Fox Float R 140mm - air leak

[CocoUK]

Morning.

Hopefully somebody far more knowledgeable than myself can help me with my Fox Float R 140mm forks.

I noticed the day after a ride that my forks had lost all pressure and there was fluid around the air-cap on the left upper tube.
I inflated the forks back to my usual 70 PSI but it immediately lost pressure with the sound of air hissing out accompanied by some pockets of bubbles forming where the air cap meets the steerer assembly.



I'm hoping somebody can help me with understanding what may have happened and secondly what the solution is likely to be?



My research and theory is pointing towards the possibility that the air-seal in the upper has failed allowing the pressurized air to blow through and weep the float fluid that would normally sit in the left upper tube.

If the above is the case I'm trying to piece together how to repair it by trimming out sections from the full service guide by Fox.
I've knocked together the following thus far: Cocos Fox Float R 140mm air leak fix
Assuming I'm on the right tracks with the diagnosis, would somebody be able to have a peak and let me know if it looks like the correct fix.


I very much appreciate your feedback.

[P-Jay]

Your theory seems sound to me, it shouldn't be too hard to source the correct seal, although you'll probably have to buy a full kit - see Mojo, Loco Tuning or TF Tuned's websites.

Alternatively personally I'd pay for a full service from any of the above (£30 for a seal kit v £80-£120 for a service) not only will you know the fault will be 100% fixed, it'll also have your forks running better than new!

[CocoUK]

Cheers for your reply P-Jay.

It seems to be an unusual issue, I've struggled to find others who have suffered the same problem across the internets!

I reckon my best plan is to get the air-cap off & check the air-seal, this should only be a ~£10 fix;
~£5 26mm socket - local motorfactor etc
~£2 air-seal - mojostore (or local motorfactor etc?)
~£3 float fluid 5cc pillow

If it doesn't cure the issue then your right, fire them off to the professionals for a repair & service.


Just to add - the forks were last serviced at the beginning of the year by Flotec, I have covered ~200 Miles with a reasonably decent cleaning regime and I weight in under middleweight class. I was planning on giving them a mini self-service bang on now as well!

[CocoUK]

Sorted!
It was pretty much bang on what I outlined above with the exception of cleaning out & replacing the float fluid in the chamber.

I was rather disappointed that NO seal was present on the top-cap, hardly a surprise that it eventually began to leak, despite its recent 'professional' service... A common rubber o-ring appears to have done the job and a damn good thrashing this evening gave it a decent work out!

I'm one very happy chappy!