The Fox DPX2 Factory rear shock is a highly regarded suspension component known for its excellent performance and adjustability. However, even the most reliable equipment can encounter issues from time to time. Understanding how to troubleshoot and address common problems with the DPX2 Factory rear shock can help ensure optimal performance and longevity. In this guide, we will explore the most frequent issues riders encounter with this rear shock and provide step-by-step instructions for addressing them.
1. Loss of Air Pressure
Symptoms:
- Reduced suspension performance.
- The shock feels too soft or bottoming out.
- The bike’s ride height is lower than normal.
Loss of air pressure is a common issue with air-sprung shocks like the DPX2 Factory. This can lead to poor shock performance and a reduction in overall ride quality.
Solutions:
- Check for leaks: The first step is to inspect the shock for any visible damage or signs of a leak, especially around the air valve and seals.
- Reinflate the shock: If no obvious damage is found, use a shock pump to carefully inflate the shock to the recommended air pressure (as specified by Fox).
- Inspect the air valve: Ensure the air valve is tightly sealed and not damaged. If it appears worn, replace the valve or the shock pump’s attachment head.
- Seal maintenance: If air loss persists, it might be necessary to replace the internal seals. This requires disassembling the shock, so it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic or send the shock to Fox for servicing.
2. Excessive Rebound or Compression
Symptoms:
- The shock either rebounds too quickly or doesn’t rebound fast enough after compression.
- The bike feels unstable or overly bouncy.
Inadequate rebound or compression settings can severely affect the comfort and handling of your bike. The DPX2 Factory shock offers both low and high-speed rebound adjustments, which can be fine-tuned for different riding styles.
Solutions:
- Adjust rebound settings: Use the rebound knob at the bottom of the shock to adjust the rebound speed. Turning it clockwise generally slows down the rebound, while turning it counterclockwise speeds it up. Start by adjusting it one click at a time to fine-tune it to your liking.
- Check compression settings: Adjust the compression settings using the main compression knob. A slow rebound or insufficient compression can indicate the need for fine-tuning. Begin with the settings recommended for your riding style and adjust in small increments.
- Test different settings: After making adjustments, take the bike for a short ride to assess the changes. Continue to adjust until you find the ideal balance between comfort and performance.
3. Shock Sticking or Stiffness
Symptoms:
- The shock feels rigid and does not compress smoothly.
- Unusual resistance when pushing down on the rear suspension.
- A clunking sound during compression.
This issue can arise due to dirt, debris, or oil breakdown inside the shock, leading to sticky or rough movement.
Solutions:
- Clean the shock: Ensure the shock’s exterior is clean, especially around the shock body and seals. Dirt and mud buildup can cause friction, leading to a sticky feel.
- Check the air spring: Sometimes, stiffness can be due to issues within the air spring. If the air spring is improperly adjusted or low on oil, it can cause poor performance.
- Inspect the oil: Fox recommends periodic oil changes to maintain shock performance. If you notice excessive stiffness or unusual resistance, the internal oils may need replacing. A service center may be needed to handle this task properly.
- Service the shock: If cleaning and minor adjustments don’t solve the problem, the shock may need to be sent to a professional service center for a full inspection and overhaul.
4. Bottoming Out
Symptoms:
- The rear suspension bottoms out even on small impacts.
- You feel like there is no resistance or damping on large hits.
Bottoming out occurs when the shock does not provide enough compression or damping to absorb high-impact forces, resulting in the shock reaching the end of its stroke.
Solutions:
- Increase air pressure: If the shock feels too soft and bottoms out, adding more air pressure can help reduce this issue. However, make sure not to exceed the maximum recommended air pressure.
- Adjust the compression settings: The DPX2 Factory offers separate high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments. Increasing compression damping can prevent bottoming out by providing more resistance to large hits.
- Check the bottom-out bumper: The DPX2 Factory is equipped with a bottom-out bumper. If this bumper is worn or damaged, it may be ineffective, resulting in excessive bottoming out. Inspect the bumper and replace it if necessary.
5. Suspension Not Performing Well on Small Bumps
Symptoms:
- The shock feels overly stiff on small bumps or vibrations.
- Lack of traction and poor small-bump compliance.
If your DPX2 Factory shock isn’t performing well on small bumps, it may indicate that the low-speed compression setting is too high.
Solutions:
- Reduce low-speed compression: Turn the low-speed compression knob counterclockwise to reduce compression damping. This will improve small-bump sensitivity and overall traction.
- Adjust air pressure: Lowering the air pressure slightly may also help improve small-bump performance. However, do not go too low, as this can cause the shock to bottom out on larger impacts.
- Test and adjust: After adjusting the compression settings and air pressure, test the shock again by riding over small obstacles and adjusting further as needed to improve performance.
6. Noise Coming from the Shock
Symptoms:
- Strange or unexpected sounds, such as squeaks, clicks, or clunking, coming from the shock.
- The noise may occur during compression or rebound.
Unwanted noises coming from your rear shock can be both irritating and a sign of an underlying issue.
Solutions:
- Lubricate the shock: Regular lubrication of the shock’s moving parts can prevent squeaks and other noises. Use a recommended lubricant for suspension components, and apply it to the shock’s shaft and pivot points.
- Check the mounting hardware: Noise can sometimes be caused by loose or improperly mounted hardware. Inspect the shock’s mounting bolts and ensure they are torqued to the correct specification.
- Inspect the seals and bushings: Worn or damaged seals and bushings can cause clicking or clunking sounds. If needed, replace the seals or take the shock to a professional for servicing.
7. Compatibility Issues with Other Components
Symptoms:
- The shock does not fit properly in the frame.
- The shock’s performance is not optimized when paired with other drivetrain or suspension components.
It’s essential to ensure that the DPX2 Factory shock is compatible with your bike’s frame and other components.
Solutions:
- Check frame compatibility: The DPX2 Factory shock is designed to fit a wide range of frames, but it’s important to verify that your bike frame is compatible with the shock’s eye-to-eye length and stroke.
- Match with other suspension components: For optimal performance, the DPX2 should be paired with a compatible front fork and drivetrain. Mismatched components can affect the overall ride quality and suspension performance.
- Consult the manufacturer: If you are unsure about compatibility, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult a professional mechanic to ensure everything works harmoniously.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve the most common issues encountered with the Fox DPX2 Factory rear shock. Regular maintenance, proper adjustments, and timely repairs will ensure that your shock continues to perform at its best, providing a smooth and responsive ride for years to come.