Fox Fork Lowers & Air Spring Service + GRIP2 Damper Install

[@granspeed]

One of the best and most comprehensive tutorials out there!! Rockshox next please!!

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton! I wanted to make a full-on video guide rather than just a 5 minutes video without showing how to actually do the things like every other video out there haha.

[@santiagofuenzalida5168]

@@TheLostCoPlease make a tutorial whit the suntour cadtidge pcs (durolux, auron and aion). In Internet don't have good information and tutorial about this.

[@ErichVonCartmann]

The Lost Co. , this is NOT "one of the best" Fox Fork tutorial, it is THE BEST! Good job

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

@@santiagofuenzalida5168 suntour suspension are good but that's the problem: they are not popular, suntour has made itself known not for their good products, but for their really low end xct/xcm and xcr forks. since they are not populare there aren't any tutorial. suntour website has some video for forks service, check that

[@kwilson4880]

Ewwww, rock shox

[@3318kk]

That is my fork in the video! Thanks Mike, I appreciate the attention to detail and how clean all the prep work was. Now I can service my own fork, but will surely grab the parts from you!

[@TheLostCo]

Anytime man! Thanks again for sending that fork in, you'll be stoked on how the fork feels with the new damper and no air stuck in the negative air chamber!

[@magodize]

Man you're a blessing to have in the mountain bike world. All of your videos are so helpful and well made. Cheers for making my DIY bike maintenance and suspension set up a breeze!

[@eduardfreeman9171]

Wow I cant tell you how thankful I am for putting this video up! So thorough and I feel like a pro when it comes to shocks now!

[@freemarcemerynow]

Dude, I’m a pretty decent bike mechanic. Been wrenching on my own bikes for years, but I’ve always been afraid to break into my forks for some reason. I watched this video, a couple of times, ordered my stuff, and rebuilt it today. I don’t know what felt better, the feeling of accomplishment of finally taking my suspension management into my own hands, or getting the sweet PRs on my better than new, buttery smooth feeling fork. Thank you so much! This was truly a game changer for me. Keep it up. You’re changing the world, empowering folk to fix their own suspension, one sandy feeling fork at a time. ✊🏻

[@bikeforbeer]

Such a great tutorial. Just got done replacing the air spring on my FOX 34 to upgrade it from 130 to 140mm and replacing the seals/servicing the lowers while I was at it. Was using the service guides on the Fox website but this video filled in all of the detailed info and tips, you are awesome! I didn't have a mini-blind adjuster to use for cleaning the lowers so I picked up a large wooden dowel and drilled a big hole in one end. Was then able to just thread a shop rag through the hole and wrap it around the dowel for the cleaning. Thanks again!

[@Marko-jm8lx]

Aaaand because I'm stupid af I did exactly what you told us not to do in the video. I took the new grip2 damper and tested it by pushing it in and out. What happened-> Oilcreampie in my face brother... So I got very excited because I thoght I have to rebuild the whole damper to bleed the air I have soaked into. BUUUUT because of you I came down quickly knowing right now, its not the end of the world... so thank you very much for your great research and work!

[@Daveman94]

Hey Mike, i'm from Germany and just wanted to know how to service my Fox 36 by myself. I didn't recon with a full professional instruction video how to consider each step such in detail! Especially i liked the extra advice for good mechanic habits. If i could, 1000 thumbs up four you!

[@harmasnakki]

BRO! This must go to my top5 internet moments ever! Thanks. There's no, however, how-to video for the Float DPS rear shock maintenance and the internet needs it! Loved to see that.

[@dubblearr7622]

Man, your really thorough. Love the little pro tips that only someone with experience can share.

[@buckmanriver]

Pro Tip: The large 36mm o ring in the dust wiper kit is for your sage measurement. so put it on the airside station when the lower fork is off.

[@fazza2104]

Sage

[@alexkirby280]

@@fazza2104 think he ment sag o ring

[@mtbkid9254]

This video is incredible but this missing part and the 3cc in the air chamber are a bummer. Maybe I will use a zip tie to set sag and measure travel.

[@jonr3891]

🖤. Thank you for this excellent tutorial. I serviced my 34 a couple weeks ago, and after going down the KZbin Rabbit hole then, I have to say that this is the best video I've seen yet on the subject. ✌️💀🤙🍦

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks sooo much! That means a lot!!

