Fork Service: Suspension Maintenance Basics

Fork Service: Keep Your Suspension Smooth and Responsive

Suspension forks require regular maintenance to perform properly. Neglected forks become sticky, unresponsive, and eventually fail. This guide covers basic fork maintenance you can do at home and explains when professional service is needed.

Fork Service Intervals

• Every ride: Wipe stanchions clean, check for oil weeping
• Every 25-50 hours: Lower leg service (clean, inspect, re-oil)
• Every 100-200 hours: Full service (damper and air spring)
• Annually minimum: Even with low mileage, seals degrade

Signs Your Fork Needs Service

• Stiction or sticky feeling when compressing
• Oil visible on stanchions or lower legs
• Knocking or clunking sounds
• Inconsistent damping (too fast or too slow)
• Air spring losing pressure frequently
• Fork doesn’t return to full extension

Lower Leg Service (DIY-Friendly)

This basic service removes contamination and refreshes lubrication:

Tools Needed:

• Appropriate hex wrenches for your fork
• Suspension-specific oil (weight per manufacturer spec)
• Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
• Syringe for measuring oil
• Fork seal pick (plastic, non-scratching)

Step 1: Remove Lower Legs

1. Remove wheel from fork
2. Release air pressure completely (air forks)
3. Remove bottom bolts from lower legs
4. Gently tap bolt holes with plastic mallet
5. Slide lower legs off stanchions

Step 2: Clean and Inspect

1. Drain old oil from lower legs
2. Clean inside of lower legs with lint-free cloth
3. Inspect foam rings for damage or excessive wear
4. Clean stanchions thoroughly
5. Check stanchion surface for scratches or damage
6. Inspect dust seals for tears or hardening

Step 3: Reassemble with Fresh Oil

1. Saturate foam rings with suspension oil
2. Reinstall foam rings on stanchions
3. Slide lower legs back onto stanchions
4. Add specified amount of bath oil to each leg
5. Reinstall and torque bottom bolts to spec
6. Cycle fork several times to distribute oil
7. Re-pressurize air spring to desired setting

Oil Specifications by Brand

RockShox:

• Lower legs: 15ml per side, 0W-30 suspension fluid
• Check Trailhead app for model-specific specs

Fox:

• Lower legs: 10-20ml per side (model dependent)
• Use Fox Float Fluid or equivalent 20wt gold

Manitou/SR Suntour:

• Consult manufacturer documentation for specific amounts

When to Seek Professional Service

• Damper cartridge service or rebuild
• Air spring seal replacement
• Stanchion damage or scoring
• CSU (crown/steerer unit) issues
• Any service requiring specialized tools

Extending Fork Life

• Wipe stanchions after every muddy ride
• Store bike with fork compressed slightly
• Check air pressure weekly during riding season
• Apply small amount of suspension lube to dust seals monthly
• Address issues promptly before they cause further damage

Regular lower leg service takes about 30 minutes once you’re familiar with the process. This simple maintenance dramatically extends fork performance and lifespan while preventing expensive damper damage from contaminated oil.