Regular suspension fork inspection is crucial for ensuring consistent performance and longevity. The Fox 38 Performance Elite is a high-performance enduro fork designed to handle aggressive terrain, and proper maintenance is essential to preserve its responsiveness and structural integrity. This guide provides an expert-level walk-through of how to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot the Fox 38 Performance Elite, with clear instructions on installation adjustments, compatibility, and performance tuning.
Tools Required
- 4mm and 5mm hex keys [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Shock pump
- Suspension oil (Fox 20wt. Gold or specified)
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Clean microfiber rags
- Pick or seal puller tool
- Digital caliper [paid link] (optional)
- Suspension grease (silicone-based)
Initial Visual Inspection
Start by wiping down the fork with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Inspect the stanchions for any scratches or wear marks. These should be smooth and free from blemishes. Examine the seals and dust wipers at the base of each stanchion for signs of cracking, dryness, or oil leakage, which could indicate worn or degraded components.
Next, inspect the lower legs and arch for any impact damage, cracks, or bends. Pay attention to the anodized coating for discoloration or abrasion that may suggest excessive wear or contamination.
Installation Checkpoints
Ensure that the fork is mounted correctly in the headset. The Fox 38 Performance Elite uses a tapered steerer tube. Verify that the crown race is seated flush on the headset bearing and the top cap is torqued according to manufacturer specs (typically 5.5 Nm). The stem must clamp evenly without gaps.
The thru-axle should thread in smoothly and be torqued to 19.7 Nm. Improper torque can cause axle slippage or fork misalignment. Confirm that the front wheel is centered within the dropouts and the rotor does not rub against the brake caliper.
Functional Inspection and Sag Setup
Use a shock pump to check the air pressure in the EVOL air spring chamber. Refer to Fox’s rider weight chart to verify correct PSI for your weight. Once set, bounce the fork a few times to equalize pressure between positive and negative chambers.
Adjust sag by donning full riding gear and standing in attack position on the bike. Slide a zip tie onto the stanchion and compress the fork. Measure the distance traveled and ensure it falls within 15–25% of total travel (approximately 22–37mm for a 160mm fork). Adjust air pressure if necessary to fine-tune sag.
Damping System Inspection
Test the compression and rebound adjusters. The Fox 38 Performance Elite features a GRIP2 damper with High/Low-Speed Compression (HSC/LSC) and High/Low-Speed Rebound (HSR/LSR) controls. Turn each knob through its full range and note any irregular resistance or sticking, which may signal contamination or internal wear.
Ride slowly and test rebound response. If the fork extends too quickly or slowly despite settings, the damper may require service. Uneven damping or squelching noises are signs of fluid degradation or air intrusion.
Lubrication and Seal Inspection
Lower leg service is recommended every 30–50 hours of riding. Remove the lower legs by first releasing the air pressure, then unscrewing the foot bolts. Use a soft mallet to tap the bolts and disengage the lower legs.
Inspect foam rings and seals. Clean them thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol and replace them if hardened or contaminated. Lubricate new seals with suspension grease and soak foam rings in 20wt. Gold oil. Reinstall lower legs carefully to avoid seal damage.
Torque the foot bolts to 7.3 Nm and inject fresh oil into the bath (typically 20cc per leg). Recheck the fork’s smoothness and re-pressurize to the original air setting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Excessive Stiction: If the fork feels sticky or slow to compress, clean and re-lubricate the stanchions and seals. Replace worn seals and confirm proper oil volumes.
Harsh Compression: Ensure compression settings are not maxed out. Back off both HSC and LSC by a few clicks. Check for low air pressure or overfilled oil baths.
Fork Dive or Bottom-Out: Increase air pressure and adjust LSC. For frequent bottom-outs, consider adding air volume spacers to reduce air spring progression.
Rebound Packing: If the fork doesn’t return fully after multiple compressions, increase rebound speed or service the damper if settings fail to improve response.
Compatibility Overview
The Fox 38 Performance Elite is compatible with:
- 29” wheels (some models also support 27.5” with reduced offset)
- 180mm to 203mm rotors via Post Mount caliper
- Boost 110mm front hubs
- Tapered 1.5” to 1-1/8” steerer tubes
- Most modern enduro and trail frames with 44mm or 56mm head tubes
This fork does not support non-Boost hubs or quick-release axles. Always check frame clearance when running large-volume tires.
Performance Optimization
Tuning the GRIP2 damper allows significant customization. For technical trails, run a slower rebound and moderate high-speed compression to absorb large hits. For flowy trails, reduce low-speed compression and increase rebound for faster terrain recovery.
Air volume spacers can fine-tune ramp-up. Removing spacers makes the fork more linear, while adding spacers increases mid-to-end stroke support. Most riders benefit from 2–3 spacers for aggressive riding.
The Fox 38’s stiffness can be enhanced using a bolt-on fender and torque cap-compatible hubs. These additions improve tracking and reduce flex during hard cornering.
Comparison with Similar Forks
Compared to the Fox 36, the 38 offers increased stiffness due to larger stanchions and a beefier crown. While the 36 may be lighter and better suited for trail riding, the 38 shines in enduro and downhill segments.
Against the RockShox ZEB, the Fox 38 provides more tuning range via the GRIP2 damper and generally smoother small bump sensitivity. However, ZEB forks may have a slight weight advantage and easier maintenance via tool-free air spring removal.
Conclusion
Routine inspection of the Fox 38 Performance Elite suspension fork is critical for ensuring peak performance and safety on the trail. By following this guide, riders can confidently service and optimize their fork, addressing any issues proactively before they become major problems. Regular maintenance not only extends the fork’s lifespan but also guarantees consistent ride quality.