How To Service a Fox Float fork - basic fork maintenance - Flow Mountain Bike

Flow Mountain Bike shows you how to perform a basic service (oil and seal change) on a FOX Float mountain bike suspension fork.

[@Jackettc]

Did mine after 10 years and a few thousand miles. No leaks, oil was still clean and insides were perfect. Although I wouldn't recommend that long, 30 hours is a joke! :)

[@swd6430]

the only good thing about 30 hour change is relubing dust seals with sram butter.

[@Cfass1]

I saw on fox’s website 8 hrs. for muddy conditions 🤣 My Fox Vanilla fork is on its 15th year

[@andretait2817]

​@Cfass1 sounds like recommending wiping your bum every half hour even if you didnt go for a shit

[@Butterfly07949]

I'm in the UK and this was one of the best videos on servicing my Fox 80 rl

[@cycling2005]

You do not need new seals every 30 hours unless they are leaking oil. Just a clean. Had the same seals for 2 years. I do not use Fox float fluid to lube the foam wipers as some video's suggest. This stuff is sticky, expensive, and unnecessary. I don't use Fox 10wt Green either as it is too thin and wont stay on the foam rings for more than a few hours. Best thing I have found is to soak the wipers in Nulon Fully synthetic gear oil 75-90 wt, Slipperiest stuff on the planet. You can also wipe some on the legs occasionally before riding, which makes a huge difference to small bump response and eliminates stiction. It does no damage to the seals, been doing it regularly for over a year. Way better than these expensive lubes and sprays which don't make any discernible difference. Also turn your bike upside down for 5 mins before riding to get the splash oil up on the wipers.

[@adriand3753]

AWESOME INFO!

[@donald76445]

great, thank you..

[@Gone4Dirt]

Thanks for the tip. A quick question for you. Changing the weight of the oil will effect the damped behavior of the fork. Have you found that the higher weight oil has made a noticeable difference to your Damper and rebound performance? Thanks.

[@adriand3753]

No i didnt replace thte seal, it shouldnt be too hard so no issues there. Thanks for the oil tip as well. I too didnt go for the original fox fluid and im very happy with what i used (not that i would know the differenece)

[@julioboostamante1]

+Adrian D What fluids did you use for your shocks?

[@medallionsales]

was gonna take my bike in to the shop and now I'm thinking I can do that and buy all the tools and stuff to service it for far less. very nice explanation. Thanks

[@johnganter7352]

To drive out the shaft with the rebound adjustment I just used a block of wood with a small hole drilled in it. Was surprised how much rubber hammering mine required. I just changed my oil but when I do the seals I will use a 1-1/4 inch piece of 160 psi PVC pipe as the driver. Note this is 160 psi, NOT Schedule 40 which is too thick. This appears to fit perfectly vs. paying Fox US$30+ for a driver.

[@gmascagni]

Man this video saved my but. Was able to replace my dust seals as described. Great job.

[@jonathanhardy4002]

very well instructed! thank you for the video. my fork is back in business!

[@Revy8]

30 hrs if you're a professional rider. mere mortals every couple of years

[@JohnyKnox]

I thought I miss heard him at first and then he repeated it. Lol, Fox wishes I would do it that often

[@krakenthrottle2199]

I just wait until they start leaking.

[@LibertyLakeWildlife]

Excellent video, and I got mine done today. Plastic drain pipes are good size for pushing the seals in. Greatly appreciate you posting this video!!! Oh, and I used Amsoil synthetic rather than the spendy Fox oil and no stiction! Smells the same.

[@specagent999]

what weight oil?

[@LibertyLakeWildlife]

@@specagent999 The Amsoil I used is 0-20. I am more and more impressed with its performance.

[@diylife1688]

I really appreciate this video , thanks legends!!!!!!!!! Now im off to the trails to crash

[@rodentdiver]

Good job guys, great vid. I can confidently do my own fork now.

[@racemanstill]

If you change those seals every 30h after a year you spend the price of that fork 😁

[@carlomagnotm]

kinda impressed to see a kashima coat working with green 10wt but since its a 2013 video iguess thats what fox recommended back in those days

[@ofer1301]

Very good and clear procedure, go on make some more in to detaiels

[@jonesyjones8465]

Great vid! Gonna practice on my mates forks first ;)

[@randywardle4406]

Thank you for the video! You did a good job.

