'97 Trek Mtn track 800 fork

Before anyone can pass along more detailed technical advice, we would need to know what kind of fork you are using.

Best case, all that is wrong with your fork is it needs to be cleaned and re-greased. Over the years, grime can get into the fork and the grease will break down, so you probably have a lot of sticky sludge inside the fork impeding smooth action.

If cleaning and re-greasing your fork does not do the trick, there are a ton of other possibilities, seals dried out, twisted crown, bent upper legs, worn out bushings, ect. Definately start with the clean and re-grease though, chances are that will do the trick.

Contact the manufacturer or visit their website to see if you can get a service manual. Buy suspension fork specific grease (like Manitou Prep-M or Judy Butter), regular automotive grease might damage the seals or internals, no sense taking that risk. Use a mild degreaser, or even just a tub of water and dish soap to clean the parts of your fork after you dissamble it.

Cheers,
Juba

well i wish i could tell you what kind of suspension fork it is. no where on the fork does it say who manufactured it, there is only a serial number. but i took it off the bike and i'm halfway done with taking the fork apart. sorry if i use the wrong terminology. anyway, i need a tool to fit down the fork tube to seprate the two main pieces. is there some special tool for that or what?

thanks

Myself said:

i need a tool to fit down the fork tube to seprate the two main pieces. is there some special tool for that or what?

I assume you're talking about the "legs" or prongs of the fork here...

AFAIK there's no standardized agreement between fork manufacturers about this. The last two forks that I've dissassembled came apart with the help of extra long Allen keys, different sizes. One could be made up by extenders from a couple of 1/4 inch socket wrench sets, the other had a narrower opening so I had to weld a tool bit on to a steel rod to get at it.