You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I've got a 20mm long scratch in the Kashima coat on one of the stanchions.
It's not very deep but I can feel it with my fingernail.
It's about 15mm up from the seal.
Don't really fancy getting the sandpaper and nail polish (wife's) on it for fear of causing more damage.
Should I do anything or just ignore it?
Had a similar thing on mine after a particularly wet weekend in the peaks meant a small bit of flint got stuck in the seal for a few seconds. Stopped immediately but there was damage done 🙁
Did the clear nail polish trick, finishing off with fine grade W&D paper. Been fine ever since. Just let the varnish dry overnight, should set rock solid in this weather, then wet the paper and go very gentle. I can't even see where the scratch was!
I have a scratch on rear shock, it hasn't impacted performance, ie no air is being lost.
A scratch won't leak air. It will leak oil. The air can is sealed internally - it doesn't rely on a wiper seal to keep in 200psi...
if it is is raised then you need to sort it carefully.
if it's just a depression then don't worry.
As above the air is not kept in between the lowers and the stanchions. All the damper and air spring stuff is on the inside. The only leak that will occur due to a poor leg/wiper seal is lubricating oil out and water in and your typical stanchion scratch wont affect it too much. just keep on top of the lower leg services as you should anyway.
if it's proud then it can have a greater affect on the leaks, damage the wiper and possibly wear the bushing I guess and cause more friction.
Thanks folks, it is minuscule but I will keep an eye on it.
I'm pretty good at keeping on top of maintenance and change the seals every 6 months so shouldn't be a major problem.
Just a bit p*****d that its scratched!
Dirt can get into the scratch then into your fork,
Get the nail Amish and wet 'n dry out.
Did this to my pike when basically brand new
No issues some 4 years later and no dirt in the oil when i change and no damage to the seal
I was worried though but in terms of performance it has made no difference. - i did use wet and dry as it had a raised edge but that was it. The dirt would need to be pretty miniscule to fit the scratch so perfectly then fall off inside - it may happen but not much tbh
PANIC! and PANIC hard! 😉
I'm panicking and its not even mine.
Oh believe me, I'm panicking liked I've never panicked before.
Don't boots sell a nail polish which is the same colour? Sure there was a thread on it!