carbon frame pivot problem

[aaastone]

Hello-

I’m new to this board but have been riding Proflex / K2 bikes for a while now.

I have a problem with my 4500C frame – a component of the pivot assembly has broken.  Unfortunately this is not one of the parts that K2 lists as being replaceable.  Per the official K2 parts list, it is the one that holds the “pivot face insert” #15064.  It threads into the main pivot insert and is tightened with a spanner wrench.  

I contacted K2 customer support via their web page, but they said that the frame would have to be replaced.  I am at a loss as to what to do next.

Have any of you had a similar experience with your carbon frame?  I’m considering making a drawing of the broken part to have a new one fabricated as I hate to loose this frame.  

Any advice would be appreciated!  I have pictures of the part if anyone wants to see them – I couldn’t figure out how to embed them in this message.

Thanks,

Andy

[Carbon_Angus]

You can order that part thru k2..at least you could a while back...cuz I did.

Why did they say the whole frame was ruined? The part in question is just inserted into the frame. Don't know if an adhesive or eposy is being used.

Is the carbon frame damaged?

and...curious minds want to know....How in the heck did it happen???

Please don't start your story with "IWJRA and.... [smiley=laughing.gif]

Welcome aboard!

[smiley=beer.gif]

[Ionit]

i have a 4500C I can't quit Grasp what is wrong with your frame. Then again I'm not really keen with the Mechanical problem your having. But if it's a pivot problem try making something totally different. There is someone on this Forum That has revamped the entire pivot coupling and retrofitted some sealed bearing into the swingarm. It looks really good.
This is a shot in the dark but maybe you could buy an Aluminum swingarm or a used frame of E-bay and use it for parts.
I'm having some problems of my own with the frame. Maybe you could help by telling me if you have any small cracks in the frame. The areas affected on my main triangle are under the Headtube at the gusset area and on the Toptube near the top shock pivot.
I would really like two know If anybody has fixed these small crackles before they completely ruin the structural integrity of the bike.

Thanks.
I_2,...

[Old Proflexer]

yes - please upload a pic of the part to our files (on left of page) link.

there's some 800 numbers you can use to get to k2 and i'd also have an lbs that handles k2's contact k2 directly via the phone and ask.

OP

[aaastone]

Thanks for your help!  I've uploaded the pictures, please take a look.

As far as I can tell, there's no delamination or cracking in the frame itself.  There's also no evidence of epoxy in this area, leading me to believe that a new part can be installed relatively easily.

As to what happened, no good story there.  I was noticing increaseing play in the joint, so I removed the swing arm to take a look, and found the broken part.

My guess is that the lube wore out in the pivot face insert, so it started backing the threads of the broken part out of the frame pivot.  Once the part was moved a little, it probably didn't take much to snap off the threads as there isn't much metal in that area of the part.

Andy

[Simon]

Can you easily remove the whole pivot assembly from the frame if you can and have no joy from K2 regarding replacement parts I'd take the broken parts to a precision engineering shop and have one made up, I find them usually eager to help,as for the sealed bearing conversion there are some pic's in my gallery and details posted in the Files section.Simon [smiley=nod.gif]  

[Carbon_Angus]

the part that I have is the gray part, (not the black disc) that it's inserted into. now I understand what you are talking about......sorry that's a bummer

you may have to get a part fabricated

If you want the frame fixed you may have to do what "Simon says"

k2 may offer a warranty replacement, but whatever it is it won't be carbon. Have you asked them?

good luck
[smiley=beer.gif]