If you’re an avid mountain biker or just someone who enjoys the thrill of off-road cycling, then you probably know how important it is to maintain your bike’s suspension. And when it comes to suspension, Rockshox forks are among the best in the business. These high-performance forks provide excellent damping and control, allowing you to tackle even the most challenging terrains with ease. However, there may come a time when you need to remove your Rockshox forks for maintenance or repair. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing Rockshox forks from your mountain bike.
Before you start, you’ll need a few tools to make the process easier. You’ll need a set of Allen keys, a torque wrench, a shock pump, and a rubber mallet. It’s also a good idea to have a clean and flat workspace, preferably with a bike stand to hold your bike securely. Once you have all the necessary tools and a suitable workspace, you’re ready to begin.
The first step is to remove the front wheel from your bike. This will give you better access to the forks. Start by releasing the quick release skewer or loosening the axle bolt, depending on the type of wheel attachment system your bike has. Once the wheel is loose, carefully remove it from the forks and set it aside. It’s a good idea to clean the wheel and inspect it for any damage while it’s off.
With the front wheel out of the way, you can now begin to remove the Rockshox forks. Start by loosening the stem bolts that clamp the handlebars to the fork steerer tube. Once the stem bolts are loose, you can remove the stem and handlebars from the fork steerer tube. Set them aside carefully, making sure not to damage any cables or wires.
Step-by-Step Guide: Remove Rockshox Forks and Upgrade Your Bike
If you’re looking to upgrade your bike’s suspension, removing the Rockshox forks is the first step. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely and efficiently remove the forks:
- Start by loosening the headset cap on the top of the fork. This can be done using an Allen wrench or a headset wrench, depending on the type of headset you have.
- Next, remove the stem bolts that secure the handlebars to the fork steerer tube. Use an Allen wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
- Once the stem bolts are removed, you can now slide the handlebars and stem off the fork steerer tube. You may need to twist and pull gently to separate the two.
- With the handlebars removed, locate the brake caliper and remove it from the fork legs. This can usually be done by loosening two bolts that secure it to the fork. Set the brake caliper aside.
- Next, take note of the brake hose or cable that is connected to the fork. Follow the hose or cable down to the point where it connects to the bike frame or the brake lever.
- Depending on how the brake hose or cable is routed, you may need to disconnect it from the frame or brake lever. This can usually be done by loosening a retention bolt or removing a cable clamp.
- Now that the brake caliper and hose or cable are disconnected, you can move on to removing the front wheel. Simply release the quick-release skewer or loosen the thru-axle, and pull the wheel out of the fork dropouts.
- With the wheel removed, you can now remove the bolts that secure the fork to the bike frame. These bolts are typically located on the sides of the fork legs, near the dropouts.
- Once the bolts are removed, you can now carefully slide the fork out of the bike frame. Be sure to support the weight of the fork as you do this to avoid dropping it or damaging other components.
Now that you’ve successfully removed the Rockshox forks from your bike frame, you’re ready to install the new suspension forks and upgrade your ride. Follow the reverse of these steps to install the new forks, making sure to tighten all bolts and connections securely. Enjoy the improved performance and ride quality of your upgraded bike!
Preparation and Safety
Before proceeding to remove and replace your RockShox forks, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the integrity of your bike. Following these steps will help prevent accidents and potential damage to your equipment:
1. Gather the necessary tools:
Make sure you have all the tools required for the removal process. Some common tools you’ll need include a hex wrench set, a torque wrench, a socket wrench, and an adjustable spanner. Check your bike’s user manual or RockShox documentation for a complete list of recommended tools.
2. Choose a suitable workspace:
Find a clean, well-lit area where you can comfortably work on your bike. A dedicated bike stand or a stable workbench will provide a secure and convenient platform for the removal process. Ensure there is enough space for you to maneuver around the bike without any obstructions.
3. Follow safety guidelines:
Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards. It is also recommended to wear a helmet while working on your bike, as accidents can happen.
