SEALS AND FOAM RINGS BUY ITEMS

FOX Racing Shox forks feature a sealing system designed to keep your fork moving smoothly in all conditions. There are two parts to the system: the fork seal and the foam ring. The fork seal features a proprietary scraper lip geometry that keeps dirt out and oil in. The foam ring sits just below the fork seal. It is saturated with oil and in turn applies oil to the upper tube as it passes by. This keeps the fork moving up and down smoothly.

While FOX Racing Shox forks are designed to require minimal maintenance, periodic inspection and cleaning of the fork sealing system is required. It is normal on FOX forks for a small amount of oil and/or grease to accumulate on the upper tubes. This is necessary to keep the fork working smoothly and to keep dirt out. Furthermore, fork seals are grease packed at the factory. This grease tends to migrate out of the seals during the break-in period.

Seal and Foam Ring Service

Storing the bicycle upside down and inverting the fork allows oil to run down to the foam rings and keeps them lubricated and ready for your next ride. To check the conditions of the seal and foam rings, perform the following procedure:

Wrap tape around the tip of the screwdriver to protect the upper tubes.

  1. Around the perimeter of the fork seals are small notches. Use a thin flat-blade screwdriver in these slots to gently pry the seal from the lower legs.

  1. Once loose, raise them all the way up to the lower crown. It is recommended that the tip of the screwdriver be covered with tape or a piece of material to protect the paint on the fork from being damaged.

  2. Wrap a clean rag around the junction of the upper tubes and the lower legs. This will keep dirt out while the seals are being cleaned.

  3. Use a rag to wipe around the outside diameter of the seal. Wipe until clean.

  4. Remove the rags and check the foam rings which will be visible just inside the lower legs. They should be soaked with oil and should not contain any dirt or debris. If the foam rings are dry, use a few cc’s of Fox Suspension Fluid to saturate them.

  5. Wipe the upper tubes and slide the seals down into the lower legs. Carefully press the seals back into place. A thin flat-blade screwdriver can be used to press in between the upper tube and the fork brace. It is recommended that the blade of the screwdriver be covered with tape or a rag to prevent damage to the seal.

  6. Inspect to make sure the seal is firmly seated against top surface of the lower leg.

  7. Wipe off any excess oil and cycle the fork a few times to check for proper operation.

eng060