Among the many components of an e-bike, the e-bike's shock absorbing fork suspension plays a key role in riding comfort and handling. Especially when dealing with complex road conditions.
However, the shock fork suspension is prone to dust accumulation, wear and oil leakage. A dirty or poorly lubricated suspension can lead to bumps and an uncomfortable ride. Poorly maintained suspensions can also make arms and hands numb during riding.
A well-maintained shock fork will make your Bodywel e-bike ride like a champ. Today, let's share with you the key points of maintaining your e-bike shock fork and how to extend the life of your shock.
E-bike shock fork lubrication basics
Front Fork Suspension: the front suspension on an e-bike is responsible for keeping the rider comfortable. This is achieved through the front suspension system, which consists of the following components:
- Rudder tubes (connect the fork to the bike frame)
- Struts (two separate ‘rods’ that move in and out of the sliders and contain other internal components such as springs (or air chambers) and oil)
- Sliders (which allow the struts to pass through and attach to the front wheel)
- To keep the shock fork lubricated, oil is stored near the bottom of the fork legs. During the ride, the oil lubricates the internal parts of the fork, such as seals and bushings.
The front suspension of most e-bikes and conventional bikes contains multiple seals. External dust seals prevent dirt from entering the suspension, while foam rings store oil under the seals and collect any intrusive particles.
Some bikes have additional seals to further protect against dust.
Carefully inspect the shock forks of your Bodywel e-bike after every ride, especially after muddy, sandy roads. Wipe the fork surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. For some hard-to-remove stains, you can work with a mild detergent, but avoid using corrosive chemicals that may damage the fork's coating.
How do I maintain my fork suspension?
Maintaining your suspension is easier than you think, as you only need a few basic tools to do it. The most common tools and accessories you will need include:
- Allen spanner
- Bicycle shock oil (lube)
- Water hose (or a bucket of fresh water)
- A clean rag
Now that you have the basics, here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Clean and dry
Firstly, turn your bike upside down and make sure the frame is stable.
Then, use a hose or bucket of water to remove dirt and grime from the forks. Pay close attention to the stanchions and fork holders, as these areas are where debris usually builds up.
If you use a hose, use the high-pressure mode only when the bike has been inverted. Otherwise, water may seep into the fork seals.
Dry the fork and external seals with a clean rag.
Step 2: Lubricate
Next, turn the bike upside down and apply bike suspension oil (lubricant) to both front suspension forks.
Allow the oil to flow over the forks and seals. Allow to sit for approximately 20 minutes.
If used properly, the oil will naturally lubricate the entire fork, which means no further action is required.
Step 3: Check for wear
Check the fork suspension, especially the stanchions, for signs of impact damage, deep marks or scratches.
Strut scratches can damage the dust seals and increase the risk of oil leaks. Severe scratches may need to be inspected by a suspension specialist who will repair or replace the parts.
Step 4: Adjust suspension compression
Most mountain e-bikes come with adjustable front suspension. This allows you to determine how much the bike ‘sags’ when you lean over the handlebars and perform basic manoeuvres such as riding over ramps and jumps.
While adjusting the fork suspension isn't too difficult, you'll need to use a shock pump (with a gauge) to adjust the air pressure.
First, locate the locking knob on the fork and turn it to the ‘on’ position. Then, locate the air cap on the other side, remove it, and insert the shock pump.
Refer to Bodywel's recommended specifications and adjust the air pressure accordingly. Don't worry if you make a mistake; you can always increase or decrease the air pressure as needed.
When finished, remove the shock pump and reinstall the air cap. Be sure to reset the locking knob to ‘lock’!
Step 5: Replace Seals and Bushings
Check the condition of the existing seals and bushings.
If you see any signs of damage, including scratches, wear, or missing parts, be sure to replace them. Soon, they will begin to affect the performance of your front suspension.
In addition to following these steps for maintenance, be careful to avoid excessive impacts while riding. Although the shock absorbing forks on Bodywel e-bikes are well designed, they can still be damaged if you frequently jump off high places or travel at high speeds over extremely rough surfaces. Try to choose suitable riding routes and reduce unnecessary violent vibration, which can prolong the service life of the shock fork.
In addition, regularly check and tighten the components of the shock fork. For example, the screws and connections of the fork may loosen during riding. Every now and then, check these parts of your Bodywel e-bike's shock fork with the right tools to make sure they are firm and reliable. If you find any signs of looseness, tighten them in time to prevent safety hazards during riding.
In conclusion, taking good care of your e-bike's shock absorbing forks will enable your Bodywel e-bike to provide a comfortable and stable riding experience in all kinds of road conditions. Follow these maintenance methods and maintain your bike regularly to make every ride fun.
