Triumphrat

adam deane · 11-02-2009, 01:11 AM

chemists out there... on my tbird the old rubber grommets that hold the headlight mounting tubes off the forks have deteriorated badly, turning the rubber into an extremely sticky mess that i'm anticipating having some trouble removing. my question is, as traces of whatever i use may mix with the fork oil, what is safe to use? turps? methylated spirits? petrol? i doubt fork oil would cut through it. acetone? kerosene? organic stain remover (made from oranges)? answers based on experience are preferred over best guesses, as i am concerned that fork oil may be like brake fluid - a possible ingredient in homemade explosives if mixed with the wrong thing. don't really want to blow my handle bars through the shed roof.

faffi · 11-02-2009, 06:14 AM

Acetone and thinner and similar products that evaporate quickly can safely be used. If you still worry, turning the tubes upside-down when cleaning them will prevent any fluid to enter the system. Besiides, it will be gone quickly, anyway.

ssevy · 11-02-2009, 07:41 AM

Brake cleaner is about the most aggressive over the counter product you can buy. Just spray it on a rag, wipe the rubber off, and repeat until it is clean. There is no need to spray directly on the fork. You can do the same with carb cleaner or any other product.

Shadowofleaves · 11-02-2009, 07:44 AM

Rubbing alcohol and paper towels cleaned mine very nicely. I used some black zip ties as a temporary fix until I can find a more suitable replacement for the rubber parts.

Wombat · 11-02-2009, 10:10 AM

I also had to replace mine when I fitted the gaiters.

I used a combination of brake cleaner, alcohol and elbow grease.