[motard5]

My Fox Dropper transfer doesn’t always return to the top, sometimes sticking 3/4 of the way up.

1. Fox recommends a couple drops of Fox Float fluid to lubricate the seals. Would Slickoleum be okay instead? (It’s all I have)
2. What is everyone using to remove and retorque the large threaded post collar to access the seals? Fox says to retighten the collar to 12ftlbs, which seems quite high. Not quite sure what tool to use.

 

[thatalexguy]

I had a Fox Transfer with the same issue. slickolium/buzzys slick honey, etc solved the problem. I used a vice grip to open as I had didnt have an adjustable wrench big enough to loosen the collar. I tightened it back to relatively tight. 12ft/lb seem overkill. The vice grip chewed up the collar a bit. I could not find an adjustable wrench large enough. I recommend measuring the diameter of the collar and take a trip to the hardware store.

 

[comfycoaster]

Hopefully the seal lubrication works but I had to have my transfer warrantied twice this summer for that issue you described. The second time a seal actually snuck its way through the collar. My shop has been having a lot of customers getting their transfer's (all including mine were bought this year) warrantied due to bushing issues. Hopefully the process above fixes it and you are good to go, but just kind of a heads up if the issue returns. Good luck!

 

[thatalexguy]

Hopefully the seal lubrication works but I had to have my transfer warrantied twice this summer for that issue you described. The second time a seal actually snuck its way through the collar. My shop has been having a lot of customers getting their transfer's (all including mine were bought this year) warrantied due to bushing issues. Hopefully the process above fixes it and you are good to go, but just kind of a heads up if the issue returns. Good luck!

Thanks, I'll l keep that in mind if I start having the symptoms again. I had it happen earlier this year and used WPL shock lube. Worked for a bit but recently I had the issue come back. I ride often with a bike shop and askd the owner what to do and he recommended Slick Honey. It's been fine so far but it still not as smooth as it was when new. The post is due for its 125hr service soon along with the suspension. I have a 2020 Transfer Factory.

 

[motard5]

Thank you for the info gents. I ended up using a Husky (Home Depot) strap wrench per Doddy from GMBN. Easy and no damage. Unfortunately after throughly lubing and cleaning the stancion and around the seal, it seems to have made it worse. It returns most of the way, but now needs a ‘tug’ to extend fully. I retorqued the collar to even lighter at 3.5 ft-lbs as well, ruling that out. This is a MY2021 post with <50hrs, so unless it corrects itself over the next few rides, it’s going back to the dealer.

 

[294037]

That’s often a sign of low internal gas pressure so if it’s near new I would get it sent back to fox before mucking around with it too much

 

[Green Mountain]

I was having the sticky/slow return problem on a post < 2 months old. Took it in to the LBS that installed. He troubleshot it using Fox's online troubleshooter trying various cable adjustments, checking the collar and seatpost clamp, etc. Ended up loosening the collar and found the post was really sticky and in need of lubricant. Used a Fox recommended lube something like Judy butter. Put it all back together and it seems better than new. He did it all without removing. Having a Craftsman rubber wrench that looks like a oil filter remover except made out of rubber is required. Otherwise you will bugger up the collar.

 

[Jayem]

Having a Craftsman rubber wrench that looks like a oil filter remover except made out of rubber is required. Otherwise you will bugger up the collar.

Those are called strap-wrenches. We use them to remove rear shock air cans, amongst other things. Useful tool.