FOX Transfer Dropper Post Full Service Rebuild Guide for beginners. 2021+ model versions

In this video, we will be performing a full rebuild service on a FOX transfer dropper post. The video is targeted for posts made in 2021 and forward. The pre-2021 posts are VERY similar, but the tools needed for the pre-2021 posts are significantly different from the ones seen in the video.
Thankfully, Fox took servicing the transfer post into consideration when they revised it in 2021. There aren't many custom tools needed in these revised versions, and as a result, it will be MUCH less expensive to buy the tools needed than in the pre-2021 posts, which would cost close to $800 just for the tools alone. This change makes it much more feasible to service your own post.
As always, if there are any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll respond the first chance I get.
Chapters
00:00 Intro, tools and parts needed
07:39 Post-disassembly
15:17 Internal Cartridge Disassembly
28:28 Cartridge reassembly
38:06 The Bleed
01:11:22 Post reassembly
Tools:
398-00-735 Service Tool: Open Valve, Nitrogen Fill, Transfer
398-00-749 Service tooling: Trek Thru Shaft IFP removal tool
803-01-200 Kit: Service Tool, 2018 Transfer, Upper Bushing and Seal Installer
803-01-595 Service Tool: Gas Fill, 100-200mm Transfer, Assy
Pick the ifp depth tool you need fro your post
398-00-871 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 100
398-00-872 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 125
398-00-873 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 150
398-00-874 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 175
398-00-875 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 200
Optional
398-00-738 Service Tool: Bullet, 8mm Shaft, Transfer

[@simplesimson1]

thanks again for posting videos in such high quality. Your rebuild videos are by far the best out there!

[@simplesimson1]

dont even have one. watched the whole vid :D

[@zoubtube]

Thank you for teh kind words. ☺

[@philipp3340]

With your help it seems to be possible. Thank's a lot and good luck with your channel. All the best from Germany.

[@zoubtube]

Glad to hear you found it informative. This post is actually not all that hard to service. I just wish they built it to use more standard tools. If you flow the guide step by step I'm sure you can successfully complete the job. After you do it once, you will be able to do it as many times as you like with ease! let me know of there are any questions

[@ogniangueorguiev8737]

I've rebuilt a few hundred of these at a service center and I must say your instructions are very good. Very few thing that I do differently. Not worth mentioning them as I don't want to confuse your viewers. Good job on the video. I could chip in with some warnings as to what to watch out for once the posts age that might result in a failed repair : Any railing or gouging on the damper shaft will lead to gas/oil loss. It has to be spotless for reliability. I polish them on a lathe with 2000+ grit, or replace if too worn. Same goes for the small bushing in the seal head, which will usually be worn by a damaged shaft. A worn bushing will quickly deteriorate the shaft it's sliding on. So if the oil you see coming out of the post has any tint or greyness to it, something has worn and contaminated it. It's best to find the culprit before rebuilding.

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the late response. I'm all about feedback from people who have tons of experience performing services like these. So if there is anything you can add that would help people have a better overall experience performing this service, please feel free to share. I have a 2018 FOX transfer that I will be making a video on very soon. Maybe I can add some of additional input to it, along with the tips you already mentioned. 👍Thanks for the comment and for watching the video

[@turbocivic0710]

One of the best how to videos I ever seen. You are very particular just as I am one in a million.

[@zoubtube]

Very glad to hear you found it helpful. Always room to improve and I will keep trying to do so. Thanks for the comment

[@ka81alex]

​@@zoubtubeat the end of the video, ball (bearing) - wasn't it out somewhere when you pushed bottom cup out of the tube ?

[@kostak2171]

So complicated! There are so many great droppers that can be serviced in a fraction of the time!

[@zoubtube]

Yup, Though a major difference between this post when compared many other posts on the market is FOX designed it to be fully serviceable. Most posts aren't, They only allow for the post to be regreases. If the cartridge goes, they force you to by a new ones. Still, I would get a more cost effective post oneup, pnw etc.

[@kostak2171]

@@zoubtube True, but most people aren't going to service their own Fox dropper so the cost to have it professionally done will greatly outweigh the cost of a new cartridge.

