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[Closed] Ptfe tape instead of crush washers?

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[#7661063]

Been trying to find a random crush washer for a fork leg bolt and it occured to me couldn't you just wrap some plumbers tape around the bolt to stop leaks?


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 12:50 am
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I had to use Ptfe tape a couple of times in the shop when we ran out of new crush washers, I ran a very small amount around the thread but still used the old crush washer, I obviously told the customer and replaced the washer at the earliest opportunity though.


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 1:14 am
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I use thin plastic.... Like a voucher card (usually a bit thinner than credit card). Drill an 8 mm hole and cut out a disc.


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 1:20 am
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Cheers, ill try that doncorleoni!


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 10:50 am
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I've reused Fox crush washers a number of times without issue.


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 10:54 am
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PTFE seals the thread.
Crush washer seals the mating face.
On a fork you are trying to keep lube in the lowers, which needs a face seal. The oil isn't in the mating threaded part.
A little wrap round the neck can help though.


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 11:11 am
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Wouldn't go near a fork with PTFE tape given how it can sometimes have a tendency to disintegrate over time. Not so much an issue now with closed dampers but having disassembled an open bath damper before I'd not want bit of plasticky stringy debris going anywhere near the internals.

You can reuse crush washers on anything other than TALAS forks IIRC.


 
Posted : 21/02/2016 11:43 am