[@alsebka]

i would like to see a full service of a Fox Float Fit!

[@corbinkanneman1653]

I have those exact forks edit: haven't serviced in 6 years 🤫😥

[@juki-kartracing7547]

Ur Jokin?

[@corbinkanneman1653]

@@juki-kartracing7547 few years over due

[@CMneilB]

Nice informative video mate, thanks for taking the time.

[@rogerserafin]

Thank you very much for this 411.

[@davidmichaelfong]

Super easy to understand. Thanks!

[@kfkonrad1]

This video helped a lot! Cheers mate!

[@Midlife40s]

Did you have to "rattle" that metal rod inside the lower leg tube, the piece of rag was not even pushed inside. Lol...

[@AlexeiPavlov]

yes, that was some bullshit! also, he should have cleaned his fingernails! ;))

[@piciu256]

+Alex Pavlov but he made this so it looks like we'll done for someone who has no ide (eg. he is too scared to do anything by himself so he will pay them 100$ for an oil change anyway ;)

[@LarsHenning]

Great video! Really helpful! Shame about his severe case of upspeak!

[@michaeltreiber8537]

Fresh oil rebuild, see how next ride goes. Thanks for the video. Use Fox website for oil levels.

[@maksy76]

How did your ride go if you remember

[@Fubar684]

Well Done, Sir.

[@sierramistified]

My rebound side took a 15mm socket, which I didn't have, so I had to use a 15mm wrench. What a pain.

[@MikeWtf]

Other sources say to use fox float fluid on the foam rings. No problem just using 10wt green?

[@davidmichaelfong]

Go to Fox's tech help chart for your specific model: KZbin won't allow me to type a url but follow this on pages lefthand menu bar: > Service > Oil Volumes Your Float R sounds like line 27 on the chart (the same line as mine) I confirmed the 160, 30 amounts for my Float O/B as that with Fox tech rep on phone.

[@wilbloodworth7345]

Great video. Now can you please do the same video with the smaller rear shock... the fox float CTD version?

[@davidmichaelfong]

Fox tech rep told me to just use Green 10 wt on the seals. Some guys use Slick Honey on bike forums but I'm doing what the factory rep said.

[@Steviespeedway]

very informative. Thank you.

[@edgpo17]

Excelente video solo que me surge una duda como se cambia el aceite para una suspension de cartucho FIT???

[@Grimytherunner]

"I wash my forks with a rag on a stick"

[@LandYacht]

I spat my beer. Thanks a bunch eh? :-)

[@SimonSharpe2015]

Just wondered about the suspension grease. What kind of grease is it? Can't find it anywhere? Does the seal have to be greased? Great vid by the way

[@MrDino-hp7fy]

thx jim halp[ert

[@sierramistified]

When I hammered out the bolts like you did oil sprayed all over the room including on my clothes, which had to be thrown out. Why were you able to do that without ANY oil coming out while on mine it sprayed out? Piece of "drift" is not a common phrase. I didn't have that tool so I used a small ratchet head but I don't believe that's why the oil sprayed out.

[@david_onthetrail]

Did you release all the air pressure?

[@sefisredtv8991]

Any alternative to a "piece of drift"? Cause i dont know what the hell it is.

[@willgrant1152]

Wooden dowel with a hole drilled in it will do the job

[@englishjosh2283]

30 hours............. wow

[@marcouki]

Perfect Video, thanks for sharing. Can you do a video showing all he steps for 2016-2018 32mm/34mm P-S FIT4 3pos Damper Cartridge Rebuild..? Thanks

[@bopetersen2348]

Nice video!! In fox oil lev chart i can read that i have to put 5cc oil in the air chamber. You dont due that in the movie??

[@sideast]

Did he forget to put the foam rings back in before the seals !!?

[@mgyjeff]

Notice that too :-)

[@johnmcgough3132]

Doesn't matter. You can do it either way 👍

[@notsponsored103]

I'd say he did this to prevent oil getting around the wiper seal bed. if this area was lubricated it could cause the Stanchion to pull the seal out on the rebound stroke, this is also why he removed any of the waxy residue that may have been on the wiper seal after production.

[@SiGuy86]

The pressure limit on the Fork is 135psi, all forks are different, for 34 or 36 the PSI to weight ration is totally different.

