Replace Cannondale HeadShok Boot

Replacing my ripped Cannondale HeadShok boot... I have Super V 700 mountain bike that is still in very good condition but the boot is ripped and needed to replace it to avoid dirt/mud getting into the shock. I thought it was a simple task but because I used a smaller one, the only available boot I can find online, it turned out to be a very challenging job. The smaller boot has 5 ridges vs. the original's 7 ridges which, according to the description, will fit any Super Fatty D or DL HeadShok. Mine is D. Yes it did fit but I applied brute force, creativity, perseverance, and lots of patience.
For those of you attempting to replace your boot, I hope you find the right size. If not, good luck!
Music Credit: "Future Bass Vlog" by John Sib

[@nicholasbuttery511]

When BMXing in the early 1980`s we used to cut up old inner tubes and use them as headset boots to stop dirt collecting in lower headset race.

[@michaelwills543]

Well done for persevering putting on that new smaller boot. I used a 3/8 socket over the top nut to hammer down on, worked great as I was able to hold fork in other hand. I'm cleaning my Fatty for 1st time, it's great people upload new videos on these things as the suspension is a good one and with persevering.. 👍

[@nicholasbull1503]

You the man! Your video saved me hours. I did the reverse-it method and I used tire irons to help me lever up over the wider surfaces without damaging (I hope) the rubber. Thank you!

[@drgeek100]

maybe some silicone lubricant might've help? And maybe put the rubber boot in a tub of hot water as well.

[@sonnymorgan4680]

For future reference: Use lighter fluid. Lighter fluid makes it very slippery and condensates. I use that method for grips as well.

[@jefflucas_life]

So glad you posted this video, I was looking for full suspension MTB to get me started. I acquired a 26 inch Cannondale Jekyll 600 Head Shok Super Fatty Deore XT 17. Can you recommend a new crank and wheels so that I can have front and rear brake rotors? As for your boot situation, I would've purchased two 5 ribbed boots and fit one over the other.

[@LikayPo_DIY]

I never really thought of that double boot trick. That's a good one. Thanks. As for the crank and wheels, the option is plenty. I am a Shimano fan, though I haven't upgraded nor changed any of those so I would not be able to recommend any. I hope that someone on this post can.

[@jonb.9592]

You did it backwards, you can remove the fork from the head stick and install from the bottom instead of the top.

[@Chucomar]

What I'm trying to do is fix why the air won't go in the shock? I thought this video was to fix the shock not a plastic boot.

[@LikayPo_DIY]

I had that problem at first and thought that it has something to do with the boot. I found out later tha it is with my pump. There’s a leak at the contact point. So I ended up buying a new pump and all is well know. I’m still grateful that I changed the boot for protection of the shock from dirt.

[@scottthompson2481]

Hi , were did you get the dust cover from ? Many thanks Scott .

[@LikayPo_DIY]

I got it from ebay… the only one.

[@scottthompson2481]

@@LikayPo_DIY Thanks so much , but i have found some reproduction ones on a website called Improvepart if you ever need another on . All the best .......

[@nelsoncastro4962]

me gustaria obtener una de esas

[@k3n6y]

i installed a new yellow boot but i damaged it while hammering the fork back into the frame😢🤦🏼....so handle with care guys!

[@LikayPo_DIY]

U-oh

[@specagent999]

9:43 Is that part supposed to be greased so it goes in easier?

[@LikayPo_DIY]

The stem did not have grease when I removed it. I was tempted to put one but did not pursue it as it might catch dirt and grit more. It was still easy to put it back… just make it center when inserting.

[@el_ectro]

Надо было через низ попробовать

[@lucion2786]

Want a buy boot?

[@LikayPo_DIY]

Thanks lucio but the boot I used is still holding up pretty well.

[@youtube_chose_word_for_you]

use compressor.

[@LikayPo_DIY]

Might be hard but sounds like it will help