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Installing a 32 mm Fork

You can view a Flash video of the 32 mm New Fork Installation if you are installing the fork for the first time.

You can also view a Flash video of the 32 mm Replacement Fork Installation if you are replacing an existing fork.

Note:  This installation procedure also applies to FOX F29 forks.

FOX Racing Shox highly recommends that a qualified bicycle technician install your FOX fork on your bicycle. Improperly installed forks are dangerous, and can cause loss of control and serious or fatal injuries. Read this section in its entirety before beginning the installation process of your FOX fork.

To install a FOX 32 mm fork on your bicycle:
  1. Remove the old fork from the bicycle.
  2. Remove the crown race from the old fork.
  3. Measure the steerer tube length of the old fork. Transfer this measurement to your new FOX fork's steerer tube.

    Note:  If there is no old fork to measure by, cut the steerer to the proper length with the following procedure:

    1. Install the new fork on the bicycle using all of the headset parts. Use a crown race setter to install the crown race firmly against the top of the crown.
    2. Install the headset spacers (these might not be required) and stem on the steerer, and lightly tighten the stem clamp bolt(s).
    3. Mark the steerer tube with a scribe at the top edge of the stem.

  4. If it is necessary to cut the steerer tube, measure twice and cut once! It is recommended that a cutting guide be used when cutting the steerer tube.

    WARNING:  If the steerer has any nicks or gouges, the crown/steerer/upper tube assembly must be replaced. A nick or gouge can cause the steerer to fail prematurely, and cause loss of control of the bicycle and serious or fatal injuries.

  5. Remove the new fork from the bicycle and cut the steerer tube ~4-10 mm below the scribed mark. This ~4-10 mm of clearance allows room for the stem cap to lightly tension the headset, to eliminate any free play. Refer to your stem manufacturer's instructions to be sure there will be enough clamping surface for the stem.
  6. Use a flat file to de-burr the outer and inner top edges of the newly cut steerer tube.
  7. Install the star-fangled nut: with a star-fangled nut installation tool, install the star-fangled nut into the steerer to the proper depth (see the star-fangled nut installation depth drawing below).

    Note:  The total height of spacers used on a FOX steerer tube should never exceed 30 mm.

  8. Using a crown race setter to install the crown race firmly against the top of the crown.
  9. Install all headset parts and stem spacers (if these spacers are required).
  10. Torque the star-fangled nut to the stem manufacturer's specifications, and also torque the stem clamping bolt(s) to specification at this time.
  11. The headset should be so well adjusted that it turns freely without drag or free play.
  12. Re-install the brakes and adjust the brake pads according to the brake manufacturer's instructions.
  13. If your fork is a disc brake-only model, route the front disc brake hose through the supplied disc brake hose guide. The disc brake hose guide is assembled as shown in the drawings below.
  14. Tighten the M3 x 12 disc brake hose guide screw with a 2.5 mm-hex key wrench and torque to 8 in-lb (90 N-cm).
    Star-fangled nut installation depth

    Brakes

    Linear-pull

    Linear-pull brakes (i.e., V-brakes) can be used on FOX 32 mm forks equipped with brake posts. Install and adjust linear-pull brakes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test brakes for proper operation on flat land. Since FOX 32 mm forks use a hangerless lower leg design, cantilever style brakes cannot be used.

    Disc

    Disc brakes with 160 – 203 mm rotors can be used on FOX 32 mm forks. Do not use rotors larger than 203 mm. Install disc brakes and torque all fasteners according to manufacturer’s specifications.

    CAUTION:  IMPORTANT: the disc brake caliper mounting bolts must have 10-12 mm of thread engagement with the fork. Be sure these mounting bolts are torque wrench tightened to the manufacturer’s specification. In any case, the disc brake caliper mounting bolt tightening torque level must never exceed 90 in-lb.

    Install, route and check that all cables or hydraulic hoses are securely fastened to the lower leg and will not move during compression of the fork. It is recommended that new disc brake pads be installed to ensure proper alignment and to minimize drag. Test brakes for proper operation on flat land.


    CAUTION:  Torque calipers to brake manufacturer's specifications.

  15. Mount the front wheel. Check that the quick-release nuts sit in the fork dropout counterbores. The quick-release should engage four (4) or more threads. Close the quick-release with the lever in front of and parallel to the left fork leg.

    Tire Sizes

    For 26" Wheels

    FOX 32 mm forks will accept tire sizes up to 2.40 inches wide (e.g., WTB MotoRaptor 55/60, 26 x 2.40). Any tire larger than 26 x 2.30 must be checked for clearance using the following method.

    Determining correct tire size

    With the tire installed and inflated on the rim, measure the following three dimensions:

    Maximum Peak Tire Diameter = 686 mm = 27.00 inch

    Maximum Edge Tire Diameter = 652 mm = 25.67 inch

    Maximum Tire Width =   61 mm = 2.40 inch

     

    For 29" Wheels

    FOX F29 forks will accept tire sizes up to 2.30 inches wide (e.g., WTB MotoRaptor 55/60, 26 x 2.30). Any tire larger than 26 x 2.20 must be checked for clearance using the following method.

    Determining correct tire size

    With the tire installed and in?ated on the rim, measure the following three dimensions:

    Maximum Peak Tire Diameter = 744 mm = 29.29 inch

    Maximum Edge Tire Diameter = 713 mm = 28.07 inch

    Maximum Tire Width =   58.5 mm = 2.30 inch

     

    WARNING:  Do not use a tire if any measurement exceeds the maximum dimensions shown above. Using larger tires is not recommended and can cause serious or fatal injuries.


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