[@zoubtube]

@@kostak2171yup. But for the 2021 and newer versions the break even points of getting the tools is about 1 service. After that you're only paying for seals and oil. Roi is relatively quick. The pre 2021 versions,, forget about it! You would need to rebuild it about 7 times to break even. I plan on making a video to service the post the most cost effective way possible. This way people who have them can have the option without having to refinance a home 😁

[@soilBGuRu420]

​@zoubtube how do u know if u have the newer post ?

[@pablocarbajo5545]

Another awesome video! Thank you so much!

[@zoubtube]

Thanks you for taking the time to watch it. if there are any questions let me know

[@canmtb4676]

Great video ! I've done a full servicing on my shock and after that my feeling was like I would not do it again by myself and this is exactly the same. I have 2023 Fox Transfer Performance Elite dropper that often time does not come up all the way top and was gonna do the service. But after watching this, I probably go with Oneup.

[@zoubtube]

Yup! The fox transfer is a nice post, and for the most part, a solid post, but Fox put ZERO thought into servicing them during the design process. The new one supposedly addresses this. I haven't worked on one yet, but I plan to soon. Funny that you mentioned the oneup post. I think I had a oneup v2 service video scheduled to post tonight. Great posts. One of my four v2's literally has well into the thousands of actuation's on it. With regular service, it runs flawlessly and has NO signs of wear. I just picked up a v3. Surprisingly light and seems to be a sturdy post, time will tell if it will last as long as a v2. I just finished recording a service video for it that should be posted soon.

[@dariomaccagnan4839]

really nice video! all good explained!

[@zoubtube]

Very glad to hear you liked the video. I know they can look intimidating, but servicing this dropper isn't all that difficult. if you decide to service one and have any questions let me know and I'll answer them first chance I get.

[@KillaForceCrew]

another superuseful content..keep it up my man..

[@zoubtube]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the comment! 👍

[@denisjosimar]

i cant thank you enough. great video as always. thanks.

[@zoubtube]

Glad you found it useful. let me know if there are any questions 👍

[@alonzofelix1048]

This video is amazing, really good

[@zoubtube]

Glad to hear the video was of interest to you. If you haven't done the service yet, It's actually not all that bad. My gripe with FOX is the tools required, though the 2021 to 2024 version isn't anywhere needs as bad as the original 2017 - 2020 version ( I still need to finish editing the video for the original transfer) The latest version addresses the expensive tools for service. I plan on making a video on it this winter.

[@mm-levo]

Súper profesional! Solo ver la herramienta que tienes ya vale un lyke!

[@zoubtube]

Muchas gracias por los amables comentarios. Espero que encuentres útil el vídeo.

[@johnepperson6019]

You should attach a list of tools (your version & the fox part#s) so folks can print it off. For the fox tools include a link, that will give you credit and a kick back for those tools, esp to amazon whenever the tool is purchased. Excellent videos! They are very informative.

[@zoubtube]

Thanks for the comment. You right! I really should put time to figure out the affiliates links options out there. For now I included a list of tools needed for the job in the description section. hope this helps

[@rg8707]

Good job like always, thanks . These expensive tools really suck. Gave up on old transfer post because of tools. If we could find tech. drawings on these tools I probably could make most of them.

[@zoubtube]

Totally agree with you. The pre 2020 cost for tools is just plain ridiculous. I plan on making a video on servicing them with some home made tools that should significantly cut costs. I've just been MEGA busy lately

[@philippjansen8545]

Thank you so much!

[@zoubtube]

Thank you for watching it. 👍

[@SaettaJ]

Hi, congratulations on your video! It's fantastic in every detail. Unfortunately, the tools have a truly excessive cost for this type of operation, considering the cost of the kit is equally high, in the end it is better to sell it before it is too worn out and buy a new one by blindly adding $150. Fox's policy is very restrictive and here in Italy there are few centers that buy all this equipment, it is an investment that is difficult to recover. rockshox is not at the same level but does not require particular equipment. Congratulations again for the video. Thank you !

