Fox 36 bushing play and Marz Forks

So my old mans coil Fox 36 forks went to TF Tuned for a service and came back with bushing play when uncompressed which we hadn’t noticed before.

TF Tuned have however taken them back for free to have a look at and they were very good when we spoke to them about the issue.

TF Tuned say this play is normal and a part of how the Fox forks operate, something to do with hydrodynamic bushing lubrication or something. Basically there has to be oil between the bushings and whatever to stop that play. I’ve read that consequently it’s best to turn fox forks upside down so they are lubricated properly and to reduce stanchion ware.

* Thus my question is, is this bollocks? Should they have play? I’ve never noticed the play and nor did my old man over the past 3 years.

* Secondly the constant 20 hour lower servicing required for Fox Forks is bloody annoying and he’s considering buying a pair of Marz 55 RC3 Ti’s. The 3 year service free warranty looks nice, they are obviously confident in their products. Tf Tuned informed him that these have a lot of bushing play as well, is this bollocks?

* Thirdly, what are the Bos Devilles like in terms of reliability? Bombproof? Don’t answer this unless you’ve had them for at LEAST 6 months.

Thanks Chaps.

Funnily enough, I was just looking at the manual for my 2009 55’s and it says:

When the bike is not moving, you can feel
a little movement between the fork legs and the sliders: actually,
there is a fundamental space to keep the sliding elements always
lubricated, and therefore it can be no longer perceived during its
use. Indeed, during the use the oil will take up the space between
the bushings and the fork legs

Is that saying the same thing?

Yup, wow!

Never had this with any of my Rock Shox products…..just leaking damper cartridges lol 🙄 …you learn something new every day!

I’m assuming this is why some people manage to grind down part of their kashima coating on fox forks on their first ride out, because they don’t leave the bike upside down to fully lubricate?

Thanks man!

Hope TFT are right I have a hint of play in my 36’s

they don’t leave the bike upside down to fully lubricate?

you don’t have to leave them upside down. it helps to get the bike up on its back wheel for a few seconds to let the oil get back to the top of each leg and make the little ‘reservoir’ seals wet and keep the stanchions lubricated.