Disassemble a Schwinn Front Suspension Fork

The Schwinn Bicycle Company was founded in Chicago in 1895, and over the years, grew to become one of the largest manufacturers of American bicycles, as well as one of the most recognizable brand names in the bicycle industry. Schwinn competes in the discount bicycle market through large retail stores as well as high-end bicycles sold through specialty shops. Both lines of bicycles, however, are designed to be serviceable by the consumer, making a job, like disassembling the front suspension fork to get at the shock absorbers, something you can do at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Wire cutters
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Instructions

    • 1

      Squeeze the front brake pad mechanism together with your hand, which will loosen the cable holding the ball tie taut in the mechanism. Remove the ball tie holding it in place with your free hand to open the brakes.

    • 2

      Stand the bike upside-down on its seat and handlebars and pull the front wheel up between the open brake pads to remove it from the bike.

    • 3

      Return the bike to its upright position, setting its front suspension fork on the ground to balance it.

    • 4

      Unscrew the hex bolts that hold the brake pad mechanism to the fork an remove it. You may need to use your wrench if they are on tight.

    • 5

      Unscrew the cap at the top of the steering tube with your wrench. Loosen the bolts on the side of the tube and slide the headset off the tube.

    • 6

      Slide the small spacing rings off the tube and set them aside.

    • 7

      Loosen any remaining hex bolts on the body of the steering tune and slide the fork off of its bottom, taking care to retrieve any ball bearings that fall out of the tube in the process.