[@zoubtube]

Thank you for the very gracious comment. I have to agree with your thoughts on this dropper. It was a big oversight by Fox to develop a dropper that requires a significant investment in tools in order to be serviced. To think that the 2017 - 2020 versions are over double the cost in tools to service than the version in this video (I'll be releasing a service video on the older version soon, btw). The reality is that many companies make excellent droppers for very competitive prices these days, with the option of buying replacement cartridges' for less than what FOX sells their custom inflator tool for. The transfer is a nice post, but I can buy a new post, equally good, for the same price as what Fox charges to service the transfer. I can buy from 1 up to 3 posts for the cost of tools alone, depending on the version transfer. It's a personal thing. If people want to spend the money on them, I won't judge you for it. But for others out there, I say buy a post you can easily service for a cost-effective price. You won't go wrong In my case, I've helped people with bikes for a very long time, and own a bunch of tools because of it. But if it were just about me, I wouldn't buy products that aren't easy and cost-effective to service.

[@pepesolari5575]

Awesome video Sr. I could achieve success but I had to repeat the bleeding part because in my first attempt I failed. Highly recommended, just be aware that you missed the part of the Fox Suspension Float Fluid 5cc (I had to check the ridefox service manual to see in what step add the fluid). Another thing is the air fill tool has an horrible leak between the adapter and pump head, I had to weld that connection using JB weld epoxy to finally could add the 325 air pressure (using plumbers tape just was fail after fail). Other than that everything works perfectly, thank you very much for the knowledge you share with us. I hope you can make a tutorial for the fox float X performance full rebuilt. Thanks again, cheers!

[@zoubtube]

AWESOME job myman. SUPER glad to hear it all worked out for you. 👏🦾 The air-fill tool is just plain crap. I had to patch mine as well to make it work successfully. I recently bought their new tool but haven't tried it yet. I will for the next transfer video (I have a 2018 sitting in a box, but no rush on that) As for the 5cc of float fluid, I believe this is for the backside of the IFP under the air fill cap. Yes, I did leave it out because I use grease instead (sram butter in this case). Either/or can be used, imo. I prefer grease on the shaft, as it doesn't settle like oil does. BUT,,,, you are 100% right. I should have at least mentioned the option. I will do so in the next transfer video (2018 model) coming soon. I look forward to comments like these. They help me remember to mention details I missed for future videos. Recording these videos has proven to be WAY more challenging than the actual jobs ever were. For years it was just me, or on occasion a friend watching me, in my quiet space, doing the jobs lost in my thoughts. Adding a camera and microphone to the mix definitely changes the dynamics. 😵‍💫 Float X is coming, but I need a bit of time. I have a few sid forks, rockshox deluxe ultimate and super deluxe I need to get out first as friends are waiting for their parts back. Tiss the season! 😁 Unfortunately work travel isn't exactly helping. If at any time you see I missed something, or a way to improve something, feel free to let me know. my goal it to make it as easy for people to follow, especially those in other parts of the world where they have no service options 👍

[@pepesolari5575]

@@zoubtube I hope the best for the new tool, you said that older versions requires more expensive tools (thankfully I have 2021 version) No worries about mention the option between 5cc float fluid, I just was a little confused about that fluid but totally agreed using butter grease instead. This process is amazingly complex, of course exist the possibility to miss things but your tutorial is very professional and helpful, we can not expect more, just my humble feedback :) I have never step into a bike shop for repairs or maintenance, everything I self learned in youtube, I was missing the dropper post and shock full rebuild, after extensive research your video was the best, just those little things to tell people to be aware but totally encourage to do that service in home, is very entertain and if you love cycling you love bike mechanics as well. For sure I will let you know if happens another feedback, for now I have to wait at least 6 more months to do the Float X full service (I own 2 of them) and 1 year for service my rockshox reverb (feeling more confident about this one obviously using your tutorial). Thanks bro again for all the knowledge and best wishes for the next videos! Cheers!

[@zoubtube]

@@pepesolari5575 "This process is amazingly complex" Be proud that you did it myman. I promise you that the next time will be MUCH easier. Good for you for putting in the effort to perform these jobs. 💪Modern bikes are highly engineered products, more so than ever before. And just like any other mechanical device, they need maintenance. Learning to perform these tasks on your own will not only provide a better overall riding experience, but it will also save you very significant amount of money over time. And I'm positive that by the time your float X needs service, I will have a video for you. Now go out there and enjoy the season. 👍 As always, if you have any questions, let me know

[@tinshield]

Great vid. Fox posts are over engineered trash. I’ve had a couple and they all fail eventually. OneUp is better for the money but Bike Yoke just performs superbly and so consistent.