[@christophepoirier6663]

I followed every step of your video and my fork works like a new one now ! Thank you so much from France ;)

[@rowanashworth8032]

I’m gonna have some trouble communicating how incredibly helpful and in-depth to the extreme that this video was, I now feel like I literally know forks inside and out and feel that I would be confident enough to have a go of the lower leg and air spring service (which I didn’t really know what it was before). So thank you for putting in the huge amount of time to explain this reasonably understandable process in such incredible super extreme detail, and i now know what an air spring is and what it does and how to service it. I love these mechanic Monday videos and look forward to the amazing future episodes!

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks SO much Rowan! I'm at a loss for words!! My mission has been accomplished!

[@erebrblosh]

I completely agree with Rowan ! I’ve never seen such a valuable videos, guides od manuals as those from you ! Have been watching more from you this morning and this one made me subscribing a even expressing my appreciation of you and your way of doing videos. Have been showing this video Today to 2 more friends of mine and we all feel now confident doing this level of servis ourselves. Thank you ! You represent the role model of how guide videos should be done. When you advise to clean inside of guffers/main bushing, you also explain why. When you mention negative chamber, you expain what it is and what it does. Amazing and best ever !

[@mechadroit]

You just cleared up so much for me. I feel like I now have the confidence to do this myself. I've got the tools and parts to bump up the travel on my grip 2 fork to 150. Just need the 5 wt oil now. The guy at my shop said to just use the gold in both sides, but after some investigation and watching this video I'm going to hold off until the 5wt comes in.

[@nickrogers6441]

I watched this video from start to finish the other night and then in parts tonight as I took my month old fox 36 apart. The amount of grease in there was ridiculous. I put it back together and it feels like a different fork. QC at fox needs to deal with this, I’m told it’s a common issue. Thanks for making this video (and the others)

[@rowanashworth8032]

Best suspension explanation video evvvaaaaaa!! I now feel confident enough to give a lower leg and air spring service a go, and i now also know what an air spring is, what it looks like and what it does! I love your mechanic Monday videos and am excited to future episodes!

[@rowanashworth8032]

Btw, I wrote another incredibly long comment expressing my gratitude but sadly lost it in my attempt to post it ☹️

[@blossey]

This video is awesome. Got my fork serviced like it was nothing. Thanks guys!

[@broadwayline]

One of the best videos I've watched on KZbin other than the P-Diddy - Bad Boy for Life music video.

[@TheLostCo]

Shout out to Ben Stiller

[@lees8024]

Probably the clearest demo I have ever seen. Thanks for that, I will definitely give that a go.

[@matt-jami-Van]

Best fork service video I've ever seen. Nice! Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to my Grip2 arriving and getting it on my fork. I really appreciate the work you put in to make this tutorial.

[@matthewmcnutt6052]

Thank you for this. I’m going to be servicing my fox 36 for the first time this week and this was super helpful!

[@TheLostCo]

Nice man! Good luck, it should go smoothly for you! -Tor

[@maxanderson7090]

Bought a bike 2.5 years ago and never had the fork serviced so I was overdue. Watched this video, bought all the parts & fluids from these guys, and then followed the tutorial step by step. 2 things to mention for those who want to to this: First, as others have said, don't forget the 3cc of oil on the top of the air side. Second, MAKE SURE TO STRETCH YOUR DUST WIPERS (the foam rings). He doesn't mention this in the video and I didn't do this the first time. They ended up getting caught on the stanchion when I put the lowers back on and they tore, adding all kinds of friction to the system. Fork felt terrible. Had to redo the whole thing and replace with new wipers. Local bike shop gave some advice and said with Fox, you always have to stretch the dust wipers to expand their diameter so they sit nicely under the seals and don't get caught. After doing this though, worked like a charm. Overall this video is a great tutorial and my suspension feels incredible. Thanks for putting this together!

[@jakepaddyfield4767]

This video tutorial puts the official fox video to shame... BIG thanks for your hard work !!!

[@antoninvojtesek4393]

Thank you a lot for this excellent video! I am glad you did the proper long video.

[@matthewolean5727]

A float shock air can service next please! Great video. Beyond comprehensive and clear.

[@josepheustaquio5544]

Still the best video out there on fork maintenance... GREAT JOB

[@banjophonist7632]

The best video i have seen on the subject. Answers all the questions anyone could have. Brilliant!!

[@johnbravo7542]

You definitely know your stuff,one of THE BEST service videos,I would certainly take my forks to you

[@taunir713]

This is by far the best servicing video ever!

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton!!!

