re-threading fork caps

[jason_S]

I was installing some Progressive springs this weekend and despite the numerous warnings on this site and despite being extremely careful I still managed to cross thread one of the fork caps :x

So is it be possible to re-thread the caps?  Would it be safe to do it if it's possible?  

Also, anybody know the cheapest place to buy new ones?  MRcycles.com has them for $24 or so, that's the cheapest I've found.  I don't want to have to wait too long for them though...

[goat]

Are you sure that you didn't damage the threads in the fork tubes too?

Just wondering if it would be cheaper to get a set of used forks off ebay or something.

I haven't ordered anything from MRcycles.com, but I know that ronayers takes forever to get parts from. Its the price you pay for lower prices.

[dgyver]

Would think the softer aluminum caps would get damaged first. Very doubtful that the caps could be re-threaded and still be safe. A new one or finding one off a bent set are probably your best options.

I have had good delivery from Ron Ayers, but then I am only a couple of hundred miles from them. Have not dealt with Mr Cycles yet. My local dealer gets parts the next day and they are usually very close to online prices.

[jason_S]

Fork tube thread look just fine.  I'm pretty sure it was only the cap threads that were damaged.  The wierd thing is I spent 20 minutes trying to get the cap on the left side, I'd just get it started and it wouldn't feel right so I'd take it off and try again.  Finally I thought maybe it was just the spring pressure making it harder to get on so I started tightening it down and then I noticed it was f'ed up.  But then I tried the right side and it went on easy as pie the first time, so I don't know what the problem was with the left side.  

I haven't ordered anything from MRcycles.com, but I know that ronayers takes forever to get parts from. Its the price you pay for lower prices.

Yeah, Ron Ayers said it would be about 10 days for standard delivery

[jake42]

Yeah, Ron Ayers said it would be about 10 days for standard delivery

In my experience Ron Ayers has always been faster than the stated 10 day time and I'm in PA.  I just ordered a tire from them and it was here in about  5days and fedex even delivered it on a saturday.

jake

[sledge]

You could try using a tool known as a Thread restoring file if you can beg borrow or steal one. However I dont know if they are available for the very fine thread pitch used in the fork cap. I have found them following a search on the Snap-on web site so they are available. Try asking at a local Engineering/Machine shop if they have one and offer to pay cash.

[JetSwing]

mrcycles is faster than ronayers, and it's pretty much same as bikebandit.

[jason_S]

My local dealer gets parts the next day

You're lucky, it usually takes my dealer a week or so to get parts.


I'm gonna call the dealer and see how quick he can get one.  He has 2 '05 GS's in the showroom, maybe he'd sell me the cap off one of those until the new cap came in, then he could just replace it.   :mrgreen:

I'll probably end up buying one off mrcycles.com.  Man, I want it by this weekend though, I have a four day weekend off work and I want to ride

Oh well, I have things that need done around the house, that my wife has been griping about for a long time.  I guess now would be the time to get them done.

[dgyver]

My local dealer gets parts the next day

You're lucky, it usually takes my dealer a week or so to get parts.

I think there is a distribution center in Atlanta, which is only 2 hours away. Some dealers may hold orders until they get enough parts to save on shipping.