How To Service Rock Shox MTB Fork | Mountain Bike Maintenance

Fork feeling dry and ropey? Well if you've ridden your fork for 50 hours without giving it any attention then chances are it needs a lower leg service. So follow Doddy's tips to get your fork running buttery smooth again with just some fork oil and basic tools!
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Now, we're using a RockShox Pike here. It's a pretty common fork. A lot of people run this. But the principle is the same for all forks. It's only the oil variety and the volume that changes. RockShox recommend you do this service approximately every 50 hours of riding, and that's pretty much the same for most manufacturers.
Okay, so step one is to just make sure you've released all of the air from the fork. I'm pretty sure I got most of it out when I put the shock pump to it, but you can just deflate the valve manually using the end of an Allen key. So that's all good. Next step is to remove the rebound adjuster knob from the base of the fork. Take your two and a half mil Allen key and then just undo the little pinch bolt on the rebound adjuster.
So the next part of the process is to remove the fork lowers, we'll need a 5 millimetre Allen key, and you wanna loosen the bolts on the bottom of the fork. You don't wanna remove them completely because you may need to shock them in order to release them.
So you've got the upper legs of the fork that slide into the lower legs. On the inside, you've got rods that are attached to the upper legs, and these rods sit into the base of the fork. Obviously during compression and use, they do manage to stick to the bottom, so I'm just gonna free them by tapping the end of the Allen key with a mallet with the two lower bolts removed, it's time to slide the lower legs off the fork.
Okay, so your next step is to remove the foam rings. These sit underneath the wiper seals. So get the pick and very carefully just prise these out without damaging the seals or anything else.
Isopropyl alcohol is the best thing you can use for cleaning your foam rings. Just give them a good soaking with the stuff and then just pat them dry, and you'll find that most of the oil comes out and they start looking a bit more like the new ones we just showed you.
So now it's time to replace the foam rings into the fork. As I mentioned, I have not soaked these in oil. I'm actually gonna apply the oil once it's in the fork using a syringe. So after you've oiled the foam rings, what you wanna do is just wipe some decent quality suspension grease just around the inside of your wiper seals. That just helps complete the lower leg service before you put the fork back together. So now it's a case of sliding your lower legs back onto the uppers.
One thing to take particular care of is make sure you don't fold the seals or damage them as they just get onto the edge of the tubing here. So just take a bit of care in doing this and make sure they line up correctly. You wanna slide these on until they contact on the inner dampening rods and air rods and pull them back about a centimetre. This gives you enough space to inject some lower leg lube. So this lube is vital to how well the fork performs and how long it lasts until your next service. So not only does it stop the seals from drying out, but it's really, really important for initial sensitivity and small bump performance.
On this particular fork, on the RockShox Pike, it actually tells you how much oil you need to put inside. Using a syringe is the best way to apply the oil. Not only can you get an accurate reading on how much you're putting into the fork, but it's very easy just to squirt the correct amount in and you're not wasting any. It's quite expensive stuff. So with your lower legs lubricated now, you wanna replace the bolts at the bottom of the fork. Slide the lower back on until those rods connect fully. That means your threads are lined up at the bottom here. And replace the bolts.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@n3f2r80]

Legend says that Doddy actually rides a bike!

[@caseykeane4867]

No Way!!

[@mnbv5555cxz]

Doddy makes the BEST service vids! Wow

[@michaelkennedy2015]

Yes he does-I work in the trade and he knows his shit.

[@divedaz]

Apart from the Fact they are Cap Head Screws and NOT bolts. Bolts have hex heads......lol

[@urastus9202]

Apart from the fact that he forgot all about the crush washers and seals on the bottom bolts!

[@dhananjaybhardwaj7639]

My Stumpy's Rock Shox Revelation needs a service soon, and Doddy was just so helpful! I am glad that GMBN opted for such a professional and technical guy into the team! Love the details and it was all a newbie needs to know about servicing fork by themselves.

