Many manufacturers specify ridiculously short service intervals for their suspension elements. According to the manufacturer, some suspension forks on mountain bikes should be retreaded every 50 hours. Is this really necessary? The fact is that suspension forks actually perform worse after the first 50 hours of operation than when they were new.
When braking or steering, high forces act on the MTB fork, causing it to twist. In order for a suspension fork to still be able to spring, the fit between the bushings and the sliding surfaces on the stanchions must be relatively loose. The dust wipers are also only slightly in contact with the sliding surfaces of the stanchions. This means that the fork is only moderately sealed. As a result, dust and dirt from the outside can easily get into the inside of the fork casting. Conversely, lubricating oil can also escape from the inside of the fork via the dust wipers. Either way, the function of the fork decreases from ride to ride.
However, this does not mean that the entire fork needs to be serviced. This is because modern damping cartridges have hardly any abrasion and therefore only very little wear. In addition, the oil circuit of the damping cartridge is completely separate from the increasingly contaminated lubricating oil in the casting. The damping oil therefore lasts significantly longer than the lubricating oil.
Experience has shown that servicing a fork every 50 operating hours would be excessive. However, if you replace the lubricating oil regularly, you can enjoy a smoothly responding suspension fork for longer. The so-called small fork service only takes about 20 minutes for experienced mechanics and can be carried out without special tools.
Bike hacks for suspension forks: do-it-yourself tips & tricks
If you don't want to dismantle your fork or send it for servicing, you can improve the response behaviour of your MTB suspension fork in the short term with these simple tricks. In the long term, however, a proper service is essential.
Tip: Fill with oil via the dust wiper
If you do not want to open the fork, you can also add a small amount of lubricating oil from the outside. But be careful not to scratch the coating of the sliding surfaces. To do this, push the pointed end of a cable tie as far as possible (approx. 2 cm) between the dust wiper and the stanchion tube and then press to the side. This creates a small gap. Drip some fork oil into this gap using a syringe. Problem: The dirt remains in the fork.
Tip: Turn your MTB upside down
If a bike is left standing for a long time, the lubricating oil collects at the bottom of the casting. If the bike is turned upside down overnight, the lubricating oil in the fork runs to the dust wipers and soaks the foam rings located there. If there is still enough lubricating oil in the fork, this improves the response behaviour in the short term. However, the dirt remains in the fork.
MTB shocks: When is a service necessary?
You can save yourself a small service for the rear shock on your mountain bike. Because the rear shock flexes significantly less than the fork, it can be better sealed at the factory without compromising its function. Anyone who has ever opened the air chamber of their rear shock will probably not have found any dirt from the trail inside. We therefore recommend opening the shock together with the fork once a year for a major service in a professional workshop to give. The damping oil and all associated seals are replaced there.
If, despite regular maintenance and optimum adjustment, the shock on your MTB fully is not utilising its full travel or is constantly bottoming out, you can adjust the spring curve with volume spacers. We show you how to do this here: Tuning MTB shocks with volume spacers (how-to guide with video).
When is a major suspension fork service necessary and what does it involve?
With a little practice, hobby mechanics can do the small service on the MTB suspension fork themselves. How often this is necessary depends on the mileage. However, you can't avoid the major service. The experts explain here how to recognise whether the fork and shock need to be overhauled and what happens during this process.
BIKE: The small fork service only involves changing the fork's lubricating oil. What happens during the major service?
Carsten Wollenhaupt: All the seals in the air unit are also replaced and relubricated. The oil in the sealed damping cartridge and the damping seal head are replaced. The lubricating oil, dust seals and foam rings are also replaced, as with the minor service. We clean the standpipes and remove old grease residue.
Is it possible to carry out the major service on the fork and damper at home in your own workshop?
The tools and spare parts are freely available. However, you should know what you are doing. For the damper, you also need nitrogen for a major service. You don't normally have this at home. In short, you can do the major service yourself in both cases. If you have never done this before, I would still recommend going to a service centre.
How do you realise that a mountain bike suspension needs a workshop?
Loss of air, poor response behaviour (minor service) or "slurping" noises during suspension are sure signs that a service is worthwhile.
Will I lose the warranty if I carry out the small service on the MTB suspension fork myself?
No. If the service is carried out professionally by yourself or by a workshop, the manufacturer's warranty remains valid.
Statement from Elmar Keineke, Fox Racing Shox:
Regular servicing is a matter of course for motorcyclists. Strangely enough, it's different for bikers. Seals and oil wear just as much here. There are two reasons in favour of a service every 125 hours or annually: 1. it guarantees maximum performance and more fun on the trail. 2. to maintain the value of the suspension elements.
Statement from Marcus Klausmann, service provider:
My tip: Clean the fork and shock regularly. Be careful when washing - apply little pressure and never hold the seals. Then wipe the wiper rings and stanchions dry with a cloth. Apply a few drops of fork oil - but without additives such as Teflon etc. However, I would not do without the major service. Frequent riders annually, otherwise every two years.
Statement from Hans-Peter Ettenberger, BIKE workshop:
The manufacturer's specifications seem exaggerated to me. How should I count the working hours of the suspension elements? Using a logbook? The conditions are much more decisive. Dust and mud put the most strain on bushes and seals. After every season I do the small suspension fork service myself. I ride well with it. I send the fork and shock in every three years.
Suspension forks & MTB shocks: providers for the big service
Provider | Price for major fork service/damper service (as of February 2023)
Anyrace | from 145/129 Euro
Damper clinic | from 110/100 Euro
Flat Out Suspension | from 115/125 Euro
Flowfactory | from 129 euros each
Fox Service Centre | 144/122 Euro
Klausmann Suspension Service | from 135/129 Euro
MRC Trading | from 129 euros each
Rockshox Service Centre | approx. 140 euros each | Only available from specialist dealers or bike manufacturers
Rockshox Service | from 125 euros each | via Sport Import distribution
Suspension centre | from 109 euros each
88+ (Cannondale Lefty only) | from 119 euros each
