Suntour XCR Fork Service - Disassemble/Clean/Lube/Re-assemble

I show how to tear down, clean, lubricate and rebuild Suntour XCR forks/shocks. This model has lockout. Periodic maintenance will help prolong the life of the fork and maintain performance. Basic service to keep your suspension working and from becoming stiff or frozen. The XCR fork models have varied over the years. This fork is a SR Suntour SF-14 XCR-32 LO Fork 29".
at 7:24 & 7:33 , I said counter-clockwise, but they should be clockwise.
Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. Use of a grease not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
Slickoleum 15oz:
www.amazon.com...
Slickoleum 4oz:
www.amazon.com...
Suntour fork tool:
www.amazon.com...
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@cyclistcris7963]

Can I ask what is better? Xct Xcm or Xcr???

[@cyclistcris7963]

And can you also shiw us how to convert this coil fork to solo air fork? And to adjust the travel to 120mm

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@cyclistcris7963 I think it goes from XCT to XCM to XCR being the best of the three. If you want an air fork with 120mm of travel, buy an air fork with 120mm of travel.

[@augustlandmesser1520]

Man, this channel is pure gold to us low-budget cyclists! Any idea about how to do-it-yourself repair (as far as is possible) of damaged seals on air shock forks like early Marzocchi Bomber, exactly like on this bike? www.vitalmtb.com/community/MNpikey,45654/setup,35681?cat=Bike+Check&page=2&riding_types%5B%5D=3&scope=by_likes

[@ryutakeda7329]

Do i have to release the lockout before removing the lowers? Tia

[@kala8239]

Man ! I swear your video is precious as hell. I'm from France, bought a rather old bike sold by a huge sports brand that has this exact same fork. Unfortunately, they don't provide any tips to clean and service this fork, so I had to scatter all around the web to find how to service mine correctly, and I found yours ! Again, keep going with your videos, you're awesome, and you're helping people all around the globe !

[@KRaikkonenSF]

En principe t'es presque pas censé faire de maintenance sur une fourche à ressort :)

[@庞云-e4x]

yeap，u just speak what i want to say

[@laurentfly5362]

@@KRaikkonenSF oui c'est vrai mais j'ai la même fourche et elle est devenue dure, le locket tourne dans le vide et la vidéo va m'aider à la démonter et entretenir pour régler tout ça :)

[@ced777]

@@KRaikkonenSF Moi cette video va m'aider a changer la cartouche sur mon vieux Rockrider, le lockout ne fonctionnement plus, cartouche morte ;D

[@offbeatwarble]

​@@laurentfly5362salut, as-tu réparé ton verrouillage provoquant le vide ? J'ai le même problème. merci

[@stephenhealey7074]

You missed something. Service should include taking out the seals so you can also pull the plastic sleeve bearings. Seals slide out with encouragement from a flat blade screwdriver. Then reach down inside the lower and work out the sleeve bearing- one per side. The sleeve bearing is what actually contacts the stanchion. It MUST be cleaned and relubed. just dabbing grease down in there with a stick is not enough. Clean the seals too. As an annual service you should clean and lube seals and sleeve bearing, clean stanchion, but don't bother with all other stuff. The spring doesn't care if it has fresh grease on it. The way these forks fail is wear or corrosion of the stanchion, and that is controlled by seal and sleeve bearing. In your 2014 video servicing a Suntour T890 fork, you did get the sleeve bearings out and cleaned. The sleeve bearings are a very similar design to what I found in my ~2013 XCR 29er.

[@dwight6502]

Dude thats the best ON BUDGET fork. I have been using it for like 3 weeks now. Im always on the road traveling from house to farm. The mechanic tinkered my xcr from 120mm stantions to 150. Man its a boost. I only spent $40 for everything including materials needed for the extension of the stantions and mechanics' fee. The best fork for $40. 👍

[@justinsowers7194]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just completed this maintenance with your guidance on my 10 year old Rockhopper. It gets new brakes in the morning.

