Refreshed Ride

[jimbob]

I've just changed all the seals on my Crosslink forks and have to say I am delighted with the results
The play in the front end which I first thought was the headset (turned out it wasn't that after I replaced the headset.. doh! ) has now gone and the forks feel much "tighter" and smooth

I still have a bearing Kit to replace the bushes/bearings, but will do that when I have access to a vice to press them in etc...

So if you have a tired set of Vectors or Crosslinks then I can reccommend giving them a service. I got my Bearing Kit and Seal Kit from an ebay seller "Crosslakes", from the USA.


Whilst stripping & cleaning I had a good nosey around the Noleen NR2 shock, it's oil damped right? so where is the oil? I undid the screw on top of the shock (is that part of the damping control?) but couldn't see any oil??

I'm thinking of upgrading to an air shock on the Crosslinks anyway... anyone know for definate of one which will fit?

[Lysander]

A very goog and cheap way to get bearings in is to use a nut and bolt with a few penny washers- basically a miniature headset press- I used this changing the horst link bearings on my Switchblade after buggering about with a vice- good socket set and big spanner, yer sorted.................think it cost £1.68 or something in that exorbitant price range.

Also- I've put up this link afore, but it's always handy- Igus bushings- if they don't have what ye need in standard products, they can even produce to spec (probably fairly dear, but it'll keep the spacehoppers bouncing)

http://www.igus.com/default.asp?c=us&L=en

There's no minimum order amount, though standard shipping is @ £6- full set of bushings for the Switchblade was @ £25, a stock size, of course.

[Spokes]

Noleen shocks are oil and nitrogen charged shocks.The little screw on top of a shock is the dust cap for the nitrogen filling port. Under the screw is a self sealing bung into which you inset a needle to fill the required amount of nitrogen. You need a special kit to do this or a shock rebuilding business! The oil is in the other part of the shock and is only accessed by splitting the shock down via the shiney cap on top of the main body. If the shaft seal is in good condition and not leaking then the oil is still in the shock. If the shaft seal is blown then you would know about it, as every time the shock is compressed it leaves a film of oil all over the shaft,spring etc. On a ride you your shock would be covered in oil.
I have a weeping shock on the crosslinks of my 4000 and I actually prefer it to the non leaking shock on my 857. Nice and soft and much more responsive. But then that might just be me. Really Noleen shocks are not home rebuilable. They need to be sent back to NoleenJ6 for a pro service. Unless you know different of cause then you can rebuild mine for me  .

Chris

[jimbob]

Top tip about the homebrew press   Think I will go for that option.

So the Noleen shock isn't user servicable in any way? is the only way I can adjust the damping of it by changing the oil weight used then? which means returning the shock to NoleenJ6 in the USA? which would leave me Proflex-less whilst it was away

I know that once a suitable adapter is made then the rear Noleen shock can be replaced with a variety of more modern shocks, but what about the front shock? the linkages make it a little awkward to find something to fit.
Anyone got a more modern shock in their Vectors/Crosslinks?

[mootsguy]

Anyone got a more modern shock in their Vectors/Crosslinks?

Have you looked at the offerings from Risse? They offer different levels of air shock to do the job. I run Risse Genesis on both ends of my 855.

[w2zero]

Any shop that rebuilds shocks for motorcycles or off road 4x4's should also be equipped to rebuild and recharge your Noleens.  Noleen is a very highly regarded brand.

[jimbob]

Anyone got a more modern shock in their Vectors/Crosslinks?

Have you looked at the offerings from Risse? They offer different levels of air shock to do the job. I run Risse Genesis on both ends of my 855.

I have looked at the Risse shocks, they look like quality with compatability, but at a price. Ok so it's not an exhorbitant price, but then I have to add on shipping, VAT, import tax etc etc....
I'd also like a bit more adjustability, lockout would be handy too.
I figured (perhaps wrongly) that there may be a compatible shock available inthe UK from one of the major manufacturers (eg. Fox, Manitou, Rockshox, Marzocchi) which would mean servicing should be a quicker and simpler affair too.

[mootsguy]

I'd also like a bit more adjustability, lockout would be handy too.

Both the Astro 5 and the Terminator have external on the fly adjusters that will pretty much take care of any terrain situation. Yep, they are a bit pricey, but there customer service and quality are above reproach. If you send them an email they might be able to help locate a distributor in your area. Certainly worth a try.

[jimbob]

it's good to know that Risse have good customer service    I will keep looking, but if nothing else raises it's head then I guess I'll have to up my budget and seriously consider one of the Risse shocks.

[landspeed1]

does anyone know where to get the bearing kit for the cross link forks anymore?

[Colin]

RK006 Here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330749960078

They also do the seal kit RK005

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310408073887

Col.