The Fox 36 Performance Elite suspension fork is a high-performance trail and enduro fork favored by aggressive riders seeking precise handling and reliable damping. While it’s engineered for rugged terrain and heavy use, regular maintenance is essential to maintain its responsiveness and longevity. This guide walks through the essential care tips and procedures specifically tailored for the 36 Performance Elite, including installation, adjustment, routine servicing, common troubleshooting, and compatibility insights.
Tools Required
- 26mm socket (for top caps)
- 10mm and 15mm sockets (for damper and air spring removal)
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Suspension-specific grease and fork oil
- Clean lint-free rags
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Seal driver kit
- Pick tool or flat plastic pry tool
- Suspension pump
- Allen key set (2mm to 6mm)
Initial Installation Guidelines
When installing the 36 Performance Elite, correct preparation and alignment are crucial. Begin by ensuring the steerer tube is cut to the appropriate length. Always leave a 3–5 mm gap below the top of the stem for headset preload.
Secure the crown race with even pressure using a crown race setter, and press the fork into the head tube, aligning spacers as needed. Be sure the star nut is properly installed and the headset preload is correctly set before torquing the stem bolts. Tighten axle hardware to Fox’s specified torque settings to prevent premature wear.
Air Spring Setup and Adjustment
The Float EVOL air spring in the 36 Performance Elite should be tuned according to rider weight and trail conditions. Start by checking Fox’s recommended PSI chart. After inflation, equalize the positive and negative air chambers by cycling the fork through 30% of its travel.
Fine-tune rebound using the red knob on the lower leg. Slower rebound improves control in technical descents, while faster rebound suits smoother terrain. Compression settings (Open, Medium, Firm) are managed by the black low-speed compression lever; Open is ideal for rough terrain, Medium for mixed, and Firm for climbing.
Routine Maintenance Intervals
To ensure consistent performance, Fox recommends the following service intervals for the 36 Performance Elite:
- Every 30 hours: Lower leg service.
- Every 100 hours or annually: Full damper and air spring service.
Lower leg service involves removing the fork lowers, cleaning, and replacing the bath oil and foam rings. Check the condition of dust wipers and replace them if necessary. For the air spring, inspect the shaft and piston for wear and apply fresh grease. When performing damper service, always refer to Fox’s exploded diagram to reassemble accurately.
Seal and Wiper Replacement
Worn or contaminated seals lead to oil loss and inconsistent damping. Replace the dust wipers and foam rings every 30–50 hours, depending on riding conditions. Use a seal driver matched to the fork’s stanchion diameter for proper seating.
Apply a thin layer of suspension-specific grease to the inside of the new seals to reduce friction. Pre-soak new foam rings in bath oil before installation to ensure immediate lubrication once reassembled.
Troubleshooting Setup Issues
Common setup problems with the 36 Performance Elite typically stem from incorrect air pressure, rebound misadjustment, or dirty internals.
If the fork feels too harsh or bottoms out frequently, verify air pressure against your weight and riding style. Excessive sag may indicate under-inflation, while spiking or top-out noise could suggest rebound is set too fast.
Stiction or sluggish rebound can be caused by dry foam rings or contaminated bath oil. Disassemble the lowers and check for grime accumulation. When dealing with uneven travel or inconsistent sag, inspect the air spring assembly for a leaking seal or stuck negative chamber.
Damper Optimization and Customization
The GRIP2 damper in the 36 Performance Elite offers independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound controls. Use the blue dials to adjust compression and the red dials for rebound.
To optimize the damper:
- Low-speed compression: Reduce pedal-induced bobbing.
- High-speed compression: Manage impacts from roots or rocks.
- Low-speed rebound: Affects recovery from small bumps.
- High-speed rebound: Tunes response to harsh, successive impacts.
Experiment with adjustments in small increments (1–2 clicks at a time) and always test ride after any change. Riders seeking a plusher feel on chattery trails may reduce high-speed compression and rebound.
