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Front Fox shocks - leak?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi,
I have a relatively new Specialized stumpjumper. (approx 100km on it).
I noticed this afternoon the pressure in the front forks was super low.
On the left hand front shock I could feel a slight lubricant.
Wondering if this is a leak? I am new to the shock system and thus wondering what this might be?
I have since pumped up the shock and tested for rapid drop in pressure. I did notice it would drop about 5 psi after pumping the front fork about 10 - 20 times.
Any advice, thoughts etc would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ben
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Not too helpful about the overall problem I'm afraid but:
- A little oil on the fork stanchions is not unusual, in fact is probably beneficial, only if it becomes a lot is it an indication of a problem. A just noticeable thin film would be about right I reckon, especially on a new fork.
- If your 5PSI drop is after attaching the pump then that's just air leaving the fork into the pump, even if the loss is while you have the pump on it might be air equalising between pump and shock, maybe...
For your actual problem check out the Fox website itself for technical help, or mtbr for evidence of others with a similar problem, or call the LBS that sold it to you.
Maybe try pumping it up to normal pressure then riding for a few days, and if it loses more than about 5PSI then it might need remedial work.
Will try that out and see if the pressure drops over the coming week.
I was trying to spare you but you may have blown a seal, if there's a smell of fish, unexplained salty rubber balls and oh my god I'll get my coat...
But seriously, leaking seals are an easy fix at any competent LBS if that's actually your problem.
Do you need to pump up the shocks? Every 5 - 10 rides?
I assume over time the pressure will eventually start to decrease. Is this correct?
Thanks
I thought that may be the case. I will have a look at it again tomorrow. I only noticed it today when I went to ride up the road and the shocks kept almost bottoming out. I put on the pump and it was sitting at <50psi.
What sort of $$ involved to fix a seal?
Can't recall a fishy smell, however I wasn't checking that out at the time.
I will put on the dr coat in the morning and check her out.
Thanks Matt.
I don't think you'd be up for much cash, if any, surely the shop you bought it from should stump up if it's only got 100k's on it, things shouldn't go at that distance. Somebody wiser than I will know for definite but it may be a warranty condition that Fox shocks have to go back to Dirt-Works for service, they're in NSW I think so shouldn't take too long.
50PSI isn't that low for a front shock's pressure, though admittedly I've never tinkered with Fox's, I run Lyriks at not much over that pressure and I weigh 12 stone, and if you had them at say 60PSI originally it's possible that putting the pump back on it would read 50.
Could it be that the shocks haven't been set up with a high enough pressure in the first place? Check the recommended pressures in your shock's manual, set to that and then make sure the sag on your shock is about right and readjust if necessary.
Ta,
Matt.
Should this end up being a seal I'm sure you should be able to get this sorted under warrantee if that's all the km's done. I had an issue with my Fox Forks also on 2007 Stumpy and shop I bought it from took care of it - all I had to cover was the freight to Dirtworks
Thanks Matt and Harry. Highly appreciated guys. I will have a look into this today and if no good will speak with the shop where purchased from.