HELM Original & MKII Complete 50 Hour/Lower Service Instructions (Part 1 of 2)
Mar 2022 orig.
Recommendations and Warnings
Cane Creek recommends only trained suspension technicians perform service on all suspension, using all required tools and following all proper procedures. Anyone without access to the proper equipment or with any concerns on the procedures should defer to an authorized Cane Creek service center for service. Improper service can result in loss of performance or suspension failure. All Cane Creek forks have pressurized oil. Follow the service procedures exactly as written to avoid possible injury or harm to the suspension. Always wear eye protection while performing suspension service. Please dispose of all waste products and materials through proper channels to avoid contamination of the environment.
Any damage or issues resulting from improper service will not be covered by warranty. If you have a fork still in its original warranty period and do not wish to void your warranty, please contact an authorized Cane Creek service center.
These service instructions cover the basic service procedures using standard service kits. If your suspension requires parts beyond standard replacement parts – CSU, compression rods, etc. – please consult your authorized Cane Creek service center or contact us at our Cane Creek Support Center.
Service Notes
These instructions cover 50 hour lower service which is the first step in both the complete 100 hour damper and spring service.
The process is identical for original HELM and HELM MKII. A HELM MKII is pictured here. The basic process is the same for AIR and COIL forks. Any minor differences are noted as needed.
Service Kit
BAG0409 – HELM 50 Hour Service Kit
Required Cane Creek Tools
None
Additional Tools & Supplies
Sockets – 13mm
Crowfoot wrenches – 18mm
Open Ended Box wrenches – 13 & 18mm
Torque wrenches
35mm fork seal tool
Pick
Motorex 15wt Racing Fork Oil
Torque, Loctite, Oil & Nitrogen Specs
Torque & Loctite Chart
| Part | Torque Spec | Loctite Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Comp Rod Footnut | 5 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
| Rebound Adjuster | 7 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
Oil Chart
| Oil Location | Oil Type | Oil Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Damper Side | Motorex 15wt Racing Fork Oil | 7.5 mL |
| Spring Side | Motorex 15wt Racing Fork Oil | 5 mL |
Related Technical Service Bulletins
Review all related TSBs before performing any service.
No specific HELM 50 Hour/Lower service TSBs at this time.
General Prep
Clean fork. Record tune if desired. Inspect fork for any damage. Particularly scratches on stanchion.
(For AIR fork only.)
Remove air cap and negative charge port cover. Press and hold charge air equalizing button and depress main air valve to depressurize air spring. Gently pull fork out to full travel. Pull charge port back out, but do not thread it back down.
Inspecting Fork
Air Cap Removal
Negative Charge Port Cover Removal
Negative Charge Port Cover Removed
Depressing Negative Charge Port
Depressing Main Air Valve
Open Negative Charge Port
Lowers Removal
Step 1 – Spring Side Footnut Removal
Using 13mm socket, unthread spring side footnut.
Attaching Socket to Air Spring Footnut
Attaching Socket to Coil Spring Footnut
Freeing Footnut
Air Spring Footnut Removed
Coil Spring Footnut Removal
Coil Spring Footnut Removed
Step 2 – Damper Side Footnut Removal
Using 18mm open ended wrench, unthread damper side footnut. Press down on damper and compression rod shaft with fingers to separate from lowers. Do not use a hammer. Use of old Rebound knob or similar maybe helpful
Freeing Damper Footnut
Damper Footnut Removed
Old Rebound Knob Attached to Damper
Pressing Damper & Compression Rods Free of Lowers
Damper Separated from Lowers
Step 3 – CSU Removal
Drain all fluid into approved oil waste container. Do not reuse. Remove CSU assembly. Remove and discard sag o-ring.
Draining Lowers 1
Draining Lowers 2
CSU Removal 1
CSU Removal 2
Lowers Disassembly
Step 1 – Foam Ring Removal
Remove and discard foam rings. Thoroughly clean wipers for removal.
Always use extreme caution when using a pick in this step or others to avoid scratching metal parts. Failure to do this can create scratches in the o-ring glands which cause leak paths for oil or air.
Wiper & Foam Ring Prior to Removal
Foam Ring Removal 1
Foam Ring Removal 2
Cleaning Wiper Seal
Step 2 – Wiper Seal Removal
Use a large open end wrench or seal puller to pry out wiper seals and discard. Careful to pad the fulcrum. Clean wiper seal bores with solvent and verify they are fully cleaned and dry.
Original HELM used black Racing Brothers wipers. The green SKF wipers are used in MKII production and for all services.
Wiper Seal Removal
Wiper Seal Removed
Wiper Seal Bore
Cleaning Wiper Seal Bore
Step 3 – Bushing & Bumper Inspection
Inspect bushings and bottom out bumper for any damage.
Inspecting Bushings & Bottom Out Bumpers
Inspecting Bushing
Fair Bottom Out Bumper
Poor Bottom Out Bumper
Step 4 – Bottom Out Bumper Removal (if needed)
Using a non-marring rod, remove bottom out bumpers. Take care working them past bushings.
Freeing Bumper from Lower
Feeding Bumper up through Lower
Working Bumper Past Bushing
Bumper Removal
Step 5 – Final Clean
Clean inside fork lowers with diluted alcohol or equivalent solvent. Use a very clean rag to wipe inside lowers and bushings to prevent contamination. Use compressed air to thoroughly clean and dry bare lowers.
Final Lowers Cleaning 1
Final Lowers Cleaning 2
Drying Lowers 1
Drying Lowers 2
100 Hour Service
If doing a full 100 hour service, proceed to those damper and spring services from here. Return to this point for completion of full 100 hour service.
Damper Service
Air Spring Service
Continue to Part 2