Question from Andree H.: I recently had to visit my dealer because my Fox Talas was leaking oil from the right fork leg. According to the dealer, the maintenance with Brunox Deo was the reason for the problem. Is it true that Fox does not approve this care product?
Response from Chris Trojer, Fox: We advise against the use of any care products for external use on our forks and shock absorbers. There are several reasons for this:
1. we do not know whether the product will attack the seals.
2. solvents contained in these products can damage the oil film on the stanchions or destroy the oil film through "evaporation".
3. the technical instructions for some care products in particular suggest that the customer only needs to apply the product without wiping it off again.
4. excessive use can "wash out" the lubricant in the seals.
5. very few customers remove these agents completely from the standpipes and seals. To do this, the standpipe must be polished with a soft cloth and the seal must be cleaned properly so that no dirt magnet forms above the seal, which puts unnecessary strain on the seal.
So how do you look after Fox suspension forks properly?
It is best to remove dust and dirt from the standpipe and seal with a soft cloth after every ride. If heavily soiled, wash with soapy water. Avoid high-pressure cleaners.
And very importantly: Turn the whole bike upside down once a week for 15 minutes so that the lubricating oil in the dip tubes runs back to the foam rings underneath the seal.
Stefan Frey
Editor