[@petermcpherson5005]

Really chuffed I found this as my forks are seized and now I know how to recon the unit. Really useful video. Many thanks for sharing 👍

[@zombie821]

Thanks for the video. I want to service my girlfriend's suspension fork soon because it's squeaking, and with your video that won't be a problem. She has a Suntour NEX 4610 V2 but it seems to be built very similarly

[@ando852]

Thanks for the video. I have looosened the caps with pliers instead of special tool. I was gentle and have not damaged the caps.

[@hereismyusername007]

Good video, very straight forward and informative. But there are two things to point out You should not use a metal hammer to tap on the screws at the bottom of the lower or you risk damaging the dropouts, and make sure to remove any preload from the coil before dissasembly/assembley. Thank you for another video.

[@diane1959]

I’m not a mountain biker but I enjoy your videos anyway. They are always informative

[@patalinghugjosephmarkkent6082]

You should try it.

[@robdrew6423]

Great video, didn’t realise my fork was so simple and straightforward, think one I can tackle myself. Thanks!

[@mindjanitor]

The "Watahellong T-Key" is awsm🎉 Cпасибо за науку!🙏

[@SVader11]

Thank you! Just successfully repaired my XCR today. I had to wait for the wrench & grease which I bought online but once I had them, it was a breeze. BTW, mine didn't have the lockout. Both just had the same pre-load dial.

[@ScoutJoe]

Thank you RJ! I was scared to disassemble my fork suspension cause I'm afraid I might mess up something this tutorial of yours helps me a lot for future maintenance

[@valleukin9624]

Great video. Thanks RJ. I just finished overhauling my XCR forks. AAA+

[@19janiboy96]

I feel confident about servicing my bikes fork thanks to this video.

[@tortugaF3J]

perfect. Thanks for sharing the reassembling and the lockout knob adjustment. That's what i've been looking for :-)

[@petecurran3995]

Great job, RJ! I've just come by these forks, 2006 I think, so will be following your plan! 👍🏻

[@davidchodur7773]

Thanks for this. I just cleaned and relubed the fork... wow what a difference. Now it almoust feel too squishy

[@forevercomputing]

I'm going to go ahead and recommend Wira Hex Plus Allen keys/wrenches - I rounded a socketed bolt and hex plus got in there and undid the bolt. Wira (German) do SAE and Metric. The Wira's won't go deep though because coloured sleeves. I mention this as your little key looks very well used. Tools = n+1

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Had them for years, but they are still in great shape. Craftsman.

[@bob-ny6kn]

You have posted about 600 videos. Thank you for all of them (meh, even the car ones). So many people have benefited. Gravel bikes/bike packing are making people look for "rack" and "no-rack" solutions. I did not find any on your channel. Maybe a video?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I am not sure what you mean? Rack/no rack?

[@bob-ny6kn]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Most racks are hub-and-frame-mounted. Surley bicycles (for one) has been installing many mount-points on new frames. Some riders carry their gear without racks or mount points (I do not know the names of their gear-carrying products). I thought you might have good insight for loading a bicycle for camping. Maybe this isn't a fix-it subject.

[@Bikeops2021]

Always good to see these videos in your library, very handy to have a reference should you come across them...

[@Maik1968]

Thanks so much for this detailed explanation and tutorial! Exactly what I needed to know for the maintenance on a bike that I bought for 20$ on eBay. Take care and stay healthy 🖖💪👍🌞

[@yesustuhan2847]

Awesome I took it to a bike mechanic before watching this video the mechanic told me I had to replace the complete forks he couldn't fix it the shocks we're not locking up after i try to lubed then up I came across your video and problem fixed thanks so much here american in Indonesia

[@ArdianSutarjan]

overproud lu

[@valleukin9624]

Excellent Video. With all the extras (helpful hints) thrown in.

[@mattbarr510]

A BIG THANKS, thanks your vid was a great help, cuz I bet I wud of broke something if it wasn't for your instructions. I was very surprised aswell, I've had my bike since 2016 and never serviced forks, they were full of water and even muck had cumulated on the left one, obviously broken seal. Thanks again mega help.

