The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock is a high-performance shock designed for downhill and enduro riders who demand the best in terms of durability and performance. Regular servicing of the DHX2 is essential for maintaining its smooth operation and ensuring your bike performs at its peak. In this guide, we’ll cover the tools you need, as well as detailed steps on servicing, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing the shock for better performance.
Tools Required
Before beginning the servicing process, ensure that you have the following tools at your disposal:
- Torque wrench [paid link] (for accurate tightening of bolts)
- 8mm and 10mm hex wrenches
- Snap ring pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Shock pump
- 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- Rags for cleaning
- Suspension fluid (Fox Float Fluid recommended)
- 5w-30 synthetic oil for damper side
- Replacement seals and O-rings
- Needle nose pliers
- Grease (light grease recommended)
- Air compressor (for air sleeve maintenance)
Servicing the DHX2 Factory Rear Shock
1. Preparation and Safety
Before starting any work, make sure the bike is secure in a work stand. Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself while servicing the shock. Ensure that the bike is fully supported to avoid any accidental drops or damage.
2. Removing the Rear Shock
Start by releasing any air pressure in the shock. Use a shock pump to slowly release the air from the air chamber. After that, remove the shock from the frame by undoing the mounting bolts. Keep track of all hardware and washers to ensure proper reassembly.
3. Cleaning the Shock
Thoroughly clean the shock with a rag to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to the air sleeve area, as dirt can cause wear on the seals and affect the performance of the shock. Be cautious not to use any abrasive materials that could damage the shock’s finish.
4. Disassembling the Shock
Disassemble the shock by removing the air sleeve. Use snap ring pliers to safely remove the snap rings and take off the air sleeve. This will expose the damper shaft and allow you to inspect the internal components. Remove the damper shaft and piston assembly carefully.
5. Inspecting and Replacing Seals
Inspect all seals and O-rings for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If any seals are compromised, replace them with genuine Fox replacement seals. Ensure that all surfaces are smooth and free from dirt or debris before installing the new seals.
6. Cleaning the Internal Components
Use a clean rag to wipe down the damper shaft, piston assembly, and other internal components. Take special care to avoid contaminating any of the internal parts with oil or grease, as this can negatively affect the performance of the shock.
7. Lubricating and Reassembling the Shock
Lubricate the seals and O-rings with a small amount of suspension fluid before reassembling the shock. This helps to reduce friction and wear. Reassemble the shock in reverse order of disassembly, making sure to torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Reinstalling the Shock
Once the shock is reassembled, reinstall it back onto the frame. Tighten the mounting bolts to the correct torque value. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the shock or the frame.
9. Inflating the Shock
After reinstalling the shock, use a shock pump to inflate the air chamber to the desired pressure. The pressure settings depend on your weight, riding style, and preferred shock performance. Consult the Fox manual for recommended air pressure settings based on your specifications.
Troubleshooting Common DHX2 Issues
1. Lack of Rebound Control
If you’re noticing that the rebound setting doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, it could be due to a lack of proper lubrication in the damper assembly or a worn-out damper seal. Ensure that all internal components are clean and well-lubricated, and replace any worn seals.
2. Low Air Pressure
If the shock is sagging or you’re not getting the proper amount of suspension travel, it may be due to low air pressure. Check for any leaks in the air chamber and ensure that the air valve is properly sealed. If you suspect a leak, inspect the seals and replace them as necessary.
3. Excessive Oil Leakage
If you notice oil leaking from the shock, this could indicate a problem with the damper seals or O-rings. Check the seals for any damage and replace them with new ones. Additionally, ensure that the damper cartridge is properly sealed and tightened.
4. No Compression Dampening
If you experience poor compression damping or a lack of support, this could be due to worn-out internal components such as the compression damper valve or seals. Disassemble the shock and inspect these parts, replacing them as needed.
Customizing and Optimizing the DHX2 Rear Shock
1. Adjusting the Air Pressure
Air pressure is one of the most critical adjustments you can make to the DHX2 rear shock. Increasing air pressure will make the shock firmer, while reducing pressure will allow for more travel and a plusher ride. Experiment with different air pressures to find the setup that best suits your riding style and terrain.
2. Rebound and Compression Settings
The DHX2 features independent high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments, as well as rebound damping adjustments. Tuning these settings allows you to fine-tune the shock to your specific needs. Start with the recommended factory settings and make incremental adjustments based on your riding preferences.
- Rebound: Set the rebound to match the terrain you are riding. If the rebound is too fast, the shock will not return quickly enough, leading to instability. If it’s too slow, the shock will be sluggish and uncomfortable.
- Compression: Use the high-speed compression for larger impacts and the low-speed compression for more gradual terrain. Fine-tuning the compression will allow you to balance comfort and control.
3. Tuning the Bottom-Out Resistance
The DHX2 also has an adjustable bottom-out resistance, which is crucial for controlling the shock’s response during big hits. If you are bottoming out too frequently, increase the bottom-out resistance to prevent the shock from reaching its maximum travel.
4. Optimizing for Weight and Riding Style
Riders who are heavier or require more support for aggressive riding may benefit from higher air pressures, stiffer rebound settings, and more compression damping. Lighter riders, or those focusing on technical trail riding, may prefer softer setups with more plushness. Make adjustments based on your weight and riding discipline.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The DHX2 Factory rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with modern downhill and enduro bikes. It is compatible with a wide range of frames, though it is essential to verify that the shock’s stroke length, eye-to-eye length, and mounting hardware match your bike’s specifications. Always check the frame’s manufacturer recommendations to ensure compatibility.
The shock’s performance can also be influenced by other drivetrain components, such as the fork, wheels, and tires. For optimal performance, consider pairing the DHX2 with a matching Fox fork and a setup that complements your bike’s geometry and suspension design.
In conclusion, regular maintenance of your Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock is key to keeping it in top working condition. By following this guide, you can ensure your shock delivers the performance you need for downhill and enduro riding, providing maximum comfort and control on challenging trails.