[@notsponsored103]

Seems to be a lot of criticism in the comments. I just wanna say, despite some poor practices (spinning the fork on the dowel and using a bottle brush with a metal shaft, typical Aussie "She'll be right mate!") and considering how long ago this video was made, for me it ranks as the second most relevant tutorial I've found for owners of this particular model. I have it in the 100x9QR version.

[@vkathuria08]

What is the most relevant tutorial you have found?

[@adammccarthy4610]

Im confused, the fox website states 30 ml per leg. Why sre you using 20ml?

[@frizstyler]

depends on what susp you have,he says it

[@manuelcobian2355]

Nice video how much oil on top where the air go and the other side

[@sierramistified]

Even with a 34mm seal press tool my seals would NOT go in until I hammered each of them with a rubber mallet. It took forever trying to push it in like you did. I cut my hand when the tool slipped again and again. I don't get it.

[@queencub5752]

because you risk putting oil around the side where the rubber dust wipers sit. if there is oil on there, the rubbers won't stay in place tightly.

[@someoneelse1904]

This guy asks an awful lot of questions ;-)

[@matticus6339]

I have an RL80 that will hold air forever just sitting but as soon as you start riding it will loose its air. Do you know what the problem is and what needs to be replaced?

[@gzank6]

I used this video as my guide, but he didn't replace the oil/fluid in the damper. Nor did he tak about the gasket at the bottom of the fork. I didn't know what it was and thought it might be something needing to be replaced. Otherwise easy to follow video.

[@piciu256]

because you can't touch your damper in home ;) "you have to go to service and pay 100$ for oil change" that's how fox works

[@scott4014]

Where did he use the suspension grease?

[@HeathDamienHuffman]

No need for the Float fluid? Also, what's a good alternative to the Ahem...minor heart attack...$40 bottle of 10 weight Fox oil?

[@julhaopereira9428]

MUITO BOMMM AMIGO VALEW FICA COM DEUS

[@drivn4895]

those washers came out the bag ready to go xD

[@adriand3753]

Nice man

[@battistaverardi1240]

Any way of just cleaning the foam rings without taking the whole fork apart?

[@BristolPost]

To tap the legs out I bought a spare nut from Fox and use that instead.

[@sambednarski2564]

Can I remove the lower bolts for a drain/fill/wipedown without releasing pressure from the fork cartridge?

[@james-hb5tu]

The rag on the stick does not even go into the legs, and what bike was that fork on with huge steerer tube

[@martinschubert5355]

I dont have to clean the air piston? Or do i need to do that?

[@dnbadamwalker]

o and y did u not use the blue float fluid? on the foam rings ?

[@toolbike5726]

nice video , i have a queestion, ¿What a type of oil use to fork fox 36?

[@TheGuyWho3415]

Soo my fork has the compression adjustments on the lower. Same procedure? Or am I going to have to pay a bike shop $200

[@bernerteorica6929]

How to resolve fox fork talas air leak, do I need replace the seals or just oil maintenance?

[@EL34XYZ]

Hi, How come you do not put the foam rings in first before installing the seals?

[@Garagecardetailing]

hola muy instructivo el video, deseo saber cuantos milimetros de aceite requiere la FOX 2014 34 FLOAT 27.5 150 O/C CTD para realizar este mantenimiento.

[@eudesmatos6860]

What are the Box dimension?

[@Muddymarry]

Safety ist no.1 priority? Or is there another reason you wear safety glasses? Is there any danger?

[@karlgnehm7276]

what is the cost to assemble?

[@EL34XYZ]

Ok, that makes sense

[@calumwardlaw457]

in all these videos i never see then cycle the damper to get the used oil out of the fork should this be done or not?

[@DanielHillman]

Okay so every 30h lube change that makes sense but do you have replace the seals every 30 h aswell?

[@mtbrider6119]

On every fork I've ever owned I've only replaced the seals if they were leaking or where visibly damaged (cracked, torn). If they are not damaged, I just clean them and continue to use them. Their purpose is only to help keep dirt from getting to the oil and keep all the oil from coming out. In the service docs on a previous model I had a few years back it said to visibly inspect them and change them if they need it. Now they tell you to replace the seals every time you do an oil change. Use your own judgment, but their is a great incentive for them to tell you to change the seals every time - it's interesting that they used to say only do it as necessary. If there is a problem with the seal, you will know it either with visible leaking, cracks/tears or other obvious damage/wear, and or poor performance. Don't fix it if it's not broke!

