Part ~ 1

SAFETY WARNING

The following instructions involve working with the complex internal parts of a suspension fork and it is recommended that only a skilled or trained mechanic should attempt these procedures to avoid any possibility of damage to the product or personal injury. Specialist tools may be required and in some cases special tools from RST are additionally required, the failure to use the correct tool could result in a premature failure of the produce leading to subsequent personal injury.

By reading this warning you accept the responsability to carry out the instructions under the understanding that you may void the warranty offered by RST and that any damage parts should be replaced before reassembly in order to maintain the fork correctly.

 

MAINTENANCE MANUAL
This manual is designed as an addition to the owner’s manual supplied with your RST fork.

Maintenance should be carried out as often as specified or when the performance of the fork has deteriorated.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
RST recommends that if you are unsure about your ability to complete this maintenance work to consult an RST dealer before commencing any work. Improper installation of some parts can be extremely dangerous and can result in the failure of the fork resulting in possible personal injury.

ALWAYS Wear safety eye glasses when working on the internal parts of a fork.

REPAIR KITS
Before beginning any work on your fork it is recommended that you obtain the parts that will need replacement in order to avoid delays during the maintenance. The most common parts used are supplied in a REPAIR KIT that should be available from RST dealers.
The repair kit that you require for the models of fork covered by this manual is:-
 KIT F
 
TOOLS REQUIRED:

150mm adjustable wrench.
4mm Hex wrench.
Long nose pliers

Non toxic cleaning solvent.
Cleaning rag.
Cleaning brush.

Grease (Non-lithium based).

 

Front view of: RST 281EL Fork.  
Use a 150mm adjustable wrench to remove the pivot bolts (x2) from the brace.  
Use a 4mm hex wrench to remove the brace bolts (x4) and then remove the brace.  
Remove the outer legs by turning them counter-clockwise.  
Use long nose pliers to remove the springs counter-clockwise.

(CAUTION: These may be very tight)

  
Clean the inside part of the outer legs with a non-toxic solvent.

Allow to dry.

  

CHECK AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED PARTS (Like the boots or dust wipers)

If you do not have the RST repair kit then use the parts list in order to obtain the correct parts.

 

Wrong Manual? Need some spare parts? How to put back together.