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2011 FOX 40 problem

MTBAlex

Chimp
Jun 18, 2008
68
0
Campbell, CA
Hey guys,

I only rode my bike for about 3 times and the the fox 40 was extremely plush. However, now I think it isn't as smooth after 3 rides. It is also making some short of clunking noise around 2/3 of its travel. I'm not sure what that is. Is this normal for a FOX 40?
 

thom9719

Turbo Monkey
Jul 25, 2005
1,104
0
In the Northwest.
Its your spring. Pull the spring out and make sure the shrink wrap is in the middle of the spring. Put at least a turn of preload on as well.

-KT
 

Udi

RM Chief Ornithologist
Mar 14, 2005
4,915
1,200
It's just the spring rattling. If you can find the right shrink wrap you can put another piece at the top of the spring which tends to help, and sometimes taking the spring out and flipping it also helps.
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
It's just the spring rattling. If you can find the right shrink wrap you can put another piece at the top of the spring which tends to help, and sometimes taking the spring out and flipping it also helps.
2X... I took the wrap off another spring I had, now it's got two. No more noise.
 

p-spec

Turbo Monkey
May 2, 2004
1,278
1
quebec
im going to be using white marine grease.

Im sure it will be fine,( eny grease that isn't liquid im sure will be fine )

Taking a stab at this right now.
 

p-spec

Turbo Monkey
May 2, 2004
1,278
1
quebec
didn't even use the white grease I had,the spirng was FILLED with grease,slid the boot/condom wtv you wana call it,so much less annoying.
 

MmmBones

Monkey
May 8, 2011
272
84
Porkland, OR
If the sleeve is sliding around on the spring remove it and clean/degrease both. Slide the sleeve onto the middle of the spring and use a heat gun or a hair dryer set on hot to set the sleeve on the spring. Then grease the outside of your spring and you should be noise free for a while. I was told that it is not a good idea to use more than one sleeve as it causes the spring to bind and therefore unable to achieve full travel. 2011 has noticeably less 'clang' than the previous model years.
 

DIRTWRKS

Monkey
Aug 13, 2003
615
0
Canada EH !
If the sleeve is sliding around on the spring remove it and clean/degrease both. Slide the sleeve onto the middle of the spring and use a heat gun or a hair dryer set on hot to set the sleeve on the spring. Then grease the outside of your spring and you should be noise free for a while. I was told that it is not a good idea to use more than one sleeve as it causes the spring to bind and therefore unable to achieve full travel. 2011 has noticeably less 'clang' than the previous model years.
What, I have been using 3 custom made sleeves that cover about 90% of the spring and I have never had a problem with binding. You just have to make sure you use the right size shrink wrap material and a hot air gun.

Also another benefit to using a longer or more sleeves is that you can increase the interval neede for oil changes. Besides the small amount of dirt and crud that makes it way past your seals and into the fork most of the grey colored crap in your oil is actually the metal shavings coming off the Ti spring as it rubs along the stanchion with every stroke. The springs are coated with a heavy color coating but after time this wears off and then it's metal on metal contact. Have a look at any spring that has been in used for some time inside a Fox 40 and you will notice that the paint has rubbed off on the outside and is now wearing itself off slowly on the stanchions.
 

MmmBones

Monkey
May 8, 2011
272
84
Porkland, OR
What, I have been using 3 custom made sleeves that cover about 90% of the spring and I have never had a problem with binding. You just have to make sure you use the right size shrink wrap material and a hot air gun.
This was what I was told by a Fox tech at last years Plattekill Pro-GRT. He also stated that they had redesigned the 2011 fork so that the spring seated itself better to reduce noise. Since then I have been diligent in maintaining the spring and sleeve as I described above and have had no problems with metal shavings in the oil.

What kind of shrink wrap are you using?
 

MTBAlex

Chimp
Jun 18, 2008
68
0
Campbell, CA
I moved the spring, and after a ride, the sleeve has moved again and its making the clanking sound.

As long as it doesn't affect performance, then I can live with it. That sleeve is a pain to get off and on. Anyone have any tips on moving it around?
 

waterdogs

Monkey
Jul 30, 2010
817
0
Upstate SC
Mine was easy to move, spring in one hand, sleeve on spring in the other hand and twist the spring..... almost like threading the sleeve on the spring. Worked almost effortless for me.
 

p-spec

Turbo Monkey
May 2, 2004
1,278
1
quebec
either slides cause theres grease all over,condoms on the others wont budge only way is to cut em,gotta find shrink wrap.

Makes my bike sound broken.
 

ThePriceSeliger

Mushhead
Mar 31, 2004
4,860
0
Denver, Colorado
This was what I was told by a Fox tech at last years Plattekill Pro-GRT. He also stated that they had redesigned the 2011 fork so that the spring seated itself better to reduce noise. Since then I have been diligent in maintaining the spring and sleeve as I described above and have had no problems with metal shavings in the oil.

What kind of shrink wrap are you using?
You're correct. If you're covering the entire length of the spring in heat shrink, it's possible over time that the wrap will corrode with all the movement, thus causing the need for more frequent cleaning/rebuilds. I also believe under the proper circumstances, the spring could bind. I've always used two of the wraps supplied from Fox on each spring, and have never had an issue.
 
Jun 3, 2009
12
0
Mine just started making this noise yesterday. I have only ridden my bike 3 times and I'm already having a problem. I guess I will pull the spring out.
 

tuumbaq

Monkey
Jul 5, 2006
725
0
Squamish BC
p.s your wraps you put both in the middle, ???

I want this thing silent its sooooo noisy.
you want the wrap to be @ about 3/4 up the spring...not in the middle...as for grease, I use Slick Honey...As long as your white grease doesnt dissolve in oil it should work fine, otherwise it might not keep the thing silent very long...Ive been on Fox 40"s for 5 or 6 years now and to me when it start being noisier it mean its time for an oil change ( about twice a month or so for me)