Lefty bearing reset too frequent

[adambikes]

I have a 2011 Lefty PBR and just did a reset and a boot lift (with wipe down and new grease application). Went for a 5 hour fairly heavy hit ride, got home, measured length and noticed it had dropped 2.5 cm (way enough for another reset). I have reset (and done a boot lift with regrease) many times in the past. I usually wait unit it drops 1.25 cm. One thing I did different this time, though, was use a white lithium (usually use Finish Line white teflon. Could using a really slippery, smooth grease allow the bearings to migrate more quickly? What is the best to use for this level of service? Obv. a full rebuild further in to the fork internals may call for something else.

[CdaleTony]

I Think the route you need to go is to re-shim the bearings...they use 'feeler' gauge type strips in there, and they come in .001" increments....
Mendon?

[adambikes]

Are you talking about going further into a more extensive service, because I think the bearings are migrating more quickly due to the use of a very buttery grease. No?

[adambikes]

Just found this from Mendon on another thread:

"A little grease goes a long way. Also, the type of grease will impact it too. super slippery "loose" grease will make it very slick and prone to migrate, whereas a stiffer grease won't do so as much.
Also, if it's made that much of a difference, you may want to ask to get your preload jacked up a touch next time you get service done."

Also, in another reply he says he uses Phil Wood grease. I assume the old green stuff from "back in the day"? Mendon?

[XCProphet]

Could you reference where it's stated that >2.5cm requires a bearing reset?

Where are you measuring?

[MendonCycleSmith]

Mendon?

Yep, if it started all of a sudden, I'd blame the grease.

That said, upping the bearing preload isn't a bad idea either.

Hard hitting rides will make it happen more rapidly too though.

Yep, Phil's is the old school green stuff. Just as good as it ever was, no ceramic particles, Teflon impregnation, super secret bat piss extract additives, whatever, just good, mid viscosity, water proof grease.

[Stumpjumpy]

Any thoughts re Park Tool's PPL-1 grease for this application?

http://m.parktool.com/product/polylu...ant-tube-ppl-1

[StumpyElite2010]

I have a 2011 Lefty PBR a.

I have the same one at 90 mm. (2011 Flash 29 C2)
Can you tell me what points are you measuring in between and what need to be the normal distance when the bearings are in the right position ?

[MendonCycleSmith]

Any thoughts re Park Tool's PPL-1 grease for this application?

http://m.parktool.com/product/polylu...ant-tube-ppl-1

Any grease is better than none. That stuff is a bit thick for my taste, may lead to some bearing shuttling and other odd feelings.....

[MendonCycleSmith]

I have the same one at 90 mm. (2011 Flash 29 C2)
Can you tell me what points are you measuring in between and what need to be the normal distance when the bearings are in the right position ?

Don't measure. Bad idea. Particularly if you're a touch on the anal side.

Learn to go by feel.

When it needs it, the first several strokes will be met with a soft thump at the bottom of the stroke. This will be visually aided by the top end going deeper into the fork as you go.

Once reset, it will feel more solid at the bottom of the stroke, like you've hit bottom.

Stop there.

Seen way too many folks pull forks apart, trying to get that last 2 mm that the measurement says they are "due"....