K2 / Proflex Riders Group

General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: Happy Valley on November 25, 2008, 01:02:42 pm

Title: Bent strut
Post by: Happy Valley on November 25, 2008, 01:02:42 pm

The project continues. Thinking I was getting a handle on the rebuild and though most of the components are trashed the frame, swingarm, pivot and shocks looked good. That is, until I saw this ding and bend underneath, don't know how I missed it.

How critical does this look? Replacement or any chance of a fix?

Title: Re: Bent strut
Post by: shovelon on November 25, 2008, 01:23:47 pm

Bummer. Might last a while if you bend it back straight. Or you could dissasemble and work the dent out from the inside.

I know that the lugs are bonded to the tubes. You could gently heat the  lug and pull it, then pound a shaft into the tube to push out the dent as much as possible. Then rebond that lug in.

Just make sure you use wire to tie the lug up, because it will fire off from the pressure build up from inside when heated(been there).

Title: Re: Bent strut
Post by: sammydog on November 25, 2008, 02:56:48 pm

Your probably not in australia, but it may be worth contacting http://www.gripsport.com.au/ (http://www.gripsport.com.au/) as they seem to fix just about everything and have a great reputation over here.

Posting the strut wouldn't cost too much given its size and weight.

I'm sending my strut down tomorrow to have an adapter made up, but some of there frame repairs I have seen have been first class.

Title: Re: Bent strut
Post by: Happy Valley on November 25, 2008, 08:09:30 pm

shovelon: Thanks. When you say the lugs are bonded, with what or how are they bonded and how much heat?  I ran a hooked shaped wire and could feel the lug is maybe 3/4" into the tube. The tube doesn't appear to have any cracks....yet.

sammydog: Yes, I've seen their site, great work there. You're right, I'm not in AU though there have been times I wished I was. ;)

Title: Re: Bent strut
Post by: shovelon on November 26, 2008, 09:03:09 am

HappyValley,

The strut is bonded together with some kind of clear epoxy cement. I suspect possibly 350 degrees F. would melt them. Mine were closed, possibly you have holes in your ends?

Title: Re: Bent strut
Post by: Happy Valley on November 26, 2008, 11:37:29 am

Interesting, epoxy. Wouldn't have thought it though I do feel better about that having lots of experience with bonding epoxy in another application.
And yes, the lugs on this strut both have 3/16th pre-made holes.

Thanks mate, appreciate the help.