[@oscarhatchermtb4132]

I did this about a year or 2 ago, and it was hard to find any good videos to help me out, I am sure this will be very useful for anyone doing this now or in the future, thanks Doddy and GMBN you help us a lot

[@kieranrae]

Doddy you're amazing! used this video to do my first lower leg service, whole procedure went smoothly and was actually surprisingly easy (with this video as reference!). brilliantly clear and concise 'How-to' video, very much appreciated.

[@seanhammon6639]

I'm doing this! Doddy is an excellent presenter! Crystal clear and concise. No waffle, and you can tell he knows what he's talking about.

[@LuigiAntonini]

Best service video I have seen so far, I really like that he explains all the steps in details and all the possible issues and solutions, great job!

[@RedWingsninetyone]

I feel this was much more informative than the Fox fork service video. Great job!

[@RGCastro7]

Great explanation, Doddy! Easy to follow and well-presented. Thanks for the advice!

[@aronhorn9909]

Doddy's presenting has definitely improved since he started out.

[@DustedMike]

Finally. GMBN needed to do this tutorial. Perfect job Doddy, you got very good presenting skills too.

[@dw1403]

I've been waiting long for such an detailed video about that topic. Thank you!

[@joelbackman100]

Great video, Doddy. I'm going to try this myself, now that you got me confident.

[@matiflis3120]

Doddy is actually a really good presenter although he only just recently joined GMBN :)

[@gregmerner3632]

Followed these instructions and knocked it out in under 20 mins. Thanks!

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Thanks a lot, I payed 3 times in 2 years for this service for a total of 150€, will do it myself from now on, ordered oils and service kit for a total of 60€ 😅 Excellent video as usual ❤

[@Krigloch]

Yo Doddy, just finally did this today. Fairly simple because of this vid. Thanks man! I replaced the upper seal also, was kind of a pain in the ass to take out and put in a new one.

[@ingopaul67]

Thanks, you explain things so well, I have the confidence to do this now.

[@everhernandez8452]

Thanks Doddy! for making my life much easier... it's apreciated👏🤘😎

[@you941]

Can you please link the products you are useing in the description. It would make it so much easier

[@roryquirke1002]

They have to stay neutral

[@boskabiker]

@@roryquirke1002 ... Stating a massive list of sponsors in the description 😂

[@escapegravitymedia]

Awesome video, I'll be sure to give this another watch when I service my pike in the off season :)

[@user-ku8qp3lb5x]

Doddy makes real good service videos!

[@PabloMollAN]

First time doing it. In my case, this video, the RS and the manual were very helpful. However, when trying to putting the oil into the lower legs, I should say move them until they contact the spring then move the lower legs back as much as you can. For some reason the 1cm recommended wasnt enough for me. Oil wouldn't go in. Fork is smooth again.

[@faizm5607]

Doddy your vids are the best on forks so I would love to see some vids on sr suntour forks as I don’t think there that bad. Thx mate. 💪🏼🤘

[@MrYugoWRC]

I saw this video 6 years ago and I'm back. I have a RS recon. Roughly counting the bike has done more than 400 hours. The fork and back shock still feel like new.

[@mihaichiriac480]

This is exactly what I said before servicing the lowers. I didn't have any patience for aliexpress foam rings to arrive, so I bought a pair from a local bike shop (i had to beg to 3, until the last one took an entire bag from the service, after telling me they only have full service kits). Anyway, the fork felt buttery smooth for about a week and.. I lost the rebound adjuster plastic thing; it just fell off somewhere. With all being said, do at least a lower legs and air shaft service from now and then and you'll feel a difference.

[@MrYugoWRC]

@@mihaichiriac480 I feel a minimum difference between my fork and an new one in a shop of the same model. I really don’t see the point of a service, I have trashed the bike for 6 years. I think it will easily survive another 6 without any maintenance. I rather spend €2000 on a new bike and have a next generation of the same model.

