed/slightly loose fit seatpost moving up and down the seat tube - thats how it feels when you compress the fork for the first time after leaving it sit for a few minutes....

anyone else experienced this?

i'm due to take the bike out again soon, so will give them a second chance to sort themselves out with a good thrashing down a bumpy hill....but even after a Brighton Big Dog run, they hadn't loosened up....
 
Re:

Im tempted to say bushes are worn. When riding and you appky brakes, do you get judderibg, think that happens in disc brakrs, not rim.


How did you check bushes for wear?
 
When I service my Judy/sid and other forks, even modern ones I put some Judy butter on the bushings using a very clean socket and extension bar to reach deep down inside. This gives a really plush and smooth action. Have your forks got the foam rings? Give these a soak in fox fluid or other lightweight fork oil before fitting. I also add some judy butter to oil seals if the forks have them to reduce stiction.

Ive not serviced marzocchi forks and I'm no expert by any means but it works for me.

What
 
Re:

I did the extra lubing on the seals/wipers which has helped.
The forks are open bath, so not sure if lubing the bushes is needed?????
 
Re:

If you have any wet chain line or silicone lube try dribbling that around the dust seal and compressing, do it a few times and wipe the excess of the top.

You could probably do it with the fork grease as well.

Not saying it will solve it but it is something to try.

I don't knwo the MX comps but do they have aa main oil seal and a separate wioer seal?
Did you change both or just the wiper you mention?
You never know, it could be misalignment of the seal and you just need to tap it in a bit to flatten it?
 
Re: Re:

FluffyChicken":2yjxhdvu said:
If you have any wet chain line or silicone lube try dribbling that around the dust seal and compressing, do it a few times and wipe the excess of the top.

You could probably do it with the fork grease as well.

Not saying it will solve it but it is something to try.

I don't knwo the MX comps but do they have aa main oil seal and a separate wioer seal?
Did you change both or just the wiper you mention?
You never know, it could be misalignment of the seal and you just need to tap it in a bit to flatten it?

your last point could be worth checking out. i replaced the whole seal/wiper part (came as a set) they dont have foam bits like Rock Shox.

i bet it is down to the seal/wipers - if i take the seal/wipers off and insert the stancions that might be a way of checking the friction between the bushings which would isolate the issue with the seal/wipers. i guess it wouldnt take much misalignment to cause excessive friction due to the tolerances....
 
Re:

I would carefully check any oil's or greases you used too. Some fork oils have seal expanders in which are no good for mtb suspension.

If you used grease check it wasn't petroleum based as this will make the rubber seals go sticky and make the forks feel rubbish.
 
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