level is different for each model See Figure 7. It is recommended that you replace your oil at least
once during the year, twice if it has been contaminated with dirt, mud, or other foreign substance.
Use SAE 5WT Maxima fork oil or equivalent.
IMPORTANT:
Before every ride you should:
1 Ensure that the quick release skewers are properly adjusted and tight.
2 Check the entire fork for any obvious damage.
3 Check headset adjustment.
4 Ensure that the front brake cable is properly seated in the cable retainer & check brake adjust-
ment.
NOTE:
The Fork does not need to be removed from the bicycle for general disassembly-assembly or
cleaning. In addition, coil spring replacement is accomplished by removal of outer leg/arch assembly.
INNER FORK LEGS & CROWN
The inner fork legs and steerer tube are press fit into the crown and may never be removed.
Removing them will make the fork unsafe to use. If you see any slippage contact Answer Technical
Staff immediately (800) 670-7446.
REMOVAL OF OUTER LEG / ARCH ASSEMBLY:
1 Use a 4MM Allen wrench to remove the lower compression rod screw from the left leg dropout.
Pop out the damping adjuster knob from the right dropout. A small screwdriver may be help-
ful. Use an 8MM allen wrench to remove the dropout nut. Fully compress the fork if needed
to prevent the compression rod and damper shaft from turning while removing screws.
2 Pull the outer leg assembly down to remove from the inner legs and crown.
3 Remove fork boots.
Note:
It is not recommended to remove the dust seal every time the fork is disassembled. The
seal and bushings should be cleaned and re-greased in place.
INSPECTION
1 Check the dust seal for tears, wear, or damage. Replace if needed.
2 Inspect the lower and upper bushing for damage to the Teflon coating. Replace by calling
Answer Products or an authorized Manitou dealer.
3 Check the outer leg/arch assembly for nicks or deep gouges on outside and inside. Replace if
damaged.
4 Remove boots and check the inner legs for deep gouges and other damage. Minor wear result-
ing in color change is not detrimental to the gold anodized surface. Replace if wear is exces-
sive or if inner legs are damaged.
5 Check inner legs at the bottom of the crown for cracks or for flaking anodize. Replace crown
steer leg assembly if cracked or if gold anodize is beginning to flake.
6 Check the underside of the crown for cracks. Replace if cracked.
OUTER LEG REASSEMBLY:
1 Reinstall boots.
2 Slide outer leg / Arch assembly onto inner legs and fully compress.
3 Install and torque 4mm compression rod screw and 8mm dropout nut to10-30 inch-lb. (1.1-3.5
N-m). Over torquing the dropout nut may damage the damper shaft.
4 Grease o-ring, pop in damper adjuster knob. O-ring holds knob in place.
5 Slide skirt of fork boots onto the dust seal. Be sure the lip snaps into the groove.
6 Lubricate the fork using the MicroLube system and Prep M grease. See page 4 Maintenance.
