The Fox DHX Factory rear shock is a premium, high-performance component designed for riders who demand the best from their bikes. It’s engineered for downhill, enduro, and aggressive trail riding, offering incredible damping control and adjustability. To keep the DHX Factory rear shock functioning optimally, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. This guide will walk you through the tools needed, common maintenance tasks, troubleshooting tips, and more.

Tools Required

Before diving into maintenance, ensure you have the proper tools at hand:

1. Fox Shock Pump – For adjusting air pressure.
2. Torque Wrench [paid link] – To ensure all bolts are tightened to the recommended torque.
3. Allen Wrenches [paid link] – Typically sizes 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm for bolt adjustments.
4. Seal Kit – For replacing worn seals.
5. Suspension Oil – Recommended by Fox for optimal shock performance.
6. Clean Rags – For wiping down the shock during maintenance.
7. Small Brush – For cleaning debris from the shock body and damper area.
8. Grease – For lubricating specific areas as recommended by Fox.

Having these tools ready ensures a smooth servicing process for your DHX Factory rear shock.

Regular Maintenance: Key Tasks

Checking and Adjusting Air Pressure

The DHX Factory rear shock is an air-sprung shock, meaning it relies on air pressure for the proper suspension setup. To ensure optimal performance, you should regularly check and adjust the air pressure.

• Adjusting Air Pressure:
  • Attach the Fox shock pump to the air valve.
  • Check the pressure on the pump’s gauge and adjust to the desired PSI based on rider weight and riding style. Fox provides a recommended pressure range for different rider weights, which should be followed closely.
  • If needed, release air using the shock pump’s pressure-release valve, and then pump air back into the shock until you reach the desired PSI.
• Frequency: Check the air pressure before every ride, as it can fluctuate due to temperature changes or regular use.

Rebuilding the Shock

Over time, dirt, grime, and wear can affect the performance of the DHX Factory shock. Regularly servicing and rebuilding the shock will keep it functioning optimally.

• Disassembly:
  • Remove the shock from the bike using the appropriate tools to loosen the mounting bolts.
  • Carefully inspect the shock for any visible damage.
  • Remove the air canister and damper body, following the instructions provided by Fox. This process may require a specialized tool to disassemble the shock.
• Cleaning and Inspection:
  • Clean all parts of the shock, including the air can, damper body, and seals. Use a soft cloth or small brush to remove dirt and debris.
  • Inspect the seals for wear. If they appear cracked, frayed, or worn, replace them with new ones from a Fox seal kit.
• Rebuilding:
  • Lubricate the shock with suspension-specific oil as per Fox’s recommendations.
  • Reassemble the shock, ensuring that all parts are aligned and reassembled properly.
  • Tighten all bolts to the specified torque using a torque wrench [paid link].

Lubrication of Moving Parts

Lubrication is crucial for ensuring smooth performance and preventing wear on the DHX Factory shock.

• Apply grease to the mounting hardware, including the bushings and pivot points.
• Avoid over-greasing, as excess grease can attract dirt and grime.
• Regularly check for any sign of friction or squeaks, which may indicate a need for additional lubrication.

Inspecting and Replacing Seals

The seals on the DHX Factory shock prevent dirt and moisture from entering the internals, ensuring smooth operation. Worn or damaged seals can lead to air leakage, reduced damping performance, and increased wear.

• Inspection: Regularly check the seals for signs of wear, such as cracks or dirt buildup.
• Replacement: If seals are damaged, replace them using a Fox seal kit. Follow the service manual closely to ensure proper installation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Poor Damping Performance

If you notice that the shock feels less responsive or the damping is inconsistent, there may be an issue with the shock’s internal components or the air pressure.

• Check Air Pressure: Low or inconsistent air pressure can lead to poor damping performance. Ensure that the shock is correctly inflated as per Fox’s recommendations.
• Damaged Seals: Worn seals can allow air and oil to leak, causing inconsistent performance. Inspect and replace seals if necessary.
• Damper Fluid: If the shock hasn’t been serviced for a long time, the damper fluid might have degraded. A full rebuild, including replacing the oil, may be necessary to restore damping performance.

Air Leaks

If you experience a loss of air pressure, an air leak is likely the culprit.

• Inspect the Schrader Valve: The valve where the shock pump connects can wear out over time. Check for any visible damage or signs of wear.
• Check the Seals: The seals in the air can and damper body are critical to maintaining proper air pressure. Replace any damaged seals promptly.

Noisy Shock

A noisy shock can be a sign of several issues, including lack of lubrication, worn seals, or loose bolts.

• Lubrication: Ensure that all moving parts are adequately lubricated.
• Loose Bolts: Check that all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
• Seals: Worn seals can cause noise as air or oil leaks. Inspect and replace them as needed.

Customization and Optimization

To get the most out of your DHX Factory rear shock, consider these tuning and customization options.

Adjusting Rebound and Compression Settings

The DHX Factory shock allows for precise tuning of both rebound and compression settings. Adjusting these settings to match your riding style can significantly improve performance.

• Rebound: This controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compressing. Adjusting the rebound speed can help prevent the shock from bouncing excessively or feeling too stiff.
• Compression: This controls how the shock responds to impacts. Increasing compression will make the shock stiffer and better for high-speed descents, while reducing it will improve comfort and small bump sensitivity.

Volume Spacers

Fox’s DHX Factory shock allows for volume spacers to be added or removed to fine-tune the air spring curve. Adding volume spacers increases the overall progression of the shock, preventing bottom-out on large impacts.

• Use: Experiment with different spacer configurations to find the optimal balance between plushness and support.
• Effect: More spacers will stiffen the final part of the stroke, while fewer spacers will make the shock more progressive.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The DHX Factory rear shock is designed to be highly versatile and can be paired with a variety of other components. However, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your bike’s frame, fork, and other suspension components.

• Frame Compatibility: The DHX Factory shock is compatible with most full-suspension frames. Check your bike’s frame geometry and shock size specifications before installation.
• Fork Compatibility: For balanced performance, it’s best to pair the DHX Factory shock with a compatible Fox fork. This ensures that both front and rear suspension are tuned similarly.
• Drivetrain Compatibility: The rear shock’s settings, including its travel, are independent of your drivetrain, but ensure that your rear suspension setup doesn’t interfere with shifting or chain clearance.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Fox DHX Factory rear shock is crucial to keeping your bike performing at its best. Regularly checking the air pressure, inspecting seals, and rebuilding the shock when necessary will ensure that it continues to provide exceptional performance. By customizing the shock to your riding style and ensuring compatibility with your bike, you can unlock the full potential of your DHX Factory rear shock for a smooth and efficient ride.