[@cdabcdefg12345]

I used some bottle caps as seal drivers and it was such a pain, those drivers are definitely nice

[@cesarabrego684]

Thanks for sharing. I am impressed by your professionalism and charisma! Such a nice video to watch and learn!

[@bigwave7207]

Wow. Thank you for this well edited, thorough and very helpful vid! I used it to service my fox 32. The tip you gave for making sure the air can equalize when reassembling the air side is not something that Fox mentions in the owners manual or in their KZbin vid (their vid may be outdated...). Great work!!

[@boydcombsakaGster]

Excellent video. I normally remove (and push up the stanchion) the outer spring on the seal to make the seal easier to install. After the lower is on, I reinstall the springs.

[@noodlzthesouthernpolarbear7293]

3 yr old video and still exactly what I need

[@austinstef8429]

Wow this video was so good to watch and you were so precise in explaining all the passages. I've watched it only for curiosity but the next time I'll have to do a suspension maintenance I'll going to rewatch it for sure.

[@CSAPendemic]

Great Video! Super informative and helpful and entertaining! On top of that, I couldn't agree more on your habit of keeping all the parts in the right order and constantly making sure everything is tidy and clean!!! It just makes your life sooo much easier! I am learning the craft of bike mechanic myself (Spezialized concept store... I love it!) and constantly trying to get my colleagues to develope that habit... ;) Loving your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@zxtenn]

I have a 2016 Focus Raven max SL with Fox 32 fit-4 and had it serviced about 6 months ago, so much smoother now, I think it was about $60.00 including labor and seals, well worth it

[@tmorbo3335]

Loved the video; was able to get a lot of information that I haven’t seen before. Thanks again for the detailed instructions.

[@TheLostCo]

Sweeet! I'm stoked you both enjoyed the video and learned something! My two goals accomplished 😁

[@georgiradkovski9677]

This video is much better than everything, that I saw till this moment for that kind of service. Even better, than FOX original videos - they are too poor. Great! Thanks, dude! Now, waiting for the X2(2019) service. ;)

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton!! I'm sure a Float X2 service video will be up before Spring!

[@deeptipdeeptip2937]

Thank you for your video, i really appreciate watching this one! Today it was the First time servicing my fox 36. additionally I also upgraded from grip to grip 2. this Video was so helpful , step by step getting things done ✅ one thing I was wondering about - the dust wiper removement. Had some difficulties to remove the original ones. Finally i got it 😅but when installing the new one I decide to go with racing bros (low frinction) and this one was quite easy to be installed , without any tools. Definitely will check out more of your videos 👌🏻

[@ianshaw2530]

Great guide. Very comprehensive and easy to follow.

[@bombersfishbook2948]

Top vid mate! One of the most helpful I have found 👍

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks Mark!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@MatthewTafoya]

Great Lesson 👍 quick question for anyone. The fox website calls for 3cc of oil in the air chamber , Is this required??? if so do we just release the air and open up the top to add that extra oil ???

[@caylanwojciechowski8233]

Matthew Tafoya that is what I did

[@cosmalick7061]

super detail , i wish i see this first time when i do my fork.amazing

[@BikesTrailsandGreenways]

Great step by step guide! Very useful and I learned a new word, stiction.......good to know. I've got a older bike that definitely needs service.

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton!!

[@vcwatermen666]

AWESOME video. Thanks for posting. You make it as easy as it gets.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Best video on the subject; thanks

[@VictorDombrowski]

If you don't have a seal driver just take your lowers into your LBS and get them to do it. It'll take them 30 seconds to pound them both in. If you plan ahead of time and call them up you could even pick up your seal kit at the same time.

[@sphynx84]

Could you make a video showing what a good basic/beginner tool kit should look like for those of us just starting out to work on our own bikes?

[@actionong]

Appreciate the great clear instructions

[@mc-diesdas6651]

Please make a service video for the Float x2

[@TheLostCo]

I'm sure there will be one soon!

[@aaronbunker7076]

Damn this is awesome, and perfect timing! I just got a new bike with a 36 grip2. Bookmarking this for later

[@TheLostCo]

Sweet congrats on the new bike! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@falconxvid]

This guy is a pro 2 thumbs up man

[@KyashanYosaBuson]

Very interesting and well done video. I only have one question about the GRIP2 service: the official FOX video (like other tutorials) indicates to push the cartridge rod upwards for 3/4 of its travel in order to release the excess oil. In other videos some don't. By pushing the rod up so much, wouldn't you risk letting too much oil escape from the cartridge? However, I suppose it is used to avoid adding oil to the 40cc PTFE already included in the FOX reference table. Thank you so much! K

[@TrailFeatures]

Awesome tutorial! I'll be waiting for that rockshox video because my Yari is due for some TLC soon!

