I've gotten mixed responses on this when I ask suspension shops about burnishing bushings. Most shops I ask say that the majority of forks do not require it and that the bike shops burnishing bushings are largely screwing up the forks they work on, others said it is hit or miss depending on the brand. My understanding is also that if they are too loose, they can bind, as well, and IIRC some early Fox 36s had this problem with bushings would prematurely wear.
Part of me wonders if the benefit most people feel from doing it has more to do with ensuring proper lubrication of wiper seals, oil volume, and the things that come with properly serviced lowers instead of the burnishing itself. Basically every fork I've had except for my Mezzers and Ohlins came with none of that correct from the factory. That said, my last Zeb had an astounding amount of friction when seals were removed between lowers and stanchions, so maybe not.
Dec. 20, 2023, 8:36 a.m. - Shinook
I've gotten mixed responses on this when I ask suspension shops about burnishing bushings. Most shops I ask say that the majority of forks do not require it and that the bike shops burnishing bushings are largely screwing up the forks they work on, others said it is hit or miss depending on the brand. My understanding is also that if they are too loose, they can bind, as well, and IIRC some early Fox 36s had this problem with bushings would prematurely wear. Part of me wonders if the benefit most people feel from doing it has more to do with ensuring proper lubrication of wiper seals, oil volume, and the things that come with properly serviced lowers instead of the burnishing itself. Basically every fork I've had except for my Mezzers and Ohlins came with none of that correct from the factory. That said, my last Zeb had an astounding amount of friction when seals were removed between lowers and stanchions, so maybe not.