RockShox Tora 302 U-turn needs a little extra spring.?

Question

I purchased a Tora several months ago to replace my Dart1. It is a great fork, but after a few months of hard riding I would really like it to rebound faster. I have its rebound adjust turned all the way to the rabbit, and it is barely as fast as I would like it. I am using it for mixed cross country and all mountain riding just like what it ws designed for. How can i give it more spring? It is not an air shock, so I am planning on adding some oil. Will this make it faster or slower? Where can i get the right oil the cheepest, and how can I add the oil myself? Dont tell me to go to a shop, i have had two bikes for a year now, and i have never needed to go to a shop for anything.

Answer 1

As Mirage has posted about the springs, I'll give you a place to get fork oil, you can get the best deals on fork oil at (I hate to do this) your local motorcycle shop. Most shops will have a few choices, Bel Ray, Maxima, and PJ1 are commonly stocked. The fork oil weights available range down to 2.5wt. They might not have 2.5 or 3 on the shelf but it can be ordered.

Answer 2

Just because you haven't had to go to a shop for anything doesn't mean that the time hasn't come.

Faster rebounding in your case will require stronger springs. Installation of stronger springs will require special tools. Unless you want to buy the tools (over $300) then you'll have to go to a shop. The Rock Shox part number for the next higher rate spring is 11.4310.170.000. You have red springs from the factory... these are blue. If you want a buckboard harsh and VERY fast rates go to the black springs (11.4310.171.000) but I do NOT recommend it.

Heavier oils will increase damping and generally slow rebound. Since the oil in your fork is already 5W there isn't really anywhere to go. Adding more oil won't do anything except make a mess, and using cheap oil is a recipe for disaster.

EDIT: I found a "Do It Yourself" version of replacing springs. You just need a blow dryer and a torque wrench with appropriate socket...

1. Remove top cap(s) with a 24mm socket.

2. Pull the coil springs out of fork upper tube(s).

3. Wipe off excess fork oil with a dry rag.

4. Clean the springs off with a rag and isopropyl alcohol or degreaser.

5. Slide the new spring isolator onto the center of the spring.

6. Using a heat gun or hair dryer, heat the isolator until it heat-shrinks to the spring.

7. Apply a small amount of fork oil to the spring isolator.

8. Reinstall springs.

9. Reinstall both top caps; torque to 40 in/lb.

**They specifically say NOT to use motor oil or any kind of penetrating oil (WD40), or silicone based stuff on your fork.