[@SiGuy86]

Its a FIT cartridge so you don't need to cycle the old fluid out.

[@peglor]

No Loctite on the rebound adjuster grub screw threads - either the act of someone who likes to live dangerously or someone who genuinely takes his fork apart every 30 hours :-P...

[@cbinsyd]

Is brake cleaner essentially ISO-Pro?

[@007-Bond]

Yep. 6 years late ahaha. isopropyl alcohol

[@jhontiwol805]

Hi..im from bali,its posible to adjust this fox from travel 130 to 150 pleace let me know

[@piotrkc8673]

What is the size of oil sealing lip for fox float 32?

[@mickyplaz69]

Is better to check first the fox´s web page is not the same if you have a float or talas fork.the pressure is not the same also the level of oil.

[@spamboi6984]

Where do you buy the seal kits?

[@nerfboyali]

My fork does not have the air inlet it only has a cap on it

[@22niloc]

It's the second or third time I've done this now, but I can't get the bloody seals in straight on my latest service. Any tips anyone in 2020?

[@007-Bond]

dunno bro. Maybe find some cheap pipe or PVC with the same dimensions and make ur own seal pusher

[@randomlonglegcat7973]

use always 10wt green? I thought my 34 float used 20wt gold

[@david_onthetrail]

When you buy new seals the package will say if it is compatible with the 20wt gold.

[@radash]

What suspension grease should I be using? Any ideas/recommendations?

[@MightyOnion]

You could use a bit of the oil you use to fill the lowers up or some Fox Fluid, doesn't need to be anything special

[@radash]

Onion1220 PMR Cheers!

[@tomgdownhill]

I WANT THAT SHIRT!! 0.o

[@sihtosoveltaa6936]

Does it have to Be Fox oil or is any 10w fork oil good?

[@jltrack]

Any motorcycle Fork oil works as long as it is the same weight. Also synthetic is preferred but not necessary.

[@OskarasNauseda]

what if i weigh close to 150 kg i need to inflate my shox with 150 psi

[@MikeCheung1]

Any idea if this is the same for a CTD fork?

[@0611930024838]

lol 30h

[@islandaerial3414]

It's easy... If you have all of the MacGuyver do dads! LoL

[@ferlax2049]

hola saludos tengo una horquilla fox float 32 130 de recorrido sabes cuanto aceite lleva de cada lado voy a cambiar solo los retenes ... soy de guadalajara

[@yaxaziel]

la horquilla que el usa es de 120mm al parecer es muy poca la diferencia que debes incluir.

[@Goldchannel12]

do I how to use fox racing 10w oil??

[@huntstyle]

Yeah... my new seals are NOT going on. He makes it look effortless in this video. I'm grunting and straining, putting all my weight into it, and it will. Not. Go. On!

[@philliptaylor502]

Huntstyle i had the same problem, i ended up RUINING £28 worth of seals, without the correct insertion tool I wouldn't recommend installing them at home. I got a bike shop to do them for me, it cost me £6, but was definitely worth it

[@mtbrik]

@@philliptaylor502 try puuting them in the fridge first.. Also check you ahve the correct ones, there are older ones which are slightly bigger or smaller I cant remember :-/

[@mohamedkarim3254]

أحسنت ...شوف لي شي خدمة نعجبك

[@lanzonests]

can you please show us how to service the upper leg?

[@stevelynn5498]

Not a good idea to twirl the fork around on a broom handle. This is a good way to damage delicate parts on the interior.

[@lighturpl3]

Yeah it's really confusing trying to learn how to do this. Everyone does it differently...

[@14erGuy]

Incomplete job. You jumped past reinstalling the adjustment knobs at the top of the stanchion tubes and their initial set up.

[@007-Bond]

It's called common sense. Maybe you should try it someday?

[@KandKo]

Every 30 hours.. jesus.

[@EightySixed7]

Christ I was thinking the same thing. I think he means every 30 months..

[@andrewford80]

yeah, there is no fucking way I'm doing that every 30 hours! Seems ridiculous

[@claritean]

itz 130, you can check the fox website for that

[@frederikroark]

They seem to have changed that recently. I think it now says 150 hours

[@EightySixed7]

That would seem more appropriate to me. Thirty hours is a week and a half of heavy training, that would be a lot of time and money spent on maintenance in a year.

[@andretait2817]

Carefull you dont stick the allen key in your eye