Secure your bike: Use a bike stand or securely prop your bike against a wall to prevent it from falling or tipping over while you work. Make sure it is stable and won’t move during the process.
Release pressure: Before removing the forks, release any pressure present in the suspension system. This can usually be done by pressing the air release valve on the top of the forks or adjusting the negative air chamber.
Read the instruction manual: Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions provided by RockShox. Each fork model may have slight variations in the removal process, so it is essential to understand the unique requirements for your forks.
Take your time: Rushing the removal process can lead to mistakes and potential damage to your bike. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and make sure each step is completed correctly before proceeding.
By following these preparation and safety steps, you’ll be well-equipped to remove and replace your RockShox forks in a secure and efficient manner.
Removing the Front Wheel
Before removing the rockshox forks, you will need to remove the front wheel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the bike
Start by putting the bike in a stable position, either by propping it up against a wall or using a bike stand. This will ensure that the bike doesn’t move while you’re removing the front wheel.
Step 2: Release the brakes
If your bike has rim brakes, release the brake calipers by squeezing them together and unhooking the brake noodle or cable. If your bike has disc brakes, squeeze the brake lever to move the brake pads away from the disc rotor.
Step 3: Loosen the quick release skewer
If your bike has a quick release skewer, open it by flipping the lever up or turning it counterclockwise. If your bike has thru-axles, use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove them.
Step 4: Remove the front wheel
Once the quick release skewer is open or the thru-axles are loose, grasp the front wheel by the hub and gently pull it out of the dropouts. Take care not to damage the rotor or brake calipers if you have disc brakes.
Pro tip: To avoid losing the small parts, place all the removed parts, such as the quick release skewer or thru-axles, in a small bag or container.
Now that you have successfully removed the front wheel, you are ready to proceed with removing the rockshox forks.
Loosening the Stem and Handlebars
Before you can remove the Rockshox forks, you’ll need to loosen the stem and handlebars. Start by loosening the bolts on top of the stem using an Allen wrench or a socket wrench. Depending on the design of your bike, there may be one or two bolts holding the stem in place.
Note: Some stems may also have a faceplate that needs to be removed before you can access the bolts.
Once the bolts are loosened, gently wiggle the handlebars back and forth while simultaneously pulling up. This will help to release any tension in the headset and make it easier to remove the forks.
Tip: If the stem feels stuck, you can try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet to help loosen it.
After the stem and handlebars are loosened, you can proceed to remove the Rockshox forks by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Detach and Replace the Rockshox Forks
If you need to remove or replace your Rockshox forks, follow these steps for a smooth and hassle-free process:
- Start by securing your bike in a bike stand or by turning it upside down.
- Locate the top cap on the fork. This is usually found on the side of the fork, near the handlebar stem. Loosen the top cap with an Allen wrench.
- Next, remove the stem cap and any spacers that may be on top of the stem. Some bikes may have additional components that need to be removed before detaching the forks.
- Now it’s time to loosen the bolts on the stem itself. This will allow you to detach the stem from the fork steerer tube.
- Once the bolts are loose, gently wiggle the stem to detach it from the fork steerer tube. Be careful not to damage any cables or wires that may be attached.
- With the stem detached, you can now access the fork’s crown race. Use a crown race removal tool to detach the crown race from the fork steerer tube.
- After the crown race is removed, you can slide the forks out of the head tube. Be sure to support the weight of the forks as you remove them to prevent any damage.
- If you are replacing the forks, simply reverse these steps to install the new forks. Make sure to grease the steerer tube and crown race before reinstallation.
- Once the new forks are installed, tighten the stem bolts, replace any spacers or components, and secure the top cap.
- Finally, give the forks a good test by turning the handlebars and checking for any looseness or play. If everything feels secure, you’re ready to hit the trails with your newly replaced Rockshox forks!
Remember to consult the Rockshox technical manual or seek professional help if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any aspect of removing or replacing your forks.
