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Suspension Service for Fox/Trek thru-shaft shock?

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jgdblue

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I have been checking around, and the suspension servicing companies that I know of or have used before do not service the Fox/Trek thru-shaft shock due to the cost of the special tools required. It seems like the only option I can find is actually Fox, and their turnaround time is currently about a month.

Has anyone found a company besides Fox that will service that shock?

I have looked into swapping in a DPX2, but it looks like $600-$700 for the new shock and mounting hardware. That's 3 years of service costs on the original shock, which actually works pretty well for me.

Thanks in advance!
 
#5 ·
There's a difference between a service and a rebuild/overhaul. Services are simple, rebuilds are more "involved". What exactly is the OP looking for? A shop doesn't need special tools to service it, which leads me to believe he's asking for a rebuild/overhaul.
 
#6 ·
Just for clarity, I define 'service' as just that...service, not a rebuild. Service to me is basically removing the aircan, cleaning, inspecting and replenishing with fresh fluids. Perhaps replace seals or "O" rings if necessary. As a rule, I do not replace seals or "O" rings unless they are showing signs of leaking.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Sorry guys, I am referring to a full rebuild. With the amount of riding and use my suspension gets, I like to have it done yearly on my shock and fork. A full rebuild is not something I want to tackle myself, especially if there are special tools required that I likely won't use very often.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Since you guys brought up a service, are you talking about an air can service? If it's something I can do, I'll start there. Are there instrucional videos around? I couldn't find anything specifically for the thru shaft.
 
#9 ·
jgdblue said:
Since you guys brought up a service, are you talking about an air can service? If it's something I can do, I'll start there. Are there instrucional videos around? I couldn't find anything specifically for the thru shaft.
Click to expand...
I don't remember the exact details, since it's been awhile (swapped to DPX2) but an air can is an air can, pretty much.
 
#10 ·
jgdblue said:
With the amount of riding and use my suspension gets, I like to have it done yearly on my shock and fork.
Click to expand...
Each of us needs to determine how our ride intensity and frequency translates to the time necessary to perform a full rebuild. My personal take is performing regular service on a frequency that matches your fork or shocks needs, can significantly extend the need to perform expensive full-service rebuilds. Performing these rebuilds yourself is one thing, paying someone to do this is another. Paying for annual shock and fork rebuilds is not chump change.

jgdblue said:
Since you guys brought up a service, are you talking about an air can service? If it's something I can do, I'll start there. Are there instrucional videos around? I couldn't find anything specifically for the thru shaft.
Click to expand...
As previously mentioned, removing the aircan is easy and the fluid service, inspection and reassembly is basically the same.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
It's been a while since I posted this, anyone found any place that will service the thru shaft shock besided Fox? Even an air can service is impossible with the special tools required to remove the lower bolt mount. Fox's turnaround time is currently still 30 plus days, and my shock makes a significant clunk when it compresses, and a sucking sound when it rebounds. I have races and trips upcoming, so I don't want to be bikeless for a month, it's starting to look like my best option is to bite the bullet and buy a DPX2 and mounting hardware.
 
#15 ·
jgdblue said:
It's been a while since I posted this, anyone found any place that will service the thru shaft shock besided Fox? Even an air can service is impossible with the special tools required to remove the lower bolt mount. Fox's turnaround time is currently still 30 plus days, and my shock makes a significant clunk when it compresses, and a sucking sound when it rebounds. I have races and trips upcoming, so I don't want to be bikeless for a month, it's starting to look like my best option is to bite the bullet and buy a DPX2 and mounting hardware.
Click to expand...
The key is to hold the shock's shaft safely while unscrewing the lower mount. It won't work to just hold the air can as the shaft will rotate. Fox's tool holds the shaft, but nobody has the tool, and it costs $70+. I'm considering trying a rubber strap wrench on the shaft to hold the shock while I unscrew the lower mount. Any thoughts? Has anyone tried that?
 
#18 ·
Its much easier to just send it off to Fox. They turned mine around in ~2 days once they received it. They give you a date that it has to be to them by. I would say overall my bike was down for maybe 10 days once you factor in shipping.
 
#20 ·
How does the RE:AKTIV through shaft perform compared to the standard Float Factory? I have a chance to buy a Fuel EX specific Fox Factory with RE:AKTIV, but is the proprietary design worth the trouble of having to send it to Fox for rebuilding?
 
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