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks dude! The next Mechanic Mondays video should be this exact video but with a RockShox fork!

[@th3090]

Excellent video! Many thanks 🙏

[@steve4296]

Great tutorial, thank you. Question regarding the oil on the foam ring for the damper side. I have a 2021 Fox 38 that has the channels that brings oil up from the lowers and puts oil onto the foam rings. Would you not want to use the Teflon oil on the foam ring on the damper side, as there will be more Teflon oil being brought up to the foam ring. I don’t think you want to mix the oils. On an older style fork without the channels it probably doesn’t matter. Your thoughts.

[@timlimon]

Thank you for instilling confidence!

[@kentquindt7898]

31:55 that extra .2 nm in the torque specification tho! Lol

[@rayshaver5253]

So is o-ring replacement enough on the airspring? O since they're inexpensive, just change them out? Do they eventually wear out? Also, is it correct to send the Damper out to Fox every third service to keep that going strong? Great vid, I watch it every time I do fork maintenance.

[@maximemoniez687]

Super well done mate!! Thank you very much!!

[@nickwillcock]

Can you elaborate more on how and when to add the 3cc of oil to the positive air chamber? This might be why it feels like it’s sticking? Also the bottom high and low rebound knobs won’t turn independently of each other. If I turn either one they both turn. I didn’t change to the grip 2 damper because the fork already had it so I didn’t do anything with the damper side. And trying to turn the knobs individually I may have stripped the threads so can you help me get a replacement? This is a job for a friend so I need to fix this. I would really appreciate any help. Thank you. And thank you for the great detailed video!

[@frankstuerzl]

Hi Mike, for me it is the ultimate video, for servicing a fox 36 grip2! Anything else is said in the other comments! You create an awesome vid! That's why i'm a big fan of your channel! Keep going! Cheers from Heidelberg Germany

[@yonderboulders]

You mentioned that there was already oil in the grip from the factory. I already have a grip in my fork and it's time to service it. Do I need to drain and replace that oil as well? That's the only part that I was unclear on. Otherwise thank you for a great tutorial.

[@berretta28]

Don't you need to put 3cc of 20WT in the positive air chamber when you service the air spring?

[@MadeiraTrailsBikeMTB]

u got my sub !! what a job ! congrats

[@lekispop]

You rock bro! Very nice tutorial!

[@jyfjgtyuh]

Thanks allot for the very detailed video.

[@Floriancharp]

Very cool and clear explanation !! thank you, I'm myself starting to do services on forks for me and some friends. Do you have any attention of doing a Rear shocks coil ? Like a Super Deluxe Coil RT ? I can't find any video of this particularly one, I have download the rockshox service Manuel but this video is gold there is so much more details !

[@danielkaplan5123]

To add the 3 CC oil after reassembling, can I just let the air out, remove top cap and pour it in without having to take off lowers? Thanks.

[@caylanwojciechowski8233]

Daniel Kaplan I did. Seems to be working normally.

[@seandelehanty4837]

Rad Video, thanks for the help!

[@TheLostCo]

Glad you liked it Sean! May your fork be forever buttery smooth 🙌 -Tor

[@NilabhUmredkar]

Thanks a ton! Great video.

[@contactdavidfair]

Ok, so this is why I pay so much for a specialist to do it!

[@tomasriha6642]

Thank you for this video with such a big value. Can i lube the air spring washers with silicon paste?

[@janvierik2881]

i have fox 32 and in official servise document is writing this how to push air shaft in: Insert the air shaft assembly into the END of the upper tube. Push the air shaft assembly into the upper tube far enough to allow you to start the neg plate into the upper tube. Push the shaft into the upper tube to pull the neg plate into its installed position. Is that right what you are doing on video?

[@santimoyano1311]

hey bro I saw the full video and I loved your way of explaining things. Could you do the same with rockshock forks? specifically the lyrik

[@HD-on2eg]

Can slick honey be used in place of the slickoleum on the NA2 o-ring and shaft, and on the dust wipers? I have this already.

[@TheLostCo]

Yep! Slick Honey, Slickoleum and SRAM Butter are all exactly the same. We have a blog article about that, too: thelostco.com/blogs/blog/mtb-suspension-grease -Mike

[@Flyers2929]

Awesome video! Damper service next?

