Fox's Float shock is known for being both reliable and versatile, excelling on all sorts of bikes and terrain. But even this robust little damper needs a bit of TLC every now and then.
Watch the video inside to learn how to replace the air sleeve seals and give your Fox Float shock some much deserved attention.
Fox's Float shock is found on an incredible amount of bikes, from short travel cross country whippets to longer legged all-mountain machines. It's known for being one of the most versatile dampers available and features simple adjustments that any rider can understand without needing a degree in knob turning and vehicle dynamics. In fact, it works so well that a lot of riders simply forget that it requires a bit of love every now and then just like any other product. Thankfully, servicing the Float is just as simple as setting it up. Besides a few tools, all you'll need is a Fox Float rebuild kit that you can source from your local shop, which at under $7.00 USD, is quite inexpensive. Below you'll find a video showing you how to remove the old seals and install the news ones included in the kit.
Some pointers before you begin...
• Take note of your air pressure and rebound settings before starting.
• Be sure to have a Float Rebuild Kit. There is zero point in rebuilding it with your old O-rings.
• Always wear safety glasses, even if you're positive that all of the pressure has been released.
• Be very careful not to scratch the aluminum sealing surface that the O-rings sit in.
• When re-assembling the air sleeve it only needs to be snugged up by hand, not torqued mega tight.
What's needed: Fox Float rebuild kit,
shock pump, soft jawed vice, rag and a pointy spoke or awl.
Watch the video to see how to service your Fox Float shock's air sleeve:
Check out the
service guides on the Fox website for more information.
Fox's Float shock seems to go and go, so much so that it can be easy to forget that it may need a little love. Thankfully the Float rebuild kit is inexpensive and fairly easy to install. In only 10 minutes you can have your shock back up and running smooth.
Did you find this Tech Tuesday helpful? Have some of your own hints that you'd like to share? Put them down below!
Past Tech Tuesdays:
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Parktool.com to see their entire lineup of tools and lubes.
Also, most float shocks have 400-500psi of nitrogen charge and will be next to impossible to compress by hand like shown in this video.
Check out the video on the fox service site for another good run down of the service:
service.foxracingshox.com/consumers/Content/Service/Service_Videos/FLOAT_AIRSLEEVE/float_airsleeve_service.html
thanks
I have had couple of times where creaking in the suspension was actually caused by the shock body not being tight enough on RP23's. I would agree they should not be totally cranked on there, but I think they *maybe* should be a little bit more than hand tight? Or does fox say no?
also a rebuild of a dhx 3.0 would be good
Good video! And getting that last ring is is always a PITA!
cheers
Sorry for multiple post, computer is being REALLY funny.
As for the Fox Float seal kits, we sell them for right around $10 and they have all the seals for both float and DHX air shocks in them. The Fox air spring service is very easy to do, just be sure to remove the air and valve before you start and stick the rag through the eye to be safe. I watched someone open one up after just letting what he thought was all the air out, but didn't remove the valve. He took the air can in the face and got 6 stitches in his cheek.
For damper service you will still need to send it back to Fox
hahaha lol glittchyyy