10 EASY STEPS TO SWAP THE VOLUME SPACER IN YOUR FOX MTB SHOCK
SWAPPING VOLUME SPACERS IN YOUR FOX MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOCK
Dialing in the air volume on your suspension can make a big difference in the ride. Air volume has a big effect on the progressiveness of your suspension, so adding or removing spacers will change how your suspension feels throughout its travel. By adding these volume reducers, you can force your shock to resist bottoming out. For aggressive riders, this is a valuable tuning option. Fortunately, Fox offers some of the most tunable pieces of suspension on the market. In this “Garage Files” we will show you how to install volume reducers in your Fox shock.
STEP 1
This process can usually be done with the shock still on the bike. Clean the air can with isopropyl alcohol to make sure no contaminants will get inside.
STEP 2
Record your air pressure, then release the air completely. Make sure all air is out before you begin unthreading the air can.
STEP 3
Unthread the air sleeve. This can sometimes be done by hand. If it’s too tight, you may need a strap wrench to loosen it. The air can will unthread counterclockwise.
STEP 4
With the air can unthreaded, pull it down all the way to the end of the shaft body. You might feel a little resistance from the seals. Slide the bottom-out bumper and plate away from the eyelet assembly. You can use your fingers or blunt-ended tool that won’t scratch the surface of any of the parts.
STEP 5
Take the supplied Float Fluid from the tuning kit and apply a few drops to the spacer.
STEP 6
Take the desired volume reducer and press it into the eyelet until you feel it snap into place.
STEP 7
Slide the bottom-out damper and push it back into place.
![]()
STEP 8
Slide the air can back up and thread it back on until it is hand-tight.
![]()
STEP 9
Slide the O-ring back into place.
STEP 10
Open up the rebound all the way and then put pressure back into the shock. Cycle through a few times to properly equalize the system, then re-check the pressure. You may have to add a few more psi. Return your reboud to it’s previous setting, reinstall the valve cover and go hit the trails.
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET
MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION
Mountain Bike Action is a monthly magazine devoted to all things mountain biking (yes, that’s 12 times a year because we never take a month off of mountain biking). It has been around since 1986 and we’re still having fun. Start a subscription by clicking here or calling (800) 767-0345.
Available from the Apple Newsstand for reading on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Subscribe Here
