Fork Balance Tube elemination

[HadesOmega]

I think my forks are leaking from the balance tube. These forks are so annoying to work on. It got all this extra stuff like the anti dive units and the balance tube. Is there are a way to remove the balance tube? Perhaps just remove it and weld the holes up? Has anyone tried this? Almost all forks don't have this balance tube, I'm assuming you can do without it.

[Kevin Wiseman]

It's for air balance, can't see its that vital.

[DEATH_INC.]

I took mine off when I ran the stock forks...i just plugged the holes with Devcon. I guess you could tap 'em and install some grub screws if you're keen...

[HadesOmega]

Do you think welding the holes shut would work? Or even JB welding? The screws method sounds good too but I would be worried the screw would be too long and interfere with the inner working of the fork.

[Kawadoodle]

Might seem stating the obvious but why don't you just clean up the o ring grooves and replace the o rings? Welding them up sounds a bit risky as it may interfere with the springs. Also if the weld penetrates to far you can't get inside to remove it, then the tubes will be ruined.

[DEATH_INC.]

The stock spindly little fork legs are quite thick, about 5mm if memory serves(don't quote me on that though...it's been a while) with welding/brazing you do run the risk of heat distortion (bending) if you put too much heat in them...that's why I went the devcon route. Pretty sure they're more than thick enough to take a short grub screw without it poking through too much.