Step 1

Make sure that your fork is ready to ride

1. Check that your 20mm axle and pinch bolts are properly adjusted and tightened.
2. Inspect the entire exterior of your fork. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Contact your local dealer or FOX for further inspection and repair.
3. Check your headset adjustment. If loose, adjust it accordingly to your bicycle manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Check that all brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
5. Test the proper operation of your front and rear brakes on level ground.
6. Before every race or ride, clean the outside of your fork with only mild soap and water, and wipe dry with a soft dry rag. Do not spray water directly into the seal/upper tube junction. Do not use a high pressure washer on your fork.

Step 1

Sag should be set to 15 - 20% of total fork travel

1. Using your forks sag setting o-ring on the left upper tube (or temporarily install a zip tie to the upper tube), slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
   
2. Make sure your RC2 adjusters are in the open position (both fully counter-clockwise).
3. Dressed to ride (including a filled hydration pack, if you use one), position your bike next to a wall or table to support yourself. Mount your bicycle. Assume your riding position for at least 10 seconds, allowing the suspension to fully settle. Make sure you distribute your weight evenly between the saddle, handlebars and pedals.
4. While in your riding position, slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
5. Dismount your bike without bouncing, to avoid further moving the o-ring or zip tie. Measure the distance between the dust wiper and the o-ring or zip tie. This is your sag measurement. Suggested sag measurements are listed in the table below.
• If your sag measurement is less than the desired 15-20% of total travel, turn your preload knob counter-clockwise one full turn and repeat steps 1-5 to measure sag again. Repeat if necessary.
• If your sag measurement is more than the desired 15-20% or total travel, turn your preload knob clockwise on full turn and repeat steps 1-5 to measure sag again. Repeat if necessary.
  
  

Step 1

Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after compressing

The red rebound adjuster is located at the right topcap. Rebound controls the rate of speed at which the fork extends after compressing. Turning the knob clockwise (in) slows down rebound; turning the knob counter-clockwise (out) speeds up rebound. Rebound damping should only be set after first setting your air pressure by measuring sag.

1. Starting with the rebound adjuster fully open (counter-clockwise) push on the fork to compress it and feel its return speed.
2. Increase rebound damping by turning the red rebound knob in clockwise until when tested, the fork returns quickly but does not top out.

Top out is felt when a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will hear/feel a small noise). Top out should be avoided through proper rebound setting.

Step 1

If necessary, changing coils can help you achieve proper sag.

• Note images below show a 36 Van 180. Use the same instructions for changing the coil on your Performance Series 40.

1. Turn your preload knob counter-clockwise until it comes to a stop.
   
2. With a chamfer-less 6-point 32mm (or 1-1/4 in.) socket, loosen and remove the 40 VAN preload topcap.
     
   
   • Do not attempt to do this with any other tool than that described above as damage to your topcap can occur.
3. Compress the fork slightly to expose the coil spring. Pull the spring up to remove it.
   
4. Verify the color code on your original and replacement springs.
   
5. Lightly coat your new spring with Slick Honey™ and Install the new spring (shrink-wrapped portion at the top) by dropping it into the upper tube and pressing down to engage the spring perch.
   
6. Install the 40 VAN preload topcap and torque to 220 in-lb (24.86 Nm) with your chamfer-less 6-point 32mm (or 1-1/4 in.) socket.
   
7. Repeat steps 1-5 of the "Setting Coil Spring Preload" section above.
   

Step 1

Make sure that your fork is running with the lowest friction possible

The Air Release Button at the rear of each fork leg allows the rider to equilize the air pressure between the inside of the fork lower leg and the atmosphere. This can be especially helpful at higher altitudes where the internal/external pressure differential can be its greatest. 

• Make sure your fork is in an upright position and the exterior is clean of any dirt/debris.
• Always cover the Air Release Buttons with a rag before pressing to prevent any oil spray.
• Make sure to hold the buttons down for at least 5-10 seconds to allow for all air to be released.

Step 1

Make sure to properly maintain your fork