The Fox 36 Podium Gold GRIP X is a high-performance suspension fork engineered for aggressive trail and enduro riding. Known for its adjustability and small bump sensitivity, the GRIP X damper inside the Fox 36 delivers consistent performance under diverse conditions. To maintain optimal function, a routine oil change is essential—every 30 to 50 riding hours, or sooner in muddy or wet conditions. This guide outlines the correct procedure for performing an oil change on the 36 Podium Gold GRIP X, focusing specifically on its unique internal layout and service requirements.
Tools Required
- 26mm socket (for top cap)
- 10mm socket (for foot nuts)
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Oil pan
- Rubber mallet
- Fox Gold 20wt lower leg fluid
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Clean lint-free rags
- Syringe (for measuring and injecting oil)
- Pick tool (for seal removal)
- Allen keys [paid link] (typically 2mm to 6mm)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Preparation and Safety Measures
Before starting, ensure the work area is clean and well-lit. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses to avoid contact with oil or debris. The bike should be secured on a stand with the front wheel removed. Depressurize the fork completely by removing all air using the Schrader valve. Always confirm the fork is fully deflated before attempting disassembly to prevent injury.
Removing the Lower Legs
To begin the oil change, the lower legs must be removed to access the damper and air spring assemblies.
Start by unscrewing the rebound knob using a small Allen key. Next, use a 10mm socket to remove the foot nuts located at the bottom of each leg. Gently tap the bolts with a rubber mallet to dislodge the internal assemblies from the lower legs. Place an oil pan beneath the fork to catch residual fluid. Slide the lower legs off slowly and allow any remaining oil to drain.
Clean the inner surfaces of the lower legs using isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag. Inspect the wiper seals and foam rings for wear or contamination. Replace them if necessary. Saturate the foam rings with fresh Fox Gold 20wt fluid before reinstalling.
Draining and Refilling the Damper Side
The GRIP X damper is a closed cartridge, and as such, doesn’t allow for user-serviceable internal changes without a full rebuild. However, you can change the bath oil in the damper side lower leg, which plays a key role in lubrication and performance.
After cleaning, refill the damper leg with 40ml of Fox Gold 20wt oil. Use a syringe for accuracy. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause hydraulic lock or leakage during compression.
Draining and Refilling the Air Spring Side
Similarly, the air spring leg also uses bath oil for lubrication. With the lower legs off, inspect the air spring shaft and clean thoroughly. Add 20ml of Fox Gold 20wt fluid to the air spring leg.
Make sure the oil is distributed evenly around the stanchion and seals.
Reinstalling the Lower Legs
Slide the lower legs back onto the stanchions carefully, aligning them evenly. Avoid forcing them into place. Once seated, reinstall the foot nuts and torque them to the manufacturer’s recommended specification (typically 5.1 Nm).
Reattach the rebound knob and ensure it clicks through its full range of adjustment. Pump the fork to check movement, then reinflate the air spring to your desired pressure setting.
Cleaning and Final Inspection
Wipe down the fork to remove any excess oil. Inspect the seals for proper fit and check that the fork cycles smoothly through its travel. Listen for any unusual noises and verify that no oil is leaking from the foot bolts or wiper seals. Test all external adjusters (compression, rebound, air) to confirm they function properly post-service.
Troubleshooting Post-Service Issues
Loss of Travel: If the fork does not extend fully after servicing, double-check air pressure and ensure the air spring was reassembled correctly. Confirm no overfilling occurred in the damper or air leg.
Oil Leakage: Leaks from the foot bolts often indicate loose fasteners or a damaged crush washer. Always use new crush washers when reinstalling bolts. Re-torque if necessary.
Stiction or Harshness: If the fork feels sticky or slow to respond, inadequate lubrication is often the cause. Check that the foam rings are saturated and ensure the correct oil volumes were used.
Customization and Performance Optimization
The 36 Podium Gold GRIP X can be tuned for specific rider weights and trail conditions. Riders may experiment with different oil weights or volumes to influence ramp-up characteristics and small bump compliance. However, Fox recommends adhering to their standard 20wt Gold fluid to maintain warranty compliance.
Changing air spring volume spacers also allows customization of bottom-out resistance. For those seeking a plusher ride, reducing compression damping via the GRIP X’s external adjusters may be beneficial. These tunable features, combined with regular maintenance, can dramatically improve fork sensitivity and consistency.
Compatibility with Other Components
The 36 Podium Gold GRIP X is designed to integrate seamlessly with Fox’s modern air springs and remote lockout systems. It is best paired with other components in the Performance Elite or Factory lines for balanced suspension characteristics. It’s compatible with both 15×110 Boost axles and modern tapered head tubes.
For drivetrain compatibility, the fork’s offset and axle-to-crown height suit aggressive trail geometries, often found on enduro setups with 1x drivetrains. Riders using alternative forks should ensure similar travel and offset to retain predictable handling.
Model Comparison: GRIP X vs. GRIP2
While both use similar chassis architecture, the GRIP2 damper offers more adjustment (high- and low-speed rebound and compression), making it ideal for racers seeking fine-tuned performance. The GRIP X, by contrast, favors simplicity and reliability, making it more suitable for riders who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it configuration.
The GRIP X also features an improved internal flow circuit over earlier GRIP models, enhancing mid-stroke support without the tuning complexity of GRIP2. Riders focused on weekend trail rides and enduro laps will find the GRIP X more than capable without the extra setup hassle.
Conclusion
Performing a DIY oil change on your Fox 36 Podium Gold GRIP X is a straightforward yet crucial maintenance task that significantly improves performance and longevity. With regular servicing, you can ensure your fork remains responsive, quiet, and efficient across a variety of trail conditions. Always follow manufacturer specifications for oil volume and torque settings to prevent damage and ensure consistent performance.