Need help trying to find a solution to these vertical, linear scratches on my Rockshox stanchions I'm unsure whether these scratches are completely normal wear for my 3 year old never-been-serviced Rockshox Recon TK Silver 29 because they don't feel rough to the touch, and the fork has been functioning properly, no oil leaks whatsoever. This issue appears to be mostly cosmetic, and so I would like to know what the cause is and what I can do about it. Do I need new seals? Bushings? etc.
I've only tried cleaning the stanchions before and after every ride to minimize the dust/dirt.
Attached are photos of the scratches.
The seals at the top of the leg are known as dust wipers and need regular replacement. They are a consumable part. Inside the seal is a foam donut that wipes any dust that makes it past the rubber seal. Eventually the accumulated dust starts chewing at the legs.
Service intervals depend on the amount of use the bike gets and how dusty your local area is but 50-100 hours is a number thrown around lots. Check the manual for your fork.
You or your bike shop need perform at least a &quot;lower leg service&quot; which is pretty easy to do at home with regular service tools. Theres lots of YouTube videos on the topic.
Dust wiper, foam seal and crush washer kit

Since it hasn't been serviced since 2017 you should consider a full service which is better done by a pro unless you really want to learn about fork servicing and buy the special tools like C-Clip pliers, upper leg sockets and parts/oils/syringes. Not impossible, but easy to mess up and best with a workshop. If the fork feels &quot;notchy&quot; when you compress it thats a big clue that a full service is required.