[@akashdeepsingh468]

This is very informative video on this kind of forks! I acquired one recently and wanted to do it myself as the brand has moved out of India. Good luck for more videos!

[@viperfang5291]

What kinda grease did you use?

[@Key-cf3ig]

I'm confused where your doing the lockout. You say turn it counter-clockwise until it stops whilst turning it clockwise? Around the 7:30 for reference.

[@joshthompson7616]

Thanks, very helpful and detailed. I'm gonna go service my fork tomorrow

[@keithmac1355]

Good video and explanation!, I service motorcycle forks normally but just had a look before stripping my son's XCR forks for a clean and grease.

[@jhonzero762]

Thanks I'm from Myanmar. You are my teacher.

[@manueltigre9257]

You are a master, thanks for showing us how to fix bikes. I have my bike with a XR SunTour fork wich I have not used a lot maybe a 10 miles and the fork suddenly stopped working. I have never disassembled the fork nor tried to fix. I am guessing now that the fork has absorbed some water and is all rusty inside. I am going to try fixing now. I will let you know how it goes. Cheers from Ecuador.

[@rolandvillanueva6405]

Excellent explanation. Thank you...👍👍👍

[@NEXHIDRAOfficial]

Hello, i have a Univega sr suntour xcm rl air and i don't know what kind of cartridge i need, can you help me plecase?!

[@ScaldaYT]

Thanks for the great video I just used this as a guide to help service my forks. Thanks again

[@avtechnz]

I pulled mine apart but when reassembling the Allen key on the spring side wont tighten. It just spins. I have tried compressing the fork but it is still spinning so can't tighten.

[@johnhanley9946]

Good video, it's probably about time for me to service my forks...

[@KevinMarshall-vk4sp]

are this racing tires or hybrid mountain bike tires?

[@jacobm.-pelletier5002]

Very helpful! Thanks. Just did my first fork cleanup!

[@Behine.DeChilis]

Why do they make the lockout levers so easy to fall off? I've had 4 rides on mild trails and already lost my cap. Ordering a new one from Suntour, but I would love a way to make that more stable (less likely to fall off).

[@f1flick]

Dampening fluid likely in what you call the lockout cartridge right? How do you change the fluid? Dampening is way too slow on these forks.

[@jacobewald7378]

I've just serviced my suspension (same model) and forgot to put on the white piece at 8:15, I just wondering what's its purpose is and if it's absolutely necessary. Thx

[@wasifzihan4662]

Same happened with me today man! I just lost it 😔

[@kevinhancock4064]

Looks like a damper tbh

[@st3f_495]

Hi! I support you when you restore that's bike from the past..i liked very much! My XCR fork sr santoue 26 inch lockout is very stuck how can you help me with that???

[@tomnorton1152]

Very informative, excellent video. Many thanks Tom Norton

[@ridwanhidayat8299]

Thank you soo much RJ for your kind explanation.. Its very helpful

[@mistreku]

i have an XCM 30 which is not supposed to leak oil (because supposedly there is no oil inside it) but it does, and it's getting squeaky, do you have any advice? defo oil residue on one of the stanchions, but there shouldn't be any oil in that, should it?

[@drthunberg3567]

My XCT is 20 year old, never open it, is it a good idea to try? I can't say if it work well, i lock it pretty much every time.

[@BikeItUK]

Thanks for this and many more videos on servicing suspension folks. Just in the process of doing a restoration on my 20yr old personal GT MTB bike. All the best Andy

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I saw that! What suspension does it have? The picture only had the frame. You might like this. One of my old videos redoing the rear suspension on a GT LT-5. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2PUlWaQbcifarM My videos have gotten much better. LOL

[@antonindrapal6986]

Thanks man im going to use this tutorial😊.

