If you're in the area of where I live and are interested in a TiN or TiCN coating on your forks, I'll have a batch going out within the next week or so.

Depending on the vendor, I usually can take up to 16 tubes on a single run for a cost per tube of $50 to $95. I can also include any forks that have had prior work and require a removal and re-coat.

All handeling costs are split by the group and course casting removal needs to be done by you or your local shop.

PM me if you're interested.

DaveJ

when you say "casting removal" do you mean the cast aluminum piece (that holds the axle)?

i've been quoted that range of prices before, but the BIG deal was getting the ends off and back on.

not many are willing to remove the ends.

I always wanted my 250F fork tubes (upper) hard anodized and the lowers ti nitrite coated. But I have been told that this needs to be done when the forks are new. It was explained to me that it doesn't work as well on components that have been "worn in". Anyone else got a viewpoint on this???

I checked into the Ti coating one time and they said removing (unscrewing)the tube from the bottom is a touchy situation and they couldn't guarantee it.

Fork coatings are primarily done to lower the friction between the main and dust seal and the fork tube, but also aid with the durability of the fork and longevity of the seals.

The two most popular coat types are Titanium Nitride (TiN) and Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN). TiN usually finishes in a gold color and TiCN comes out looking like a blue-grey.

Both are coatings that are applied in a high-heat vacuum camber and therefore can only be done on steel.

TiN and TiCN are very common coatings used on drill and machine bits to increase the longevity and lubrication needs of the bits.

Many suspension shops offer the service of coating your forks with either of the two options, which means they disassemble the aluminum casting that is screwed on the bottom of the fork, and then ship the tube out to a shop that has the necessary chamber. Cost is about $250 to $400 for a pair depending on where you go.

In many cases, you can go directly to a coating shop and save a lot of money but you have to manage the process and break down your own forks. And some shops will take your business, but may not be fully capable of providing an even and well-adhered coat so you have to be cautious of what they are able to offer.

The castings on the bottom of the fork take some work to get off, but if done correctly, can be pulled and re-installed with no concerns.

My intention was not to talk anybody into this. I just thought if someone was ready to go that I would bundle the job together. That's it.

Overall, I wouldn't bother unless it really means something to you.

DaveJ

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I know this isn't for everyone but, what is the/your process to remove (unscrew) the tubes from the castings.

MXoldtimer,

First the lower fork has to be completely broken down. All seals and bushings should be removed.

Then the casting setscrew has to be removed by removing the threads that are peened over it. If the setscrew head gives, it has to drilled out and replaced. Sometimes a little heat will help loosen this screw.

Then the casting assembly should be heated to loosen the thread adhesive used by KYB during the initial assembly. The casting can then be unscrewed, counter-clockwise. Even when heated, the casting will take some force to remove so a necessary hold rod and clamp and torque bars will have to be fabricated and positioned so to do no harm to the chrome finish or casting form.

After the casting is removed, most forks have at least one seal that will most likely have to be replaced, (not available at dealers). Some forks have two seals, one of which can be concealed into additional hardware that is lightly pressed into the bottom of the fork.

And all additional hardware that is inside the fork tube, that can now be reached with the casting off, should removed before sending the tube out for work.

I think that about covers it.

DaveJ