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I use a now slightly long in the tooth 2014 voodoo bizango for commutting. It has a (15mm) maxle on the front.
For the last while this has been sticking (was fine when the bike was new). I'm at the point now where it's completely stuck after two weeks and at this point I need to use a few good whacks of a rubber mallet to release it. I always pack it with copious amounts of (lithium) grease on fitting but this seem to have little if any affect.
As far as I can tell it's sticking on the forks rather than the hub.
Any suggestion as to how I can remedy this - when I next get a puncture I'll potentially have a very long walk home as there's zero chance I'll be able to get the front off on the roadside.
Might be case of too much grease (combined with some dirt). I'd give it a good clean with some proper degreaser then a light smear of fresh grease.
@nickjb: good proposal!
Have a Maxle with the "adjustment for the lever" (this little allen key thing (2 mm or so) in the middle). Don't have any problems with my Maxle - but maybe possible to take this adjustment thing apart? And clean it?
Never took this thing apart - but sounds a bit like something in this "adjustment thing" is stuck?
Not sure. Just an idea.
Which type of Maxle is it?
What are the bearings like? Is the thread on the maxle and fork clean and not chewed?
I use copper slip on my maxle. It's part of my maintenance to periodically remove, clean and re slip. Same with the seat post etc.
OK, just checked and excuse me for being dumb but it's not a maxle at all.
It's actually a suntour q-loc like this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/suntour-15mm-qloc-axle/rp-prod140259
Apologies for the duff inforation!
The symptoms are the same, the axle seizes in the forks and I need to use a mallet to release it. The lock at the end opens correctly.
Hahah
QLoc: don't know how Suntour came up with this crazy dsign. Auron, Durolux - great forks. But the QLoc is a pain in the ass.
And: better don't take this thing totally apart. This strange locking device is made from 1001 parts...
Not even sure if you allowed to grease the locking part of this axle - dirt and crap will stick to the grease an kill it...?
Only idea: wash the whole end with the locking device in alcohol + use only silicone spray as lubricant on the locking device.
But: friends of mine use the rubber mallet for the QLoc as well. These crazy little wedge parts on the lock side are simply not working / releasing.
Don't have an better idea - but maybe start a new post about this. Others fight exactly the problem you describe. And the rubber mallet thing works but isn't really the tool which you have a around when you have a flat tire somewhere in the woods...
Thanks (I think). Will try a new topic with the correct subject...