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RST fork oil on stanchion, normal or an issue?

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RST fork oil on stanchion, normal or an issue?

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Old 12-23-19, 11:56 PM
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roothopper
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RST fork oil on stanchion, normal or an issue?

basically I got a new mtb that came with rst gila forks and after a few hours of biking I noticed that there's green oil my stanchion. Is it normal or is my fork seals bad? Sorry if it's a noob question, just got back into the mtb scene.
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Old 12-24-19, 07:55 AM
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Assembly lube.
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Old 12-24-19, 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by roothopper
basically I got a new mtb that came with rst gila forks and after a few hours of biking I noticed that there's green oil my stanchion. Is it normal or is my fork seals bad? Sorry if it's a noob question, just got back into the mtb scene.
Totally normal. I have a dedicated rag to wipe off stanchions every couple of rides. Dirt will stick to that stuff and work it’s way into the fork.
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Old 12-24-19, 10:10 PM
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Ah I see, well thats a relief. Thanks!
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Old 12-25-19, 08:05 AM
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As noted above, that looks like assembly grease. Is it thick like a grease? If so I would not worry about the amount shown coming out in the first couple hours.

When a fork is first assembled (or reassembled after a servicing) you need to grease up the seals at the top to get everything to slide together. A lot of the grease ends up on the outside of the seals (but under the dust wiper), and that will works its way past the dust wipers where you now see it.

However, it should stop soon, if not already.

What you should NOT be seeing is thinner oil (like motor oil or thinner). That stuff should be staying in the lowers.
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Old 12-28-19, 11:04 AM
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Goes without saying, but I will. Wipe it off with a dry rag or paper towel as soon as you see it. Dust and dirt will stick to the grease, and if left on, will work it's way into the seals. You sure don't want that!
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Old 01-03-20, 10:58 AM
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congrats on the new bike!
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