Feb 25, 2009 Stripping the Fox Float RL front fork to change the oil, clean it and give it a checkover. FOX Live Valve 2019 Live Valve Manuals for Download Live Valve FAQ. FORK- 2015 36 FLOAT 140mm-180mm and TALAS (up to 160mm) FORK- 2015 36 TALAS/VAN 170mm/180mm. Fox Shox Float RL Rear Shock user reviews: 3.3 out of 5 - 72 reviews. Read it's strength, weaknesses, find deals and pricing - mtbr.com.
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FLOAT RL
Installing Your Fork | Before You Ride | Setting Sag | Adjusting Rebound | Locking Out the Fork | Changing Travel | Service Intervals | Important Safety Information
weight | 3.81 lbs./1.73 kg |
travel | 5.5 in. / 140 mm |
features/adjustments | lockout, air spring pressure, rebound |
spring/damper type | air/open bath |
intended use | all-mountain, cross-country |
color | FLOAT Gold |
Be sure your fork is properly installed before proceeding. Clicking on the link above will take you to a new page.
Before You Ride
Check that quick-release levers are properly adjusted and tightened.
Clean the outside of your fork with soap and water and wipe dry with a soft dry rag. Do not spray water directly on the seal/upper tube junction. Do not use a high pressure washer on your fork.
Inspect entire exterior of fork for damage. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Please contact your local dealer or FOX Racing Shox for further inspection and repair.
Check headset adjustment. If loose, adjust according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Check that brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
Check that the front and rear brakes operate properly on flat land.
Setting Sag
You can also view a Flash video on Setting Sag.
To get the best performance from your fork, it is necessary to set and adjust sag. Generally, sag should be set to 15 – 25% of total fork travel.
Unscrew the blue aircap (shown below) on top of the left fork leg to expose the Schrader valve.
Fox Float Rl Rebuild Kit
Attach a FOX Racing Shox High Pressure Pump to the Schrader valve.
Using the Air Spring Settings table below, pump your fork to the appropriate setting = 4 && typeof(BSPSPopupOnMouseOver) 'function') BSPSPopupOnMouseOver(event);'>using the FOX High Pressure Pump, then remove the pump.
Install a zip tie with light friction on the upper tube and push it down until it contacts the fork seal.
Carefully sit on the bike and assume a normal riding position. The fork should compress slightly.
Being careful not to further compress the fork, dismount the bicycle. Measure the distance between the seal and the zip tie. This distance is sag.
Compare your sag measurement to the Sag Setup table below.
If your sag is lower than on the table, screw on the pump fitting, note the current air pressure setting and depress the black bleed-valve to reduce the gauge pressure by 5 psi. Measure sag again and repeat adjustment, if necessary.
If your sag is higher than on the table, screw on the pump fitting, note the current air pressure setting and pump to increase the gauge pressure by 5 psi. Measure sag again and repeat adjustment if necessary.Screw the blue aircap back on, and go ride.
AIR SPRING SETTING guidelines | |
Rider Weight | Air Pressure |
< 125 lbs. | 45 psi |
125 - 135 lbs. | 50 psi |
135 - 145 lbs. | 55 psi |
145 - 155 lbs. | 65 psi |
155 - 170 lbs. | 75 psi |
170 - 185 lbs. | 85 psi |
185 - 200 lbs. | 95 psi |
200 - 215 lbs. | 105 psi |
215 - 230 lbs | 115 psi |
230 - 250 lbs. | 125 psi |
sag setup | ||
Travel | XC/Race FIRM | All-Mountain PLUSH |
100 mm (4') | 15mm (5/8') | 25mm (1') |
140 mm (5.5') | 21mm (7/8') | 35mm (1 3/8') |
sag troubleshooting | |
Symptom | Remedy |
Too much sag | (+) air pressure in 5psi increments |
Too little sag | (-) air pressure in 5psi increments |
Excessive bottoming | (+) air pressure in 5psi increments |
Harsh ride; full travel not utilized | (-) air pressure in 5psi increments |
Adjusting Rebound
The rebound knob (shown below) is located on the top of the right fork leg, and has 12 clicks of adjustment. Rebound controls the speed at which the fork extends after compressing. Turning the knob clockwise slows down rebound; turning the knob counterclockwise speeds up rebound. As a starting point, turn the rebound adjuster knob all the way clockwise (full in) until it stops, then turn counterclockwise (out) 6 clicks.