[@mihaichiriac480]

@@MrYugoWRC Can't argue with that. Recon is made to last with minimum to none maintenance indeed. But i'd better learn maintenance on o cheaper fork than on an expensove one

[@stevendaniels233]

I'm watching this but I'll probably never do this.

[@mouadb]

Steven Daniels No money for a Rockshox like this xD

[@piotrek3977]

Steven Daniels Lol it is easy af bruh

[@MacAudio74]

Awesome. Easy to follow, will be doing a lowers service soon. Thanks guys.

[@IdeI2StOnEd]

Nah only poser with 6K bike

[@Yo12327]

How do u find a poser with 500 bike like me

[@kellyalberda7798]

Great video Doddy, now I'm feeling more confident that I don't have to take my fork to my LBS since I'm overdue on the 50 hrs...

[@GavynPendleton]

I was just looking for a video like this!! That’s even my exact same fork

[@colecampagna6302]

Just did this today following this guide and wowowow does my fork feel good!

[@lennytheboss100]

very well expained and easy to understand. great vid m8!

[@callum8322]

very timely. i'm due for a service although i'm taking mine to the shop. one day i'll have a proper bike sheed, stand and tools.

[@tylerkruger3975]

Happy to see the installation is easier than when I hit the “buy” button in my new CSU

[@krelakuma]

brilliant video ! keep up the good work!

[@michaelculhane3058]

I took off the little springs to make it easier to put the tubes back on. Don't forget to slide them on the uppers before though so you have them there for later.

[@yashs8586]

We need to see Doddy ride

[@enuf_psi6967]

Great video thanks GMBN. Would it be possible to put up a video of how to service a coil fork? Thanks

[@ryanford5387]

GMBN, could you do a video like this but for a cheap, entry level fork such as a Suntour XCT? Thanks

[@wodstalker2819]

To slide the lowers back in i found it was easier by removing the round spring from the seals, and then of course put them back in when the lowers are in place

[@jague2u]

Doddy, can you please do another video like this but with a fox fork instead? The other fox fork service videos on GMBN aren't quite as detailed as this one. This is a great vid! :)

[@Charliened1]

Fox fork lower leg service is pretty much identical to rockshox anyway.

[@ryanlezra3854]

Will We see Doddy Shredding the Trails?

[@charlesthesprocket2668]

Ryan Lezra hopefully

[@Create_o_raptor]

Ryan Lezra you will be asleep by den??

[@bigwetsalmon1]

Great video, helped me out so much!

[@chrisleech9340]

Another excellent mechanical video from Doddy. Done this to my yari today following this video. Piece'o'piss

[@anonymouspeoplesuck6403]

Please do a video on servicing a dual crown fork like the rock shox boxxer

[@uthaug]

Thanks. I'm going to do this someday.

[@starlight7830]

I have had my Rock Shox fork since 2003,,,, I have never cleaned them and they work fine !

[@timotejklena5938]

Can you do this video on SR Suntour coil forks. That will be helpful to lot of people. Good video.

[@richardwager283]

Very good mechanical videos 👍🏻 The 50 hr service intervals, does anyone do it this regularly?

[@RixterNow]

Great explanation. I've got an old Marzochi coil fork, I imagine it is the same process?

[@brsmtbiker2504]

well done Doddy!

[@Florian591]

You make this look so easy ....

[@billblackeye]

Do a service tutorial for the cheapest rock shox suspension forks like the xc-28. Nobody seems to have one. I know they are easy to service but it would be great to have a video backup.

[@mtbridersanonymous9152]

Just got done doing mine rock shocks Judy Silver, watched so many videos then realized none of them were on the silver TK. Blue prints and instruction manual didn’t have the same components either in the diagrams… Took longer than expected but got it done still

[@justsickk]

i love this series :)

[@allworkandnoplay76]

This video is much more thorough than the Fox run through. They don’t even mention changing the seals.

