Maintaining your Marzocchi Bomber 58 suspension fork is essential to keep your bike performing at its best. Regular servicing ensures that the fork continues to provide optimal damping, smooth travel, and reliable performance. This guide will cover everything from installation to maintenance, troubleshooting, and even tips on customization for enhanced performance.

Tools Required

Before starting the maintenance process, ensure you have the necessary tools at hand:

• 10mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• Suspension fluid (specific to Marzocchi Bomber 58)
• Torque wrench [paid link] (with proper torque specifications for your fork model)
• Cleaning supplies (cloths, brush, degreaser)
• Suspension oil bath kit
• Snap ring pliers
• Lubricant (for fork stanchions)
• Air pump (with pressure gauge)

Installation of the Bomber 58

Installing the Marzocchi Bomber 58 suspension fork is a straightforward process, but it requires precision to ensure proper function. Follow these steps for a smooth installation:

1. Prepare Your Bike: Ensure that the bike is stable on a workstand, and the front wheel and current fork are removed.
2. Install the Steerer Tube: Slide the Bomber 58 fork into the head tube of the frame. Make sure the fork’s steerer tube is cut to the correct length for your frame, leaving enough clearance for the headset and spacers.
3. Install the Headset and Spacers: Place your headset bearings and any necessary spacers onto the steerer tube. The Bomber 58 fork requires a straight 1 1/8-inch steerer tube.
4. Attach the Stem: Secure the stem to the steerer tube using the 5mm Allen wrench. Tighten according to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
5. Install the Front Wheel: Insert the front wheel into the fork dropouts and tighten the quick-release or thru-axle to the recommended torque.
6. Set the Correct Air Pressure: Using an air pump with a pressure gauge, set the air pressure in the fork according to your weight and riding style. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended range and adjust for optimal performance.

Maintenance Tips for the Bomber 58

Regular maintenance is crucial to prolong the life of your Marzocchi Bomber 58 fork. Follow these guidelines to keep it in top condition:

Clean and Lubricate the Fork

• Routine Cleaning: After every ride, wipe down the fork stanchions with a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris. Dirt buildup can damage the seals and cause friction, leading to poor performance.
• Lubrication: Periodically, apply a small amount of suspension fluid to the stanchions. Use a lubricant that is compatible with your fork and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication intervals.

Suspension Fluid Change

Changing the suspension fluid is essential for maintaining damping performance. This should be done at least once a year or more frequently if you ride in harsh conditions.

1. Disassemble the Fork: Remove the fork from the bike and disassemble the lowers from the stanchions. This may require removing the air valve and unscrewing the fork lowers from the main body.
2. Drain the Fluid: Let the old suspension fluid drain from both the damper and the lower legs.
3. Clean the Components: Thoroughly clean all internal components with a brush and a degreaser. Pay special attention to the seals and bushings.
4. Refill with New Fluid: Refill the fork with the recommended suspension fluid, following the proper volume specifications for both the damper and lower legs.
5. Reassemble: Reassemble the fork, making sure all parts are clean and free of debris. Reinstall the fork into the bike.

Seals and Bushings Maintenance

• Inspect Seals: The seals on your Bomber 58 fork prevent dirt and moisture from entering the internals. Regularly inspect them for any wear, cracks, or signs of leaking fluid. Replace damaged seals promptly to avoid further damage.
• Lubricate the Bushings: Lubricate the fork bushings with the appropriate suspension grease. This ensures smooth travel and helps prevent stiction.

Air Spring Maintenance

For a fork like the Bomber 58, the air spring plays a critical role in providing the correct amount of support. Regularly check the air pressure, as incorrect pressure can affect performance and comfort.

1. Check Air Pressure: Use an air pump with a built-in gauge to check the air pressure in the air spring. Adjust as needed to match your weight and riding conditions.
2. Top Off if Necessary: If the fork feels too soft or too firm, adjust the air pressure accordingly. Increasing the pressure will make the fork firmer, while reducing it will make the fork softer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fork Not Rebounding Properly

If your Bomber 58 is not rebounding correctly, it could be due to low oil levels, an air pressure imbalance, or an issue with the damper. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Check Suspension Fluid: Low or contaminated fluid can cause poor rebound. Change the fluid and ensure proper levels in both the damper and lower legs.
2. Inspect Air Pressure: Check the air pressure to ensure it is within the recommended range. Too much or too little air can affect the rebound.
3. Damper Issues: If the rebound setting is adjusted properly but the fork still doesn’t rebound correctly, the damper may need servicing or replacement.

Fork Making Noise

If you hear creaking, popping, or grinding noises from the fork, it might be due to dirt in the seals or a lack of lubrication. To fix this:

1. Clean the Fork: Clean the stanchions thoroughly to remove dirt that could be causing friction.
2. Lubricate the Seals: Apply fresh suspension fluid to the fork seals and stanchions to reduce friction and prevent noise.

Excessive Stiction

Stiction, or the initial resistance to movement, can affect the smoothness of the fork’s travel. To reduce stiction:

1. Lubricate the Bushings: Make sure the bushings are properly lubricated to ensure smooth movement of the stanchions inside the lowers.
2. Check Fork Seals: Worn or dry seals can cause stiction. Regularly lubricate them and replace them if necessary.

Customization and Optimization

The Bomber 58 offers several options for customization to suit your riding style and preferences. Consider the following adjustments:

Adjusting Air Pressure

For optimal performance, adjust the air pressure to your weight and riding style. A higher air pressure is ideal for aggressive riders who need more support, while a lower pressure is better for lighter riders or those seeking a softer ride.

Fine-Tuning Rebound and Compression

The Bomber 58 allows you to adjust the rebound and compression settings. These adjustments enable you to tailor the fork’s performance:

• Rebound Adjustment: Controls how quickly the fork returns after compressing. Adjust to your liking based on trail conditions.
• Compression Adjustment: Fine-tune how the fork handles impacts. Increase compression for more support on rough terrain, or decrease it for a more plush ride on smoother trails.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Bomber 58 suspension fork is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of drivetrains, as long as they are compatible with the fork’s specifications (such as axle standards and brake mounts). Ensure that your fork and other components, such as the headset, handlebar, and wheel, are compatible before installation. This will help prevent any mechanical issues and ensure optimal performance.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your Marzocchi Bomber 58 fork is always performing at its best. Regular maintenance, proper adjustments, and timely troubleshooting will keep your ride smooth and enjoyable.