Full Damper Service Overview
A full damper service requires draining and bleeding the damper circuit. Begin by removing the top cap and damper shaft. Use a vacuum bleeder if available to ensure a bubble-free oil fill.
After filling, cycle the damper shaft to remove trapped air and confirm consistent damping resistance. Incorrect bleeding can cause cavitation, leading to poor shock absorption and noise. Always use the specific damper oil weight recommended by Fox.
Air Spring Volume Spacer Tuning
Riders can customize progression by adjusting volume spacers. More spacers increase ramp-up at the end of the travel, preventing bottom-out. Fewer spacers result in a more linear feel, ideal for smoother trails.
To change volume spacers, deflate the air spring completely and remove the top cap. Add or remove spacers based on riding preference and re-torque to spec. Be sure to re-equalize the chambers before use.
Lower Leg Service Procedure
A lower leg service should be performed at least every 30 hours. Start by removing the fork lowers and draining the old bath oil. Clean stanchions and internals with isopropyl alcohol.
Replace foam rings and dust wipers if necessary. Reapply bath oil (Fox 20wt Gold or recommended alternative) and slide lowers back carefully to avoid damaging seals. Torque bolts evenly and test compression and rebound before riding.
Performance Tuning for Trail-Specific Needs
Depending on terrain, riders may wish to adjust the fork’s behavior for optimal performance. For rocky, high-speed descents, firm up high-speed compression and add rebound damping.
For smoother, flowy trails, open the compression circuits and use less rebound to allow the fork to remain active. Always balance air pressure with damping changes for a consistent feel.
Comparing 36 Performance Elite vs. Factory Series
The main distinction lies in the anodizing and damper tuning. While the Factory Series includes Kashima-coated stanchions, the Performance Elite uses black anodizing. However, both models share the same chassis and GRIP2 damper.
Riders seeking top-tier sensitivity and lowest friction may prefer the Factory version. But the Performance Elite offers nearly identical performance at a lower price, making it a better value for aggressive riders who prioritize function over finish.
Component Compatibility and Integration
The 36 Performance Elite fits modern trail and enduro bikes using 29” or 27.5” wheels. It is compatible with tapered head tubes and Boost spacing (15×110 mm axle). Ensure your bike’s head tube and axle dimensions match before installation.
This fork integrates seamlessly with Fox rear shocks using the same damper families, ensuring balanced front and rear suspension behavior when tuned in harmony.
Storage and Off-Season Care
When storing your bike, keep the fork upright and avoid compressing the suspension over long periods. Clean the stanchions and apply a light film of suspension lubricant to prevent seal dry-out.
Before the new season, perform a lower leg service and inspect air pressure. If the fork has been unused for several months, cycle the air spring to re-balance internal pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I service my Fox 36 Performance Elite fork?
A: Perform a lower leg service every 30 hours of riding and a full damper/air spring service every 100 hours or annually.
Q2: Can I use aftermarket seals on the 36 Performance Elite?
A: While some aftermarket seals may fit, it’s best to use genuine Fox parts to ensure durability and maintain performance.
Q3: Why is my fork making a squelching noise?
A: This could be due to air trapped in the damper or old bath oil. A full damper bleed or lower leg service is recommended.
Q4: How do I know if my fork needs volume spacers?
A: If you’re bottoming out too easily, add spacers. If the fork feels too firm at the end of the stroke, remove one.
Q5: Is the 36 Performance Elite compatible with coil conversions?
A: Fox offers coil conversion kits for some models, but verify compatibility with this specific chassis before proceeding.
Q6: Can I use the 36 Performance Elite on a hardtail?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with modern hardtails designed for aggressive riding, though damping may need adjustment to suit the lighter frame.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of your Fox 36 Performance Elite ensures not just longevity but also a smoother, safer ride. By understanding setup intricacies, addressing wear proactively, and customizing the damping to your terrain, you can unlock the fork’s full potential. Whether racing enduro or pushing limits on your local trails, this suspension fork will serve reliably—provided it’s maintained with precision and care.