[@moisesgutierrez83]

Quick question in your other video you showed you took out the seals and sleeve inserts! Did you do the same for this fork as well or you left them in

[@007kggaming2]

Is it hydraulic lockout feature, because I have same model and same parts from different brand. When I opened to service it, there is huge of oil came out and after completing the cleaning now I've to put it back everything like before but I still don't know where to put fork oil or should I leave it without oil? Please help me

[@insanewayne75]

Hi thanks for the perfectly explained videos on how to rebuild forks. I have a set of these on my 8 year old daughters bike, is there any way of making them softer. She did have a set of Marzocchi Z1 fligh lights, and I just reduced the air pressure for her weight, but the lowers have split?? I have no idea how she's managed that?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Back off the preload is about all you can do.

[@barrysoklofske4221]

What do you do if the fork is held together by bottom bolts that unscrew from inside.

[@subliminalfreedom]

Thanks, this looks lile my XCM

[@h65k60]

Thank for the lesson. Can I use lithium grease?

[@cleggydadon]

1:12 what's that piece called just got mine in bits that's not there guessing that's why I have no spring In my suspension

[@ralphgabunada5356]

Bro my sr suntout xcr has leak in lockout portion in dust seal , should i buy another dust seal to make my fork no leak or should i service this to the bikeshop??

[@joepje0318]

what is that plastic sleeve for. please help because my fork makes a clicking noise when compressing and it drives me nuts

[@md.sazzidhauqe1517]

Really help full. Think brother Jajakkallha!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

I have a xcr that has v-brake mounts but can't tell if they are m10 is 1.25 or 1.5 threads....

[@mymorristribe]

So my XCR AIR LO 24 fork seems to have an issue. Even without any air in the air-side, it was still hard to compress. When I took it apart, I noticed the lockout mechanism seems to be air charged and is very hard to compress. The fork is barely used. Any idea? Do, I just have to replace the air mechanism?

[@djbillye4943]

hi.i have these forks which im going to do as you have done in the video.my fork caps have no adjustment.can i add adjustable caps for this fork,cheers

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

Hi! I need info for XC 60, it is whobbling very much, need to replace the bush

[@tibitm3122]

Everything fine, thanks, BUT I have a question: you say "counter clockwise" and you turn the key clockwise...Am I seeing in the wrong way or...?Thanks

[@Alex-pn5oo]

Very helpful, thank you. The rebound adjustment had me stumped until I watched this.

[@ericbuys5314]

What a great video! You have an excellent presentation skill! Muchas gracias!

[@DylanDavidVindasLopez]

Hello! as you know many suntour and RST forks come with a lockout cartridge that you can replace if damaged, but there are some countries where getting a replacement whould be extremely expensive, i have both an SR Sountour XCR 28 with a lockout and an RST Blaze, they both need a new cartridge, can you make a video explaining how you can open them, clean the inside and replace the oil? Cheers!

[@roundinthegroundmetaldetec2147]

Is there anyway you can change travel on this fork??

[@michaelzhang4690]

very detailed instructions

[@tomnorton1152]

Excellent clear instructions, thank you.

[@buantiang3811]

RJ, may i know where to buy new lock out cartridge?

[@laavidity8339]

Is it possible to align the slightly bent fork? My tires is kinda tilted because of it😅

[@emigrant4life]

the grease is always mixed with dust and sand and turns into a paste that devours the legs of the fork.

[@krzysztofryczek6643]

Tego właśnie szukałem 🙏

[@AbsentStranger]

what if both allens are tight and it's still not locked out?

[@francoisvermaak1764]

Hello. Hope you can assist. I just bought a bike with a xcr fork. (Used bike ) When I get on the bike the fork compresses all the way. And only when I get off dose it rebound again. “ and no I don’t way a ton hahah. “ any suggestions as to what could be wrong?

[@caperr2]

I’m going to do this to my xcr fork. Mine has been leaking though. Do you think this will fix it? I have heard people mention fork seals but I didn’t notice any in the video. Do you know what they might be referring to?

[@Atrainswrld]

Is there any way to put better springs and any other add on parts? Or just buy some new cheaper forks?

[@mjojrjr6231]

Definitely useful and very helpful Mate.👍❤

[@mrnooneyt5109]

Does trek marlin 5 2017 have the same service method ؟

[@davidecirillo6681]

hi I need to see the fork maintenance SR Suntour XCT 30, helical spring, preload, hydraulic block, 51mm offset for 29 "wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm excursion. I don't understand much English but your videos are very useful for me to see them. I appreciate very much what you do

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't have a video for that. Haven't worked on one.

