Suspension fork repair and dismantling

[Topfmine]

I have a Ecolux E bike which works well on its old lead sealed acid batteries but would be a more of an efficient bike with lithium due to weight and efficiency of the batteries. I need to stop the play in the front suspension forks which I think is attributed to the weight of the battery pack which doesn't help. When I put the front brake on there is a bit of back and forth movement
I need to dismantle the forks to see the problem and to renew a gator that is perished. The only way I can see to dismantle is there are plastic type inserts which I am not sure how to remove. Here is a picture of what I have. Can anyone advise. What's the black plastic bit in the picture.

 

[Cycleops]

Might not be the forks themselves at all, in fact I doubt it is. Try holding each leg and move from side to side to check. More likely to be the headset bearings in the frame.
The black plastic looks lik it's a guide/seal.

 

[Venod]

This is a simple video may be of help but your fork might differ.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvaPjoIA_tI

 

[Gixxerman]

Did anyone else chuckle at the "smear it around the bush area" line?

 

[Topfmine]

Thought at first it may be the headset bearings but not so, it's play in the forks at the bottom end. They are not the best of forks to repair, near on the line of throw away. If I could find another way of dismantling, the video shows undoing Allen screws at the bottom or deep seated Allen screws from the top but there seems to be no access only way I can see is the plastic inserts as a way of dismantling.

 

[Cycleops]

A pair of second hand units would be cheap enough. If you wanted to shed a bit of weight get a rigid. Won't make much difference to the comfort.

 

[Jody]

A pair of second hand units would be cheap enough. If you wanted to shed a bit of weight get a rigid. Won't make much difference to the comfort.

This ^. Save the hassle and just buy another set of forks. You aren't going to be able to re-bush them even if stripped. Depending on what you have there will be plenty cheap budget sus forks even if looking brand new.

 

[Topfmine]

Call me mister blind or what, but staring right at me are two rubber bungs in the top of the forks, just pulled them of to reveal a Allen screw in each hole either side. I will strip them down and see where the play is coming from, not a problem to knock up two bushes if needed as I have my own workshop with lathe and milling machine, shame I can't make a new pair of glasses, need to go to Spec savers or speak to Mr Magoo. Thanks for your advice if nothing can't be done I will fork out for a new set of forks.