.... actually it is how to remove the air cartridge - RST XMO O2 forks (circa 2000

I would like to remove the plastic air catridge from the alloy stanchion. (None bikey terms: A plastic cylinder that is threaded into an alloy tube)

I figured out the catrridges unscrew as at least one of them did using a length of hose with an expanding bung... but I cannot remove the other one - it is too tight - the hose just slips.

So any ideas on how to unscrew it? (yes, I have removed the criclip!)

I tried using an expanding bolt fitted into the centre but this too kept slipping; my other idea is to use a flip bolt - this will allow me to grip it from below and using a nut/washer from top to grip it via the hole, try to undo it that way.

below you can see the black plastic top of the air cartridge, with circlip and air valved still fitted


a view of the forks.


[Edited on 22/2/11 by 02GF74]

yeah looking at it again are you sure you can't just pull it out by the nipple class

I think it's just the same design as my motor bikes forks but using air instead of a spring

I think the cyclinder should just slide out leaving the strut in place

failng that just pump it up and catch it as it comes back down




[Edited on 22/2/11 by Mr Whippy]

Here is usually a Allen bolt at the bottom of the fork have you removed that?

yes, there is an allen bolt at the bottom but that would not help in this case.

I already had one of them out by unscrewing (so not amount of pulling on nipples will removed it, all that wold do is strip the thread in the plastic?) and there is nothing I can see at the end of the cartridge to help unscrew it - the end is a thinner plastic tube with a small hollow alloy cylinder fitted.

Silly suggestions.... is the other side left hand thread?
What about heat? Maybe leaving it in the house overnight could bring the temps up a bit if its normally in a shed?

This video might help....

RST LINKY

what happens in the video? Cannot access youtube at work

yes, I applied a blow torch to get the alloy to about 80 degree, to expand it a bit but no use. I did try turning the wedged in expander bolt both ways in case it was LH which would be very very extremely unlikely.

I think you need to remove the complete lower part of the fork and then remove internals from below.