[@paghal11]

Just did my first ever service on a 2016 revelation rl on a Trek Fuel ex 7 29. Have ridden the bike quite a bit in mud, dust, sand and occasionally perfect brown dirt. Way more than 50 hours. Changed the oil, cleaned the components and put in new seals. The oil wasn't too bad, just a bit murky. I do keep the bike pretty clean. Have to admit that the fork does definitely feel more responsive, kind of like I remember it feeling when the bike was new. Maybe there is something in the manufacturers recommendations, but I don't think every 50 hours is really needed. Maybe once a season should do it.

[@hedemalmcarl]

once a season then its lower, spring and maybe even damper.

[@djaddict1353]

I did this service like 5 times and its way easier than it looks

[@thephilosopherstoner]

Dont losen or tighten bolts with the round head of the alen key, it can round out the bolt heads :)

[@lewisdemsey5442]

Great vid was helpful

[@pags1981]

Really good tutorial 👌

[@dodbrew]

Great video! Is this the same procedure as for the Dual Position Coil Sektor fork?

[@implio9935]

Nice Guide :) can you also make one about steel spring Forks?

Absolutly awesome! Thank you

[@ryanmorris287]

Could you do a video on coil forks e.g. RockShox XC30.

[@martink.7268]

Very good video with easy to understand commentary during your work. I like the clean setup of your workspace and I think the content is understandable by non-English speakers as well, though as for this, more image explanation will be needed in the future. Your content is watched not only by British, American or Australian people, you should bear that in mind. Anyway, I liked this video, though I will probably never do this because I just don't have the proper tools and it's easier for me to let my bike be serviced properly by a professional. :-)

[@cooperallen282]

I was careless and didn't service my Reba and just had to spend 100$ to get it fixed since the seals. So be careful!

[@fieryawesomeness]

Truly excellent video, better than SRAM's in my opinion! They suggest using a dowel and a rag to clean the inside of the fork lower, I'm assuming the omission of this step in this video means that this isn't important?

[@mileguy7296]

Is it a good idea to clean the inside of the lowers during the service?

[@mrfalafel1144]

Low viscocity engine oil works just as well for oiling your forks

[@rebetopon]

How helpful!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@fuertep2do]

Hey guys nice video congregation. Juts i have a question how much oil did you put on. On each side?

[@jasperkania675]

Is it possible that you do a video with BOS Suspension forks (especially BOS Idylle)?

[@Theo-mb2dd]

Guys help needed! Id like to start servicing my forks, but im scared of damaging them: the mechanic that used to service my pike said that one of the 2 bottom bolt was spaned and needed a bit of threadlocker. Can this be dangerous when i need to hit with the mallet?

[@tomasrandom6430]

50 hours of riding? What? Are those forks made of paper? :D

[@robertmaguire2883]

Learning guitar I've been riding pikes for 2 1/2 years not serviced yet and ride a lot. Haven't had a problem

[@VanDungLe2510]

Not yet til u replace all of it bruh :))

[@carebearvlogs9391]

Learning guitar so far i should of had to do this process every week so 24 lower leg services or you know one because suntor raidons for life

[@yukelss]

previous owner of my 2013 model Specialized Enduro bike said that neither the fork nor the rear shock had ever been serviced... in 5 fucking years. Man I'm scared to open those up. probably ghosts in there at this point

[@rando_rabe713]

Do it annually

[@ryanford5387]

2:43 that's a hell of a tap!

[@llullwllallkll]

Good day doddie!!! ✌️ How about servicing our srsuntour (esp axon) 😊✌️ tia!!! Stay safe ✌️✌️✌️

[@a_scotsman_on_a_horse]

wow I'm just about to do this for the first time - perfect timing!

[@mxrider2strokebraaap54]

Nice video👍

[@albertdonald2053]

I have a suntour xc forks do you have a video on how to repair them. I want to get a new fork but I feel it will be cheaper to just do a repair and cleaning

[@nicolasbozzo2364]

Make a video for suntour air forks!

[@thomask7441]

Doddy, show us your skills!!

