The Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 suspension fork is engineered for aggressive trail and enduro riding, offering advanced tunability and stiffness. This guide provides a structured approach for inspecting your 38 Factory GRIP2 fork to ensure peak performance, safety, and longevity. Whether you ride frequently or prep for a big event, this routine inspection helps detect early wear and maintain fork integrity.
Tools Required:
- Allen wrenches [paid link] (4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Shock pump
- Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
- Suspension grease
- Digital caliper [paid link] (optional)
- Flashlight or inspection light
- Torque spec sheet for Fox 38 GRIP2
Visual and External Condition Inspection
Start with a thorough visual check. Carefully clean the exterior of the fork using a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Dirt and grime can obscure wear or damage signs.
Inspect the stanchions for scratches, dings, or scoring. Even minor abrasions can compromise the fork’s seals and bushings. Run a clean finger over the stanchions—any resistance or irregularity suggests a surface defect.
Next, examine the fork lowers for cracks near the arch and dropout areas. Damage in these zones often stems from hard impacts or improper mounting. Pay special attention to the brake hose routing and retention points, ensuring no rubbing or fraying.
Check Suspension Action and Travel
To test fork responsiveness, compress it by applying body weight while standing over the bike. The motion should feel smooth, with consistent resistance and full rebound. Any stickiness, noise, or hesitation might indicate dirty internals or dry seals.
Confirm the available travel using the o-ring on the stanchion. After a full compression, the o-ring should sit near the bottom of the travel range. If it doesn’t, internal air pressures or bottom-out settings may need adjustment.
Inspect Seals and Wipers
Seals are critical for preventing oil leaks and contamination. Check for visible oil around the dust wipers. A thin residue is acceptable, but pooled or dripping oil suggests seal failure. Wipers should sit flush against the stanchions without signs of cracking or lifting.
Move the fork through its travel and observe for oil seepage. Leaking oil could mean worn foam rings or excessive internal pressure due to temperature changes or improper servicing.
Steerer Tube and Crown Inspection
Ensure the steerer tube is free from corrosion or cracks. Remove the stem if necessary and inspect the area where the crown meets the steerer. Use a flashlight to check for hairline fractures around welds or machined interfaces.
Inspect crown bolts and pinch bolts on the lower legs. These should be tight and torqued to Fox’s specifications. Loose bolts may result in play or creaking, while over-torquing can damage threads or cause warping.
Axle and Dropout Alignment
Remove the front wheel to check the thru-axle threads and dropout interface. Axle threads should be clean and lightly greased. Reinsert the axle and torque it to specification to verify smooth threading and proper clamping.
Spin the front wheel and observe from the front to ensure alignment and absence of wobble. Misaligned dropouts or damaged axles can cause brake rub or inconsistent tracking.
Air Spring Pressure and Volume Check
Use a shock pump to measure current air pressure. Compare it against your preferred sag setting, adjusted for rider weight and terrain. Check for air leaks by listening closely after connecting the pump. A slow leak may stem from the Schrader valve or an internal air seal.
Inspect the air cap for debris. If air pressures drop frequently, consider a full air spring service or inspection of the air shaft and piston assembly.
Damper Function and Settings Verification
Turn all four GRIP2 adjustment knobs: high- and low-speed compression on the right leg, and high- and low-speed rebound on the left. Each click should be distinct. A missing or faint click can indicate internal wear or contamination.
Cycle the fork after setting adjustments and observe damping behavior. An overly fast or slow return suggests issues with rebound settings or oil degradation. For fine-tuning, compare current settings to baseline factory recommendations, adjusting according to ride preference and conditions.
Torque Check for Critical Fasteners
With a torque wrench [paid link], verify tightness of key fasteners:
- Crown bolts
- Brake mount bolts
- Thru-axle
- Air cap
Loose bolts can cause alignment issues, while over-tightening risks structural damage. Always follow Fox’s torque guidelines.
Assess Service Intervals and Record History
Review the last service date. Fox recommends lower leg services every 30-50 hours and full damper service every 100-125 hours, depending on usage intensity. Maintain a service log with hours, settings, and notes to track performance changes over time.
If unsure of the internal service status, schedule a lower leg service. Regular oil replacement and seal cleaning greatly extend the fork’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Conducting regular inspections of your Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 fork ensures safety, maximizes performance, and prevents long-term mechanical failures. By identifying wear early and verifying component integrity, riders can maintain confidence on aggressive descents and technical trails. Proper inspection combined with timely maintenance keeps your GRIP2 operating at its factory-tuned potential.