[@zoubtube]

love my oneup's. easy to service and they have been flawless. one of them as seen a ridiculous amount of use and its still going strong with the original damper! hard to beat fore teh money, especially after a good discount!

[@tinshield]

@@zoubtube OneUp is the best value 100%.

[@cgeorgescu72]

Another very good one is Brand-X Ascend, I have one since 2014 or 2015, still runs like day one, never needed any service, it just runs, was about €120-130. (I have the 150mm internal model, they have externals too) My Fox Transfer Kashima junk came with my new bike in 2018 and by 2019 it was already sticky, wouldn't extend fully, needed constant service, the only reason I kept it on the bike was because it matched the colour of the fork and shock, but now I'm back to the good old Brand-X cheap one. (which, subjectively, isn't actually heavier than the Fox)

[@fuskeiro79]

"Not a hard job, way easier... " Oh my F God! hahaha. Thanks for the video Sir!

[@zoubtube]

I am positive you can do this. I just wish the tools were more cost effective to do so

[@user-ns8gc5er6n]

Great video, thanks for sharing. It is wild how FOX manage to come up with THE most complicated system... You mentioned the actuator screw top (398-00-735) is necessary, but cheap - cheapest I can find is USD65 - do you know of a cheaper option? BTW, I used the new fill tool and you can have the bottom out bumper installed when filling. So I installed the bottom cap and used it to engage the actuator. Figured I had a 50-50 chance of it working and it did.

[@zoubtube]

"It is wild how FOX manage to come up with THE most complicated system" Amen to that, brother. It's almost like they purposely made it as expensive as possible to service. Unfortunately, part 398-00-735 (or Similar Solution) is needed. Right now, this particular part number is the lower-cost option that I know of (they have another version that costs over $100). I am working on a 2018 version of the transfer dropper and trying to figure out a way to make it as cost-effective as possible to service by making tools, such as this one, on the cheap with parts from any local hardware store. I need a bit for that video to be done, though, so stay tuned Funny that you mention the new fill tool 803-01-931. I just had one delivered two days ago. 365 Cycles has it for ~$25. WAY cheaper than the original stupidity air fill tool, I just hope the new one works out better 🙏

[@EmmaJones-nq3uk]

Hi, great video! I'm looking to buy the IFP height setting tools for servicing Fox Transfer posts. Can you tell me if the 2018 -2021 tools are the same sizes as the ones for the 2021 onwards models please? It is going to get costly to buy two new sets. Thanks Reply

[@zoubtube]

Thanks. I know the answer is yes, but for some reason I am second guessing myself. I won't know until I get home, which won't be for another week though. I'll update you first chance I get.

[@tp23232]

Hej. Thanks for the video. My pins have so markings on on side, do you know sould they pont up to the sattle or down? Thanks

[@zoubtube]

Glad you found the video helpful. I point them up, but honestly it doesn't make a difference. most important (and this goes for all droppers) is to keep up with teh 50h or so service in order to inspect the parts and keep the post fresh. 👍

[@davidthebiker2955]

I'm working on one of these and thinking about seeing if I can get a fitting for the top cap and then do a full bleed from there with a syringe of some sort. Not sure about the whole process yet but I think it may work. There seems to be too many ways for air to stay trapped by the time you finish the Fox designed bleed. I'm thinking with a fitting and syringe, you would bypass the two step process of bleeding before and after the top cap is installed.

