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Rebound adjuster seized and then broke off my Fox 34 Perf Elite forks (I understand this is a common problem!).
Forks are still in warranty, but not sure this would count as a warranty job since the knob has actually snapped off. (?)
So, I was glancing through the damper rebuild instructions:
https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=624
https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=953#part12169
Obviously, that's a full damper teardown and rebuild, which I don't need to do.
I can get hold of a new rebound needle for not much money, so was wondering if anyone knew whether it's possible, if I invert the damper and remove just the damper assembly (marked on the diagram), I can then replace the needle without removing the seal-head (bullet tool needed to reinstall), and potentially without having to drain/refill the damper itself. Presumably I'd still need to bleed the damper afterwards because I've introduced air?
TIA
No idea about the damper rebuild, but definitely get in touch with Silverfish to see if this is a warranty claim before doing anything else
Yes you can do what you describe, you will need a shaft clamp. I would position the damper rod carefully (ie not fully extended, 3"? in so the bladder is relaxed) so air does not get sucked in when you remove the rebound rod. I would buy a new detent ball and spring, they are cheap and probably corroded.
You could phone Silverfish and see what they say, corrosion can be considered as a maintenance issue, if its seized and snapped off by excessive force thats another issue. Unlikely to get a commitment on the phone, they normally want stuff back to inspect.
The rebound adjuster on my Fox 32 forks seized when they were about 18 months old. Took the bike to Mojo (as was then) and they told me it is a common problem. Water tracks up the adjuster rod and causes corrosion around the top of the shaft/rebound detent ball.
They stripped and rebuilt it with extra waterproof grease free of charge after getting the go ahead from Fox.
Try the warranty route before stripping the fork yourself.
Cheers guys, both for the warranty advice and the tech help.
It snapped after I tried to turn it by hand after it seized. They were only about five months old at that point, so I wouldn't expect them to be requiring damper service prior to that.
I'll drop Silverfish a line - bought them through Bike Discount though so may have to send them off to Germany first.
Sometimes they have almost no grease from the factory, in which case they seize in short order.
Same with dry wiper seals on a brand new fork, quick lower service often transforms how they feel.
Disappointing when they are not cheap forks.
All the grease will instead be in the air spring if my Grip2 36's were anything to go by.