[@DirkaDirka07]

Every 50 hours of riding... is this a joke? Imagine if you had to service the shocks on your car every 50 hours... don't think the auto company would sell many of that particular car. These bike fork manufacturers need to get their stuff together and build something that doesn't need to rebuilt after every 20 rides or whatever with their $40 bag of or-ings and grease that probably costs $4 to produce. Great video as always Dotty!

[@Adam-vm8kp]

Are you saying you can’t be bothered to spend 30 minutes every 50 hours to keep the performance you have paid all that money for? I only replace wiper seals on my forks at the 200hr mark so just do the oil and the form rings every 2-3m or so which are dirt cheap. Try comparing the suggested service intervals on a Volvo vs a Bugatti, higher performance machines require more regular servicing.

[@naturaltrails7947]

great video, thanks Doddy, did this today following your video, hardest, well fiddly was getting the lowers back on, before this was scared of touching them, but all went well and will do them again in future! thanks!

[@gmbn]

No worries

[@Alexkfpv]

Hi Doddy can you do a video on how to do a 200 hour service please

[@hench_wrench_repairs]

8:02 I didn’t do that on my suntour fork and the bolt sheared off...

[@FlorinAciobanitei]

Thanks for the video. On a JUDY 2018 fork does I need to apply grease on the lower leg? I made the service without putting any grease on the lower and upper tube and after a while it won't work smooth.

[@Durwood71]

My local shop charges $75 plus parts for this service. I need to start doing it myself because it will save me a lot of money every year. I've learned to service just about everything else on my bike, but the air forks still intimidate me, probably because they're the most complex mechanism on the whole machine.

[@colourofsounduk]

There are so many potential double entendres in this video. I bet the outtakes are hilarious ;)

[@Sparvar1]

You made that look easy

[@asifhossain3929]

I have a 2014 rockshox rct3 dual position air fork recently my forks Compression Mode Adjuster Knob is not working like before.If i turn it on lockout it works like decent mode so what is the problem bahind and how can I fix it.I will be very glad to you if you upload a video about rockshox upper leg service.thank you.

[@paulbarker3312]

Message for Doddy please, Could you use silkolene pro RG2 grease for rock shox fork wiper seals?

[@xavahh]

Do you have a video that shows how to fix the rockshox rs1 pop luck for front suspension getting stuck?

[@adammccarthy2157]

No need to deflate or touch the rebound adjustments pal and Rockshox recommends putting oil in the airspring as well .

[@finwillystick3894]

Love the video

[@learntotango]

I've heard that you should compress the lowers into the uppers completely (fully telescoped) before adding oil. Here that step is overlooked and the lowers are not fully compressed. Seems as if the result will have too much of an air chamber and the fork will run long and sluggish. Thoughts?

[@stirlingwilliams9111]

Can you do a how to service Manitou forks video?

[@richjones4081]

Manitou have their own complete service videos but you will need some special tools to do it.

[@ez2remember82]

I'm new to the mtb scene so I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the servicing side of it. My bike has the Judy silver but no solo air, just a coil. My question is this. The instructions PDF doesn't list a Judy with just a coil but there are others in the same family that do have just a coil and it list them as 6-12 ml oil to put back in. Does the amount of oil impact how the shock feels? I weigh 240lbs so would I need to put in closer to 12ml? FYI my bike is a trek roscoe 7.

[@hedemalmcarl]

Rockshox forks usally come with seals and foam wipers for service, only for one service though

[@noth606]

Lol I have a headshok Fatty M, but still interesting to see how easy it is on this modern stuff

[@gmbn]

A classic!

[@th_js]

Doddy When will we see you ride

[@michaelculhane3058]

He does in one. He can even manual.

[@th_js]

@@michaelculhane3058 Look at when I posted that comment.

[@paulhillary9357]

Hi. All fine with video process on some revelations. When reassembling the damper red screw with hex prong won't go back in. Any ideas. Cheers