MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I am just getting back into riding after a long lay off, and have found my old fox float AVA shock was loosing air. My bikes are old and I dont have the funds to replace, (and I like how they ride) so I set about a seal replacement.
I bought a seal kit from fox and followed the many you tube guides.
The problem I now have is although it went back together fine, it now pumps up very quickly, ie 200psi with 4 strokes on the shock pump, and for that matter it acts like there is no air in the can.
Im planning to get it apart again tomorrow if possible, but was wondering if anyone has any ideas what might be going on prior to me opening it up, as unless its obvious i may not see the problem.
(Sorry for the long first post - long time lurker!)
It might be that your shock pump head isn’t pushing the Schrader valve on the shock open, so all you’re doing is pressurising the pump hose.
Use a valve tool to unscrew the presta valve core and remove, then connect the pump and try again. If it starts to pressurise like it’s already done, then the problem is in the shock, if it starts to take air normally, then you have an issue with the pump head or Schrader valve core.
Start with the simple easy things before stripping it all back down again
Thanks
Yes. it is always worth trying the simple stuff first. I'll see if it makes any difference, and work from there.
Update
In case anyone looks this up in future with the same problem post shock service.
after leaving the shock for 2 weeks with the nominal 200psi (4 strokes of the pump) I came back to look again. I had borrowed a second shock pump in case it was the pump that was the issue, and then planned to look at the valve, prior to opening the shock casing again.
I attached the pump for it to read 20psi (it had been holding pressure fine since the service - just not effectively)
I then attempted to inflate the shock, - and to my surprise it inflated correctly (approx 10psi per stroke)slightly shocked, I checked the other shock, and that also read the same pressure as the first shock, and continued inflating to my usual pressure.
On the bike and it now functions correctly.
In my previous attempt I had inflated and deflated the shock on several occasions disconnecting the pump each time with no change in action.
Potential conclusions.
1. I am happy, because the shock is now functioning properly.
2. I still dont know what caused the issue, but my only guess is that some of the shock fluid had blocked the back of the valve somehow, or created some kind of a lock with a tiny chamber to place air into. The passage of time and consistent pressure led to it releasing and then allowing proper inflation.
3.the other option is that little elfs came to bike and fixed it while I wasnt looking. - either way, refer to conclusion 1.