Changing the oil in your Fox 38 Performance Elite suspension fork is essential for maintaining performance, ensuring smooth travel, and prolonging the life of your fork. This guide walks you through the entire process, from the tools required to the final reassembly. The 38 Performance Elite is a high-performance enduro fork, and regular maintenance ensures it delivers consistent damping and trail sensitivity.
Tools Required
- 26mm socket and torque wrench [paid link]
- 10mm socket
- Allen wrenches [paid link] (2mm to 6mm)
- Oil height gauge or syringe
- Suspension oil (Fox 20wt. Gold and Float Fluid)
- Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
- Drain pan
- Rubber mallet
- Pick tool or flat-head screwdriver
- Nitrile gloves
Understanding the 38 Performance Elite Fork Design
The 38 Performance Elite fork is built with a GRIP2 damper and EVOL air spring. It features lower leg channels and bleeders, designed to optimize lubrication and air equalization. Because of this, it is critical to use the recommended oil volumes and types specified by Fox to maintain consistent damping and support characteristics.
Preparation and Safety
Before starting, clean the fork thoroughly to prevent contamination. Use isopropyl alcohol to wipe the stanchions and lowers. Remove the front wheel, brake caliper, and fork from the bike frame. Keep the workspace well-lit and organized. Lay down a clean surface to place parts and prevent dirt ingress.
Draining Old Oil
Begin by releasing air from the air spring using a shock pump. Unscrew the air cap and fully deflate the fork. With the fork removed and inverted, use a 10mm socket to loosen the foot nuts at the bottom of each leg. Leave them flush with the threads to protect them during the next step.
Gently tap the foot nuts with a rubber mallet to disengage the internal shafts from the lower legs. This frees the lower legs for removal. Once the shafts are disengaged, fully remove the foot nuts and allow the oil to drain into a pan. Slowly slide off the lowers while keeping the fork inverted to avoid oil splatter.
Cleaning Internals
Once the lower legs are removed, inspect the inside for any debris or oil residue. Clean them using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Use a pick tool to carefully remove the foam rings and soak them in new suspension oil. Ensure the wiper seals are intact and free from wear. Replace them if needed.
Also inspect the air spring and damper shaft ends for contamination. Wipe down exposed parts and avoid pulling or damaging any internal components.
Refilling with Fresh Oil
Fox specifies the following oil volumes for the 38 Performance Elite fork:
- 20cc of Float Fluid in the air spring side (left leg)
- 50cc of 20wt. Gold oil in the damper side (right leg)
Before reassembly, coat the foam rings with suspension oil and reinstall them into the lowers. Apply a light film of Float Fluid to the wiper seals for better sealing and reduced stiction. Slowly slide the lower legs back onto the fork, aligning them with the stanchions.
Once aligned, carefully push the lowers upward until the internal shafts protrude through the bottom holes. Reinstall the foot nuts using a torque wrench [paid link] set to Fox’s specification (usually 7.3 Nm). Tighten gradually to avoid cross-threading.
Reassembly and Final Checks
After torquing the foot nuts, reinstall the air valve cap and inflate the fork to the desired pressure using a shock pump. Fox recommends checking sag and setting air pressure according to rider weight and terrain.
Cycle the fork several times to ensure oil is properly distributed and no binding occurs. Reinstall the brake caliper and front wheel. Compress the fork to confirm smooth travel. Check for oil leaks around the foot nuts and wiper seals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Oil leakage after reassembly
This may indicate overfilling, improperly seated foot nuts, or worn seals. Disassemble and verify oil levels and torque specs.
Harsh or inconsistent damping
Improper oil type or contaminated damper oil can affect damping quality. Ensure only Fox-approved oil is used.
Unusual noises during compression
Gurgling or knocking sounds often stem from air mixed in oil. Allow the fork to rest upright for a few hours and cycle the suspension gently to re-seat oil.
Customization and Performance Optimization
Riders seeking to fine-tune the performance of their 38 Performance Elite fork can explore different oil weights or volume spacers, though these should remain within Fox’s recommendations to prevent damage. Lower leg oil changes every 30–40 riding hours help maintain optimal lubrication and reduce stiction.
Using high-quality lubricants and maintaining proper oil levels contribute significantly to the fork’s small bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support. Riders in muddy or wet climates may opt for more frequent service intervals.
Compatibility Considerations
The 38 Performance Elite is compatible with Fox GRIP2 and FIT4 dampers, and most Fox-specific axle and fender systems. Always verify that replacement oils, seals, and tools match the 38 model specifically. Using non-compatible oil volumes or seals can damage internals or void warranty coverage.
Do not substitute damper oil with general-purpose suspension fluid. The unique shim stack and bladder design in the 38 fork requires specific viscosity and additive profiles for reliable function.
Comparison with Similar Models
Compared to the 36 Performance Elite, the 38 features larger stanchions for improved stiffness, making it better suited for aggressive enduro or e-MTB applications. The 40 series is intended for dual-crown downhill setups, while the 34 is optimized for trail use.
The 38 balances stiffness and sensitivity, and oil maintenance intervals are slightly longer than lighter-duty models due to increased oil volume and seal capacity. For riders needing enduro-level control with tunable compliance, the 38 remains one of the most serviceable and customizable forks in its category.
Conclusion
Performing a DIY suspension fork oil change on the Fox 38 Performance Elite is a manageable task with the right tools and attention to detail. Regular lower leg service not only enhances ride quality but also extends the fork’s lifespan. Following the steps above ensures that your fork continues to perform at the elite level it was designed for, delivering consistent performance across all terrains.