Fox X2 DIY Oil Service

A Fox X2 oil change can be performed very easily DIY (not a full service, mind – that needs special tools.

This is literally an oil change and is no substitute for a proper service. Instructions are for a 2019 X2 Factory Elite.

Let all the air out of the shock – main valve and piggyback
Slowly undo the 2mm bleed screw – fizzy oil will come out.
Cycle the shock 10-15 times to pump oil out the bleed hole
Remove the piggyback air cap, then use compressed air via bleed port to blow out the IFP (cover the end with a cloth to catch it)
Fully open HSC, HSR, LSC, LSR, remove compression lever, and then the adjuster with a spanner
Remove the rebound adjuster – the piggyback air cap on >2018 shocks has a built in pin spanner for this
Cycle a few more times to remove oil.
Put bleed screw back in.
Grease IFP o-ring lightly and put IFP back in. Set to right depth (Fox instructions), then the piggyback air cap
Re-fil with oil via the adjuster ports, cycling all the time to get it all sucked in and bleed all the air out
Once full to the brim, put adjusters back in – rebound first then compression. You’ll need a dab of grease to hold the springs and collets in
Pump up the IFP
Clean excess oil off
Pump the shock up on the bike, cycling it every 50psi or so

Depending on the oil you use re-set the HSC, HSR, LSC, LSR. I used 5wt Silkolene Pro RSF Race oil. Slightly thicker than the standard Fox oil so needed less damping all round.

Disclaimer – I’m cheap. This worked for me. YMMV.

Re-fil with oil via the adjuster ports, cycling all the time to get it all sucked in and bleed all the air out

This is the bit that would concern me. Bleeding shocks can be a nightmare job, but fair play if you’ve managed to get enough air out to not find any issues later on

The X2 needed a service due to aeration so I figured there was nothing to lose by trying it. Been using it a couple of weeks now with no further signs of aeration.

Did look at getting the tools to service it properly, but that was going to be >£120, then a seal kit on top. Some of the tools could be bodged, but not the shaft and inner air can clamps.