[@rayshaver2359]

So I have a 2020 Yeti with Fox 36 FIT4 and this would be a good upgrade? I figure when I'm do for the fluid change maybe I'll do that....thanks for the video!

[@stefangoudevenos4502]

Great video!! Is the procedure the same for a 34 performance fork, can I follow this video for a full service?

[@crudolol]

Hi, for a RockShox Upgrade, you Upgrade the airspring and the damper. For the fox, only the damper. Does this mean the Performance fox already has the same damper as the Elite or factory?

[@NJL-bw6wp]

Great video - why didn't you put any float fluid in the pos/ neg air chamber?

[@andyfrancke3557]

Agree. 3cc 20wt required. www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=1056

[@rg8707]

What’s your opinion on just changing the oil in a fit4 damper yearly ? I think a full service yearly is a lot. I would do lowers and air side yearly.

[@neilschofield2325]

Question, should the foam ring for the damper side be soaked in the 5wt not the 20wt as the oil for that side?

[@kturn5953]

How often should dampers be serviced and re-oiled?

[@michaelcawley7400]

Always pull the valve core from the fork before servicing a fork or shock

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

i noticed that RockShox forks require very little oil in the lower legs... the 36 uses TWENTY TIMES more oil than the lyrik on the damper side and 5 times more oil on the air side. isn't such a little amount of oil going to make performance worse?

[@combivovastgoedonderhoud3588]

Super complete vid! Can you do one for the Fox DPX2 as well?

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton! As time goes by I'm sure I'll have a service video for the DPX2 sometime soon!

[@andrewm190E]

That's a fabulous video👍 Is the process the same if I'm updating my Marzocchi Z1 air for with a Grip 2 damper?

[@jamiemtb]

Really good vid, how you explain to service fox 36 and about the grip2 damper.

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton!!

[@juku118]

Hi. I poured 40cc of ordinary 5wt suspension oil instead of fox ptf 5wt infused to the damper side and the fork feals bad. Should I remove the wrong oil from lower leg only or take the damper out and clean it all? I don't know if oil from lower bath mix with the oil in cartridge??? I have 2021fox 36 rhythm fit grip.

[@nickrogers6441]

I have a 36 with a handful of rides on it, it's having equalization issues. Do you think it's too much grease like that one? I've read a bunch on line and it all seems to lead me down that path. Thanks for the tutorials.

[@DavidArroyo78]

Nice video. Well done!!!

[@josearevalo6338]

Hey, I know it’s been some years but I have a question, I’ve seen some people removing the valve core and putting oil in it. What is that for? And, do I have to do it on my fork? (Fox 34 2017) (Sorry about my English)

[@johnmucha1304]

I just watched Jules do a lower leg service on 2021 fork and in comments Jordi says use 20wt oil for foam rings on air side and 5wt ptfe oil on damper side foam ring... you used 20wt on both foam rings. Can you comment on this discrepancy

[@chas60422]

Great vid Mike. A little off topic question about fork rake. Would one notice the difference the bike will feel between a 44mm vs 51 mm raked fork. Lets assume its the same fork and travel. Just different rake. I’m thinking of building up a Yeti sb100 and want to get the orange 34 step cast 120 fork but it only comes in a 51 rake. The fork that the complete build comes in as a 44 rake fork. Keep up the great work

[@TheLostCo]

Good question! The part number is currently unlisted, but I believe Fox currently has the 44mm rake fork in stock now with those specs 👍🏻 Will you feel a difference? That depends on how in-tune you are with bikes and their handling characteristics. If you're more on the beginner side of riding, then probably not. But if you've been riding several years and are used to how bikes can and should feel, then you'll notice that the 44mm rake fork will give the bike snappier handling characteristics, and the 51mm fork will give the bike more stability as the wheelbase will be longer, When given the option, I would choose whichever rake the frame is designed around. Engineers are smarter than I am haha.

[@29jayr]

Detailed thank you!

[@AntnMTBLER]

Thanx for that tutorial!!!

[@novideosnovideos544]

Hey! Awesome video! Very interesting and educational. Maybe you can answer me on this one. I have Scott Spark 940 2018 with a Fox 34mm fork on it. This summer I noticed a small play in it (just like you would have with a loose steering bearing) I then changed the bushings and the play dissapeared but now it is back again. Someone said that this was a common fault on the Fox 34mm shocks. What could cause this play?

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton! I haven't heard of this issue, have you spoken with Fox warranty to see what they think?