[@zoubtube]

What would be ideal is if there was a way to create a reservoir out of shipping tape, like I do for piggyback shocks, in order to install the cap completely submerged in oil. I've tried it a couple of times, but it hasn't worked out yet because of the seat rail mounts. But it would definitely simplify the bleed if you could find a way around this. Ultimately, once you get used to it, the bleed isn't all that bad; it just feels annoying for some reason. But then again, so does filling this thing with air with the dumb, overpriced tool. If you come up with a better way. please feel free to share with everyone

[@njafry]

Brilliant video. Thank you for this and the many other guides you have put out there. Question though…can you insert the upper bushing into the dropper exterior without the expensive bushing setting tool at all? My dropper is not extending the full stroke (in or out of the bike) so want to do a quick strip and re-grease. Going through the steps, think reassembly will be the tricky bit, more so putting the upper busing back in. I don’t have the setting tool and it costs almost the same as the dropper post itself! Advice is appreciated.

[@zoubtube]

Thank you very much. I'm glad the guide was informative for you. "can you insert the upper bushing into the dropper exterior without the expensive bushing setting tool at all" Yes, you can use a soft jaw with a hole that is very close in diameter to the upper post. This will work the same as the fox tool. Looking back, I should have done it this way to show people it could be done. It doesn't take all that much pressure to insert it.

[@njafry]

@@zoubtube Thanks for that! It was hard to tell just how much force is needed to seat that bushing. I was going to use the edge of two plastic tyre levers at opposite sides to push it in. That way the plastic shouldn't mark the kashima or the bushing, I hope!

[@watchimgo]

What would say is the minimum price of all the tools and supplies? From what I can tell, it's something like $200+

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the delayed response. typically around $250 for the 2021 and on transfer. but right now both northwest bicycles and pro bike supply have some really great deals on these tools. I happened to notice this two days ago by fluke. I'd search both sights for the tools below. it'll cost you less than sending it in for service 398-00-735 Service Tool: Open Valve, Nitrogen Fill, Transfer 398-00-749 Service tooling: Trek Thru Shaft IFP removal tool 803-01-200 Kit: Service Tool, 2018 Transfer, Upper Bushing and Seal Installer 803-01-595 Service Tool: Gas Fill, 100-200mm Transfer, Assy Pick the ifp depth tool you need fro your post 398-00-871 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 100 398-00-872 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 125 398-00-873 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 150 398-00-874 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 175 398-00-875 Service Tool: 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 200 Optional 398-00-738 Service Tool: Bullet, 8mm Shaft, Transfer

[@rdharste]

Hi this is an excellent video!! Very detailed. I was wondering if you had the diameter and length of the IFP depth tool? (2021+ 175mm) It is currently sold out everywhere and I would like to just make my own. Cheers!

[@zoubtube]

Thank you very much. The IFP setting tools length is 50.6 mm and the diameter is 15 mm. Hope this helps Thanks

[@london3319]

Awesome detailed video !! That air fill tool is $180!!! What fixes a slow return dropper that’s brand new ?

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the delayed response. Here you go! This is a really good price for the air fill tool. northwestbicycle.com/products/fox-tool-kit-gas-fill-100-175mm-transfer-assy-tl1117. Northwest Bicycle and Pro Supply Bike shop have some really great prices on fox transfer tools right now. you might want to look into it What you can try first is to either add grease to the bushings and pins to see if that will help as well as add air to the system as well. let me know if this helps

[@jemez_mtn]

These videos are great, thank you. I have been working on my own bikes since the early 90s, but had no idea how to deep dive into modern suspension, so that was the first thing I watched, and didn't even think it was possible to rebuild a Transfer after my LBS said they won't do them since Fox makes them so difficult to service. It looks doable, and I love the idea of being able to work on my entire bike myself. Just curious, how do you dispose of old suspension and brake oil? I always wonder about the best way to do this, whether it's this or old wood stain or any of this kind of thing. Cheers...

[@zoubtube]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. Glad to hear you found it informational. The Fox transfer It actually relatively easy to service. The issue is with the cost of the tools required, Particularly with the 2017 to 2020 versions. Cost of tools alone is north of $800, which is ridiculous. I can buy a bunch of posts for that kind of money. A LBS would need to service a bunch just to break even. The 2021 and on version cost to rebuild is MUCH lower, Though still high imo due to the inflator tool, which is just a dumb solution. As for disposing oil. I bring them to a local bike shop who disposes of oil, but you can also bring them to an auto parts store who disposes of them as well. I separate dot fluid and oils though when disposing. Mineral oil you don't have to worry about

[@jemez_mtn]

@@zoubtube Yeah I have a 2021. Started looking at tooling, and it's bad enough for that one. But I reckon it will pay for itself after a couple services, and maybe I can do it for others as well. Besides, I just like having all the right tools anyway. Thanks again.

