Scratches are Bad News for Fork Stanchions When the stanchions on a bike fork experience scratches, it can have serious implications regarding how well your suspension system works and how long you forks will last overall. We do a deep dive on the ramifications of scratched stanchions in detail from all angles to follow.stanchion maintenance (ad)
Understanding Stanchions and What They Do
Stanchions: These are the smooth tubes that attach to the fork crown and they’re a fundamental portion of how your suspension works. They are designed to allow extension at the knee joint while providing structural support. Stanchions are essentially the surface for seals to slide against, keeping dirt and crud out while allowing oil to flow within the fork.
Consequences of Scratches
Dust Seal Damage: Scratches can compromise the dust seals, which keep dirt out of your fork. If these seals are damaged, dirt can work its way inside and mix with the oil – causing contamination12. If ingested, this contamination can lead to internal component wear and expensive repairs.
Enhanced Wear and Tear: The scratches, once deep enough, result in uneven surfaces that could harm the seals during functional operation. This causes excessive wear on the seals, as well as stanchions over time to leak oil and loose suspension performance34.
Internal Damage If the scratches are deep enough, they can even impact internal components such as air springs and dampers. However, this could result in a poor barrier which would let air or oil escape faster than desired by the design and reduce fork performance15.
Precautions and Upkeep
Shield against scratches
Inspection: Careful regular inspection of stanchions is recommended from all riders to check for any signs wear and tear or scratching. Preventive measures can save the rest of your yard.
Clean It Up: Maintaining a clean stanchion helps reduce the amount of dirt that can become part of scratches. Clean in a manner that is not abrasive to the surface being cleaned.
Protective films: Applying a protective film or guard can provide protection in areas where stanchions may be struck and cause wear whilst being ridden26.
Repair Options
If scratches occur:
Scratches – small scratches may be filled with clear nail polish or epoxy, it is too hard for the seals to glide overrather creates a smoother surface so that make further damage (34).
Sanding Methods: Careful light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper can level raised edges of scratches and make them less detrimental to column seals5.
Professional Servicing: In cases of heavy wear, you may need to have your outfitters repair or replace the stanchions so that they perform well 24.
Instead, the point is that superficial scratches are really not worth worrying about but if left to fester over time — you know exactly what will happen when it hits your wallet. Fork stanchions are savable and basic maintenance with careful riding practices will prolong their life.
