Suspension Service Intervals: Fork & Shock
A suspension fork and shock work in a closed oil bath. Over time seals wear, the oil ages and dirt gets in. If you service on time you keep the small-bump response and prevent expensive consequential damage. Here you will find guideline values, warning signs and a checklist for care between services.
Service intervals at a glance
Intervals are counted in operating hours, meaning riding time only, not kilometres. The values below are manufacturer guidelines; our digital garage uses them as starting values for fork and shock.
| Manufacturer | Scope | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| RockShox | Fork: lower-leg service (wipers, lubrication, air chamber) | every 50 hours |
| RockShox | Fork and shock: full service (damping, spring, oil) | every 200 hours |
| FOX | Fork and shock: service | about every 125 hours |
In constant rain, mud, dust and bike-park use, shorter intervals make sense. With little riding, the oil still ages even without the full hours, so a check once per season is a sensible rule of thumb. The manufacturer's figures for your model take priority; you will find them in the service manual for your fork and shock.
What happens during a service
- Lower-leg service (small service): The lower legs are removed, wipers, foam rings and bushings are cleaned and inspected, lubricant and oil are renewed. This is the most important step for good small-bump response.
- Full service (big service): In addition the damper unit is opened, the damper oil changed and the air chamber seals renewed. After reassembly the compression and rebound are checked.
- Shock service: The shock is opened, the air chamber and seals renewed, the oil changed. The rear shock is often stressed more than the fork because it sees more stroke and more dirt.
Signs that service is due
- Poor small-bump response: The fork reacts sluggishly to small impacts (“stiction”).
- Noises: Squeaking, slurping or a “gurgling” on compression.
- Oil on the stanchions: A thin film of oil is normal, droplets or oil on the dust cap are not.
- Pressure loss: The air spring loses noticeable pressure within a few days, or the SAG changes from ride to ride.
- Play: The fork knocks under braking or the rear end wobbles sideways. This points to worn bearings or bushings.
- Changed damping: The rebound suddenly feels slower or faster, the compression feels less noticeable.
Care between services
- Clean the stanchions: After wet or dusty rides, wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth. No pressure washer on seals and bearings.
- Check the wipers: A thin film of fork oil or grease on the stanchion keeps the wipers supple.
- Measure air pressure: Check the pressure before every bigger ride with an accurate suspension pump gauge. A SAG that shifts without a change is a warning sign.
- Check bolts: Check axle, clamp and rear-end bolts to the specified torque.
- Check bearings: Check rear-end and shock bearings for play; the frame manufacturer's manual gives intervals and torques.
- Count hours: In My bike you log rides and see when the next service is due.
Other maintenance points on the bike
- Chain: Measure the stretch with a chain checker. From about 0.5 percent wear you should replace the chain to protect the cassette and chainring.
- Brake pads: Check the remaining thickness regularly; pads that are too thin damage the rotor.
- Tubeless sealant: Top up every two to three months; more in the guide Converting to tubeless.
- Damping settings after the service: Write down your clicks beforehand and check SAG and rebound afterwards. How that works is in How to set SAG and Rebound and compression.
Frequently asked questions about suspension service
How often does a suspension fork need service?
As a guideline, RockShox names a lower-leg service every 50 operating hours and a full service every 200 hours, FOX about every 125 hours. In wet, dusty conditions and bike-park use shorter intervals make sense; the manufacturer's manual is what counts.
How do I know the service is due?
Typical signs are poor small-bump response, squeaking or slurping, oil on the stanchions, pressure loss overnight, play in the fork or rear end and a shock that audibly pumps up.
Can I do the service myself?
You can take care of maintenance and checks such as cleaning the stanchions, inspecting the wipers and measuring air pressure. Opening a fork and shock takes special tools, a clean environment and the manufacturer's instructions; a workshop or service centre is usually the better choice for that.
Manage service intervals in My bike →