[@brianpham2584]

$700 for tools needed for pre-2021 Fox Transfer droppers, all saved up for a $700 torque wrench from the tool trucks. That makes sense!

[@zoubtube]

I say go for the torque wrench! 😉

[@jemez_mtn]

This definitely looks doable, but seems like more of a pain than forks so I've been hemming and hawing about trying it. Looking for parts and tools, this one just seems like maybe more worth it to send in. However, I just found the inflator tool for $106, and a couple other things fairly 'cheap'. Ish. So maybe that's a sign. Think I'm going to pull the trigger today on the items on special and collect the rest at some point. I would love to know if the Fox Shaft Clamp Set #2 sizes overlap with the Grip 2 damper clamp listed on the Fox site, but it has been hard to figure it out.

[@zoubtube]

Servicing the 2021 and newer transfers is actually pretty easy considering they give you the option to perform a full service. Your first time will be the most intimidating, but after that, you won't hesitate to do it again. FOX should really revise the transfer to use the most basic tools possible for servicing. If they did this, it would be an excellent post for the price. I'm positive you can do it. If you have any questions, let me know

[@jemez_mtn]

Thanks for the encouragement,@@zoubtube. Without your excellent documentary I probably wouldn't try it. Fox's instructions seem to be not bad, but seeing how it goes in real time and getting tips about the tricky parts is invaluable. Will let you know how it goes when I'm able to get to it. Thanks again!

[@james-hb5tu]

I’m curious how long it takes the technicians at the fox service center to do this

[@zoubtube]

About 20 minutes. I take my time and can finish it in around 30-40 minutes. it's actually a very easy job, it's the tools to service them that are ridiculous. If FOX was to make the post a bit more use friendly and utilize standard tools (Ex schrader valve instead of that USELESS and STUPID expensive air fill adapter) The transfer would be an outstanding post IMO

[@MrBigg1995]

What does the bearing and set screw do? The ones you put in after the ifp charge. Also why does the engagement tool need to be screwed on during charging?

[@ka81alex]

Same questions..

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the late response "What does the bearing and set screw do" They seal the port seals. They couldn't do it with delrin balls (thankfully) "Also why does the engagement tool need to be screwed on during charging?" to open the valve via pressure. I honestly can't stand this tool. They should have thought up a better solution for air fills

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the late response "What does the bearing and set screw do" They seal the port seals. They couldn't do it with delrin balls (thankfully) "Also why does the engagement tool need to be screwed on during charging?" to open the valve via pressure. I honestly can't stand this tool. They should have thought up a better solution for air fills

[@theteoma4718]

Hello, what is the length of the ifp piston, if possible, the size I will be very grateful, I have a dropper with a stroke of 150mm

[@zoubtube]

I'm assuming your asking for the IFP depth of the 2021+ version of a 150mm dropper. 46.2mm IFP depth

[@vovok0071]

Good afternoon. It is not possible to buy in my country, tool ifp height. Can you please tell me at what depth this tool is used? Can you measure and write the length of the tool, and what length of dropper was it used for? I would be very grateful.

[@zoubtube]

My sincerest apologies for the late response but I'm 2 months behind on messages. 150mm 2021+ transfer is 46mm ifp depth 175mm 2021+ transfer is 50.7 mm IFP depth Hope this helps

[@vovok0071]

@@zoubtube Thank you very much. You helped a lot.

[@MartinTeerly]

My droppier is sticking quiet a bit. I saw people say on forums that fox has updated part for it to fix an issue. Do you know what the part it ?

