The 36 Podium Gold GRIP X from Fox is a high-performance suspension fork tailored for aggressive trail and enduro riding. Servicing this fork at regular intervals helps maintain optimal damping performance, smooth action, and overall longevity. This guide outlines a step-by-step procedure for at-home servicing, ensuring your fork operates with precision and consistency.

Tools Required

• 10mm and 15mm sockets
• Torque wrench [paid link] (capable of 5–20 Nm)
• 2.5mm and 5mm hex keys [paid link]
• Suspension oil (Fox 20wt Gold and Fox 5wt Teflon)
• Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
• Seal driver for 36mm stanchions
• Pick tool and syringe
• Rubber mallet
• Safety gloves and eye protection

Understanding the GRIP X Damper

The GRIP X damper system is an evolution of Fox’s GRIP cartridge, designed with increased mid-stroke support and externally adjustable rebound and compression. Unlike FIT4 or GRIP2, the GRIP X uses a coil-backed internal floating piston for better compliance, ideal for technical terrain.

Preparation and Safety Precautions

Before beginning the service, ensure the bike is securely mounted on a repair stand. Completely remove the fork from the frame to gain full access to internals. Carefully clean the fork legs, arch, and crown to eliminate any dirt that could contaminate the internals. Always depressurize the air spring using the valve at the top of the left stanchion before disassembly.

Lower Leg Service and Oil Bath Refresh

Regular lower leg maintenance should be performed every 30-50 hours of riding.

1. Remove the rebound knob from the bottom of the damper leg.
2. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the foot-nuts on both legs.
3. Gently tap the nuts with a rubber mallet to dislodge the shafts.
4. Slide off the lower legs, being careful not to damage the bushings or dust wipers.
5. Drain the old oil and clean the internals thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol.
6. Replace foam rings and lubricate them with fresh 20wt Gold oil.
7. Install new dust wipers using a proper 36mm seal driver.
8. Reassemble lower legs and torque foot-nuts to manufacturer specs (approx. 5.1 Nm).
9. Inject 20cc of 20wt Gold into each leg using a syringe.

Damper Inspection and Service

For the GRIP X damper, full service intervals are typically every 100-125 hours. While a complete damper rebuild may require a vacuum bleed tool, basic inspection and lubrication can be done at home.

• Remove the damper side top cap using a 2.5mm hex key [paid link].
• Check for oil contamination or discoloration.
• Lightly cycle the damper and observe for inconsistencies in compression and rebound strokes.
• Top up with Fox 5wt Teflon oil if levels appear low.
• Reinstall the top cap and torque to 5 Nm.

Air Spring Maintenance

The EVOL air spring on the 36 Podium Gold GRIP X provides progressive support, and servicing it ensures a plush beginning stroke.

• Unscrew the top cap on the air leg and remove the air shaft assembly.
• Clean and inspect the shaft, negative chamber seal head, and top-out bumper.
• Apply a light coat of suspension grease (Fox Float Fluid) on seals and O-rings.
• Reinstall the air shaft, ensuring proper alignment and no pinched seals.
• Torque the top cap to 18 Nm.

Reinstallation and Re-pressurizing

Once all components are reassembled:

• Reinstall the fork into the frame.
• Inflate the air spring to the recommended pressure based on rider weight and preference.
• Recheck all torques.
• Cycle the suspension a few times to redistribute the oil.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Some common post-service issues include:

• Harshness or topping out: Check oil volumes and damper bleed quality.
• Loss of travel: May indicate air trapped in the negative spring or improperly installed shaft.
• Excess oil leakage: Verify that foot-nuts are properly torqued and seals seated correctly.

Performance Customization Tips

To optimize the 36 Podium Gold GRIP X:

• Adjust the rebound dial to achieve 1-2 seconds of return from full compression.
• Fine-tune low-speed compression to manage mid-stroke support without compromising small bump sensitivity.
• Experiment with air pressure in 2-3 psi increments and assess bottom-out behavior.
• Consider volume spacer tuning for more end-stroke ramp-up.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain and Frame Components

The 36 GRIP X is compatible with:

• Tapered head tubes (1.5” to 1.125”)
• 110mm Boost axle spacing
• Up to 203mm post-mount disc brakes
• Standard and oversize headsets
• GRIP X is not cross-compatible with FIT4 or GRIP2 dampers due to internal differences

Model Comparison

Compared to the 36 GRIP2, the GRIP X offers simpler tuning with more compliance and is more suited for all-mountain riders. While GRIP2 provides more tunability for racing, GRIP X is easier to set up and more forgiving on variable terrain.

FAQs

1. How often should I service my 36 GRIP X fork?
Fox recommends a lower leg service every 30–50 hours and a full service every 100–125 hours of ride time.

2. Can I perform a full damper bleed at home?
While basic inspection and top-off are possible, a full GRIP X damper bleed requires specific vacuum tools not typically available at home.

3. What oil do I use for the GRIP X fork?
Use Fox 20wt Gold for the lower legs and Fox 5wt Teflon for the damper.

4. How do I know if my fork seals need replacing?
Signs include visible oil on stanchions after rides, reduced travel, or sticky fork action. Replace seals during each lower leg service for best results.

5. Is GRIP X better than GRIP2?
It depends on your priorities. GRIP X is more user-friendly and compliant, while GRIP2 offers more adjustability and is preferred by racers.

6. Can I install volume spacers in the GRIP X?
Yes, the GRIP X air spring supports volume spacer tuning to adjust ramp-up and bottom-out resistance.

Conclusion

Servicing the 36 Podium Gold GRIP X at home requires methodical attention and precision but yields a noticeable improvement in performance and fork longevity. By keeping your suspension components clean and well-lubricated, you preserve the smooth, controlled ride quality Fox is known for.