[@SFCRambo60]

Have you shown how to do maintenance on a Trek 1000? Thank you for your videos, they are great.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maintenance is not bike specific. It comes down to the type of bike and components. So maintenance on a trek 1000 would be same thousands of if other roadbikes.

[@ljdlsantos3736]

hi there im new to your channel and you have awesome videos and very informational for a newbie like me i bought a used mtb and honestly i have no idea what kind of fork i have but i managed to disassemble the fork and i think its a xcr fork like the one in the video but no idea what xcr model it is but my question is does a xcr fork have slider sleeves?

[@robertzachariasz1661]

Hi there. Many thanks for tutorial. All sorted but my mcr is slightly different as in it only has 2 plastic dials on the top, no blue lever. Put all back together but is now permanently bouncy. No lockout or anything. ???????

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

There are a bunch of different versions of these Suntour forks.

[@galaxydefender1033]

I guess my open/lock valve seals are bad ... because they don't lock... I did the check with the 4 mm alen wrench it all works but it wont lock

[@wanwan11jandumon8]

Thanks Rj the bike guy for the sharing of knowledge.......I am Peter Angcon fom Philippines ,

[@robertdamora9205]

Can adjusting the preloads to the point where the fork has little to no up - and - down movement; nearly rigid.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No.

[@Neslo-1028]

Much appreciated. What if I have a remote switch for the lockout? Is there any difference in the steps or the method?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I am guessing it will be similar. I haven't worked on one of these with a remote switch.

[@Neslo-1028]

@@RJTheBikeGuy 10-4. I appreciate you taking the time to get back to me so quickly. I am hoping that I can learn enough about the cable-actuated remote to eliminate it as an obstacle. Your videos have been instrumental in educating me such that I can work on my bikes without always having to truck them to the local bike shop.

[@ianmangham4570]

Nope, all the remote does is twist the blue thing using a cable instead of your fingers

[@samkapedal4285]

Pls make video how to adjust the travel of xcr suntour coil fork thanks in advance.

[@chriswarr1990]

Where can I get these parts? The spring on the plunger part, big spring and a replacement for the non spring side? My springs broke and the nitrogen spring is squeaking.

[@fergleza]

Thank you very much for your knowledge. I going to apply in my xcr suntour fork.

[@oglou6668]

It was very helpful video thankyou very much sir

[@LetsDiscoverMauritius]

Where you bought that rod? It's called rod itself?

[@thecattherapychannel2861]

Brilliant video mate

[@laptopcat6673]

Hi there, I have an old XCR fork that still works well and just needs service however it's got an issue, which is the brake mount is broken so I can't use it unless I decide to run with no front brakes. Is it possible to replace the entire lowers and if so are there shops that sells them?

[@Mrkingcjay]

Great vid' ! Thank you so much for sharing !

[@adityachafekar2667]

Hey I have a knocking sound coming from my forks,They aren't Suntour XCRs but they are of the exact same type made by another company........Do I have to do this whole process or is there a shortcut?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I can't tell you what the issue is. And if they are made by a different company, then I am pretty sure they are not that exact same type.

[@adityachafekar2667]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I mean I opened the top caps and I could see springs,plus I have a lock on them too

[@jimpops700]

It's a great video, don't get me wrong, I love it and it was a great help and i rebuilt my Fork and works great.

[@TivonSanders]

Hey RJ! Do you know what weight of oil the XCR air forks take? My manual doesn't specify what weight of oil to use, it just says (under the maintenance section) to use an oily cloth on the stanchions and dust seals.

[@RobinsonHooi]

Thanks for the video, i just bought Epicon Front air fork and the suspension is too hard, any idea how to release the air to make it softer? big thanks!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sorry, I don't know that fork.

[@CodyKing]

There should be a cap on one side that says "air" and it twists off. There should be a schrader valve. Set the pressure so that your sag is 15-30% of the total travel.