Knob Setting | Setting Description | Tuning Tips | Setup Tips |
1 | Slow Rebound | Too slow and your fork will pack down and ride harsh. | If you increase your spring rate or air pressure, you will need to slow down your rebound |
6 (Factory setting) | Average Rebound | ||
12 | Fast Rebound | Too fast and you will experience poor traction and wheel hop. | If you decrease your spring rate or air pressure, you will need to speed up your rebound setting. |
Locking Out the Fork
The blue compression lockout lever is located below the red rebound adjuster knob. It allows the rider to close the compression damping circuit in the fork. This keeps the fork at the top of its travel, making it harder to compress.
Rotate the lever fully clockwise to lockout the fork. This position is useful in climbing and sprinting situations, but will sag with the rider’s weight. The fork will 'blowoff' in the event that a big hit is encountered with the fork locked out.
To unlock the fork, simply rotate the lever fully counterclockwise.
Changing Travel
Travel on your FLOAT fork can be changed by rearranging the internal travel spacers. After changing travel, check the fork for proper operation before riding. If there is noticeable play in the fork or if it makes strange noises, disassemble the fork and check for complete number and correct orientation of spacers.
FLOAT forks can be reduced in travel, but they cannot be increased in travel beyond 140mm.
Tools Required for Travel Change
26mm 6-sided socket
10mm socket
Small screwdriver
Torque wrench
Oil drain pan
Plastic-faced hammer
Measuring container w/ cc or mL increments
Supplies Required for Travel Change
Learn how to use the FOX High Pressure Pump
Supplies REQUIRED | ||
Quantity | Part Number | Part Name |
1 | 025-03-004-A | 1 qt. bottle of FOX Suspension Fluid (7 wt.) |
1 | 025-03-002-A | 5cc Pillow Pack of FOX FLOAT Fluid |
2 | 241-01-002-C | Crush washer |
1 | 803-00-078 | 32MM Cartridge Seal Kit (optional) |
2008 Fox Float Rl Manual Transmission
Remove the blue air cap from the top of the left fork leg. Let the air out of the fork. Remove the left top cap with a 26mm socket 6-point socket wrench.
Loosen the bottom nut 3-4 turns with a 10mm wrench. With a plastic mallet, gently tap the bottom of the shaft to disengage it from the lower leg. Allow oil to drain into a bucket. Remove the bottom nut and crush washer.
Compress the fork as much as possible. The air piston will be visible about one inch below the top of the upper tube. Push the bottom of the air shaft upwards to push the air piston out of the top of the upper tube. Use a long, thin shaft screwdriver to push the bottom of the air shaft up through the hole in the bottom of the lower leg.
Pull the air-shaft assembly from the fork. Refer to the drawings below and add or remove the appropriate number of 20mm spacer(s) to achieve the desired travel.
Spacers snap onto the air shaft between the negative spring guide and topout plate, as shown in the travel spacer orientation drawing below.
Lubricate the U-cup seal on the air piston with FOX FLOAT Fluid and re-install the air shaft assembly into the upper tube. Be sure to orient the U-cup seal as shown in the Seal Orientation drawing below.
Push the shaft until it approaches the bottom hole of the fork. Do not push the shaft all the way through the bottom hole.
Turn the fork upside down. Measure and pour 30cc of FOX Suspension Fluid through the bottom hole.
Push the air shaft assembly up until the shaft comes through the bottom hole. Install the crush washer and bottom nut. Torque to 50 in-lbs.
Turn the fork right side up. Pour 5cc of FOX FLOAT Fluid on top of the air piston.
Lubricate the o-ring on the air topcap with FOX FLOAT Fluid.
Re-install the topcap and torque to 165 in-lbs.
Pump up the fork to the desired pressure and cycle it several times to check for proper operation.
Re-install the blue air cap.
You’re done. Go ride.
Travel Spacer Orientation
Seal Orientation
Ensure that the lip on the air piston seal is at the top.
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