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Just serviced my X-Fusion HILO SL Dropper. Not touched it in 2 years, but noticed the post was sinking slightly more recently.
Did a quick oil change, but it was apparent the top cap seal wasn't as 'tight' as it should be and leaked oil.
The service kit arrived today and it's surprisingly easy to service. I just took my time, cleaned and lubed everything and re-assembled. Took a little while to get the oil level spot on (guessing).
I'd originally picked the HILO up for £80 new off ebay from Wiggle as it has a slight mark on the post that's inside the frame.
It's been pretty reliable over the time I've had it, and running like new again.
I like my HiLo, I can strip it completely and replace every seal in next to no time. Biggest mistake people make with these is using the wrong oil, ATF works the best in the original Hilo.
Other oils get Aerated and the post gets bouncy. Also over tightening the seat clamp and upping the air pressure to compensate blows the top o ring.
I used Castrol 10w fork oil - as specified. Got 500ml from Halfords so wasted a bit cleaning and seeing if the oil level was OK first.
Only 18 PSI in the Hilo SL - so you've got to pump slowly. It was just balancing the oil level as I didn't know the exact - it's around 50 ml. Too much, and it doesn't compress fully, too little, and the post doesn't lock fully up.
Got the seal kit from JE James (I don't like using them as they are a bit dodgy about stock levels) but it was in stock and turned up. The UK distributor emailed back same day saying the two Hilo SL's use the same seal kit.
My issue was the wiper seal was loose - probably age as oil seeped past on the post and you could see it move on the 'up stroke'.
I’m sure the Castrol oil is fine if that’s what they spec now.
I have a few droppers.
ks cruxi- cartridge blown, can’t be serviced.
ks 950i- rebuilt due to sag, needed to make a tool to get air in.
Reverb- sags a bit, looks a right pain in the arse to sort now it’s out of warranty.
hilo 100mm and 125mm. Can rebuild with a few standard tools, one being a hammer.
10W fork oil is specified - but it's lots cheaper buying the motorbike equivalent as we all know.
It's a very serviceable seat post - I was worried buying a dropper for the service issues, but it's a doddle. It just needs oil and a small amount of air - the remote is a brake cable.
I really like my Brand X and an thinking of getting the 150mm one, only issue being they are all cartridge.
2 year warranty mind you but once that's gone you can't service anything if there is a problem.
Might have to look into the HILO.
The manic looks to have a better remote, are the internals the same as the hilo I wonder?
I very nearly bought a Brand X a couple of weeks ago - the HILO was playing up, but it was because of the seal.
The manic is supposed to be very serviceable, and the air cartridge cheap to replace. It's different from the HILO.
If the Brand X is easy to service/oil change, then stick with it.