Fox Float R Rear shock

_Ferret_
_Ferret_ Posts: 660
edited July 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Got a good question here.

My fox shock is about 4 months old. It's been riding like a dream and still is but it is now making a strange squelching sound that wasn't there before.
I noticed it when pummling downhill - sounds to me like air and oil mixing together. The shock is set up correctly - correct sag and like I said has been riding fine so I don't think it's an adjusment issue.
When I turn the rebound adjuster to slow the noise goes away, when I turn it to fast the noise is there again. I though that the rebound adjuster reduces the amount of oil volume in use therefore damping the system. Is it possible that I have lost oil inside the shock? I haven't noticed any oil leakage and except for the standard grease on the shaft it is toally clean.
Any ideas? sealing problem?
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Comments

  • xtremedash
    xtremedash Posts: 182
    I've had this with various air shocks/forks, as far as I can tell it is just the oil travelling through a small hole (your rebound damper). As far as I understood it changing the rebound setting changes the size/shape of the hole, thus changing the speed in which the oil can transfer and therefore the damping effect.

    Of course I couls just be talking rubbish, but I'm sure Nick or Sonic will be along shortly to confirm/improve on this.

    All this means is: No I don't think there's anything to worry about.
    If you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much room!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    I bet the noise has been there all the time.

    As the performance changed?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • _Ferret_
    _Ferret_ Posts: 660
    I'm positive the noise is new.

    It is not a normal air in oil noise - it is quite extreme and not something that I've heard on other people's shocks.
    It almost feels like the shock is rubbing somewhere...

    I've already taken it to one mate who is a bike mechanic and he told me this is not normal so I've taken it back to the shop to been checked out.

    Can't say I've noticed if the performance changed - I haven't ridden it since.
    Are there known problems with the internal sealing in the shocks? Production defects maybe?
    Not really active
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    if the performance has not changed then it is unlikely to be seals or valves.
    But again internet diagnosis is not easy. if the mechanic says it is oddd then go with that, as you have done, and please let us know what was up with it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • _Ferret_
    _Ferret_ Posts: 660
    just got a call from the bike shop - they don't have any idea what it is, they called Fox who were also not sure. But Fox say I can ride the bike this weekend and then send it in next weekend for a full check.
    I guess that means it's not critical - it just gets me worried that no-one can tell me what it is...
    Not really active

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