[@zoubtube]

I'm not sure of a new part as much as an updated post, which improved multiple aspects of the post. . If you find the post sticky or slow to respond, try a 50-hour service. Open the post, clean out the inside, and apply a fresh coat of grease. This will typically improve the posts performance significantly. Also, check the bushings for wear. If the bushings on the collar or post base show signs of wear, you should replace them, as you can damage the coating on the post over time. This is an easy job and can be done with a large channel lock or knippex pliers and some grease, like sram butter. I hope this helps

[@MartinTeerly]

@@zoubtube thanks for coming back to me. I'm a car mechanic. I took dropper apart yesterday. It was moving way better and worked flawlessly but after today's ride it's sticky again. I'll order a rebuild kit and see if that helps

[@zoubtube]

@@MartinTeerly If I were to guess, I'd say the lower bushing might be the culprit. Servicing the whole post should be a breeze for you. There's nothing magical about it. It's just annoying that the tools can be pricey. Though I did notice that Northwest Bicycle and Pro Bike Supply had some REALLY great deals on Fox Transfer tools this past weekend. I'm not sure if they still have the same discounts, but I'd check into it. From what I saw, all the tools needed would have cost about $150. That's less than the cost of sending it in for service. Just an fyi! Let me know how it goes 👍

[@MartinTeerly]

​@@zoubtubeI'm in UK and we have one shop that's under administration now and they sell this dropper for £99 but I'm not buying anything trouble 😂😂 I'll fix my and sell on Facebook marketplace 👌🏻

[@johnepperson6019]

when do you use the Fox float fluid?

[@zoubtube]

You can add a few drops of float fluid into the body before you close the ifp shaft with the seal head. Or you can use SRAM butter, like I do. I apply a decent amount to the shaft and bullet tool before installing the seal head. The seal head will collect it all in order to help lube the shaft. Personally, I think grease is a better option. The float fluid can settle, whereas grease sticks everywhere

[@countrymen]

When it is the right time to service the dropper post?

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the late response. Great question. The 50-hour (or so) service is by far the most important for EVERY dropper post. It is quick and easy, it allows you to check the condition of the internals, and it provides the most return for the effort while extending the life of the post. The full service, on the other hand, needs to happen if you're experiencing unwanted sag or other post anomalies, or after many hours of use, e.g. 200, 300 or even more hours depending on the post. I can't recommend enough getting used to performing a regular 50-hour service; it's worth every bit of your time

[@Enduroracesuspension]

Great video what length is the IFP please ?

[@zoubtube]

Thanks, but I'm not sure what you mean with "what length is the IFP" If your asking height, it's a different height for the dropper length. below is a chart for the IFP set tool need per post. FOX made them much more cost effective the the ones needed for the previous version transfer 398-00-871 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 100 398-00-872 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 125 398-00-873 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 150 398-00-874 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 175 398-00-875 2021 Transfer, IFP Height, 200

[@Enduroracesuspension]

@@zoubtube thank you so much really helpful and great content

[@Enduroracesuspension]

Apologies it was the measurement of the depth of the IFP

[@ka81alex]

Has anyone found any solution to fill in air without buying fox 803-01-595? Some DIY or else...

[@zoubtube]

Part 803-01-931, Last I saw, 365 cycles sells it for ~$25. Jump on it, it's a great deal for this

[@ka81alex]

@@zoubtube jump on what? it's not in stock there always!

[@ka81alex]

@@zoubtube Anyway, I managed to made DYI needle for 30$, so .. case is closed.

[@zoubtube]

​@@ka81alex SWEEEEET! 💪Feel free to share how you did it. I'm working on a 2018 Fox transfer, and the goal is to figure out a way to perform the service at the least cost possible for tools. Maybe I can incorporate the tool you came up with for the video

[@zoubtube]

@@ka81alex I didn't check if it was in stock when I responded yesterday. I just remember seeing the price not long ago, which was half of what I had paid for it.

[@wayneharries5206]

The part 803-01-200 you've listed is for 2018 model transfers? Can you confirm this works with the newer transfers? Part number 803-01-496 is what fox list as the required tool for this post? But 803-01-496 is very expensive Compared to the one you list, they look identical in images .. This is the last tool I need before I can complete the service Also.. awesome vids! Keep up the good work you've helped me alot with servicing various suspension forks and shocks

[@wayneharries5206]

Any ideas dude? Literally on the edge of what tool to order for the newer post?

