How to Replace a Totem Steerer

The Totem series of mountain bike forks is made by SRAM Corp. and marketed under the RockShox name. The Totem line is made for free-ride and all-mountain riding. The forks have 180 millimeters of travel and use an air-coil spring setup for the chambers. Steerers are available in 1 1/8-inch or a tapered 1.5-inch design. If you damage the steerer, change it out to ensure safe riding. Changing the steerer requires removing the lower-leg unit from the shock.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 mm and 5 mm hex wrench
  • 10 mm socket with ratchet
  • Rubber mallet
  • Towel
  • Long wood dowel
  • Isopropyl alcohol
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the air cap on the left-hand leg of the lower unit counterclockwise until it comes off the fork. Press the air nozzle down to release all compressed air out of the chamber.

    • 2

      Unscrew the right leg's shaft bolt, found under the leg. Pull out the adjuster knob and bolt.

    • 3

      Loosen the lower leg shaft bolts using a 5 mm hex wrench. Turn each bolt counterclockwise five times. Tap the exposed bolts with the mallet to pop the legs off the fork. Cover the bolts with a towel when tapping to prevent marring the metal.

    • 4

      Grip the fork's steerer in one hand and pull down on the lower-leg unit until the steerer is off and the lower leg unit is separated from the fork.

    • 5

      Rub the new steerer in isopropyl alcohol to rid it of excess grime and grease.

    • 6

      Slide the new steerer into the lower-leg assembly and screw the fork back together going in reverse order.