[@zoubtube]

HOLY S@#T!! They now want $400 for that tool? They've lost their minds. Though I haven't tried the tool on the new version post (I don't even know anyone who has purchased one yet), I can't imagine 803-01-200 not working. The shaft diameter on the older version transfers is ~26.5mm. I can't imagine the newer one being different, and if it is, it's not going to be by a significant amount. ANY soft jaw hole that is slightly wider than the post will work for this task. So If you're going to spend the money, I'd spend it on a soft jaw that can be used for other tasks as well. hopefully this helps some.

[@Gary_G]

Is this for 2021? It doesn't need nitrogen?

[@zoubtube]

Nope! Droppers, shocks or forks don't "Need" nitrogen. All of them will work with either nitrogen or air. Air is ~79% nitrogen. Not to say Nitrogen doesn't have some advantages. The big advantage is heat buildup. If you're riding in super hot environments, especially on trails with very long, hard-hitting runs, Then nitrogen will do better than air to maintain consistency in a shock. For droppers, this will never matter. Air is more than enough and easier to come across 😉

[@nickcrescenzo6751]

So wait, i have to build some kind of tool and take my dropper completely out of the seat tube just to add some air? Im selling this thing.

[@zoubtube]

Even worse, you have to buy an expensive, proprietary tool to fill it with air. Great dropper, yes, but servicing it was definitely an alter during the design process. I wouldn't blame you if you sold it. These are the most expensive droppers to maintain imo.

[@Trade2Invest-]

Ill never buy fox. Pnw or tranz x is good enough but really good video.

[@zoubtube]

I couldn't agree more with you. The transfer is a nice post and pretty solid, but the reality is that there are equally good posts out there like the ones you mention that cost significantly less. Now, I'll give FOX credit for making the post fully serviceable, but at a significant cost. The tools for a Pre-2021 post literally cost around $700 - $800, plus the service kit and oil. I could literally buy at least three solid posts for that money. The 2021 and on transfers still need about $150-$180 in tools, but that's because the stupid fill adapter is like $100, and it SUCKS! If they didn't need that dumb adapter, which is finicky as @#$%, it would literally need about $50 in custom tools, which would make it a MUCH better value, imo.

[@amazinf4344]

@@zoubtube I’ve been binging some of your videos and it’s custom tool after custom tool, what percentage of those tools do you think is 3d printable? I have a feeling it’s like 80%. If that’s true, it would easily be a great investment along with some solid filament. Anyway, thanks for the videos, they’re entertaining and super helpful, keep it up!

[@zoubtube]

​@@amazinf4344 One of my bigger regrets has been not training myself on the 3d printing process. So many ideas come and go, and I'm sure many more would have probably seen a prototype stage if I were proficient with the process. You are correct. I would say 80% is a very safe number to assume considering today's 3D printing solutions. Many times I've thought about creating cost-effective tool packages for servicing different products in order to make it more cost-justifiable for people to perform their own service when needed. 3d printing is definitely a major part of that solution.

[@amazinf4344]

@@zoubtube If you think it can be done I'll give it a shot, I have access to some good equipment for the job and I want to see if it's possible. Also, I recently acquired a 2020 fox transfer that needs a rebuild, I got stuck on the rod tool part that costs like $400. You reckon I could get away with a pipe with similar diameter or a 3d printed tool just like that?

[@zoubtube]

@@amazinf4344 If you know the software, then you should easily be able to make the tools, especially the $400 puller. Its nothing more than a jack bolt. Using a hard plastic should be way more than strong enough to do the job many times over. let me know your thoughts or what info might be needed to get this done. It would be awesome if people had the option to by this tool for a reasonable cost. Servicing this post isn't hard. Its the tools that make it unreasonable.

[@c-claudel]

I was wondering why this Video is 1,5 hrs long, now I just hope I'll never have to go to the Internals of this thing!

[@zoubtube]

Definitely more involved than just swapping a cartridge, like for more posts. But the service as a whole really isn't all bad. More bark than bite, for sure. The issue is with the cost of the tools. I'm working on the 2018 version of this dropper, and the plan is to figure out a way to service it at the absolute lowest cost possible using home-made parts that can be purchased at a local hardware store. Stay tuned 👍 Thanks for the comment