Fox fork query

[simonali19]

My bike came with a burly Fox 38 fork which has a Shimano quick release spindle for some reason?

So, when this QR is clamped tight but the second clamp bolt on the fork leg is loose I can move said fork leg left and right a mm or two, like the spacer is too long. That can't be right, can it?

 

[steve_sordy]

My bike came with a burly Fox 38 fork which has a Shimano quick release spindle for some reason?

So, when this QR is clamped tight but the second clamp bolt on the fork leg is loose I can move said fork leg left and right a mm or two, like the spacer is too long. That can't be right, can it?

I have never tried moving my Fox38 fork whilst the clamp bolt is loose. But then everything feels like it should do before I tighten the clamp bolt. However, I do share your concern, unwanted movement in that area whilst riding is very undesirable. There must be something that is either too long, or it has a spacer missing. Don't ride it until you get it sorted, or you may damage something (and it could be you!)

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Picture?

Fox 36/38 forks using a kabolt axle require a two step installation. First the axle is tightened with the pinch bolt loosened (right leg) and then the pinch bolt is tightened. The right leg "floats" allowing alignment of legs prior to tightening the pinch bolt.

QR axles require a special spacer that allows the pinch bolt to be tighened. Fox 2021 + 36/38 15QR Hardware (Axle Not Included)

If your missing that hardware, the pinch bolt won't tightening properly. I'd also get a proper Fox QR and not a Shimano one...

 

[RickBullotta]

The first thing to do (seriously) is to discard the QR and get a solid axle, either from Fox or aftermarket. They're easy to remove on the trail with a 6mm wrench, which every multitool has.

 

[steve_sordy]

Picture?

Fox 36/38 forks using a kabolt axle require a two step installation. First the axle is tightened with the pinch bolt loosened (right leg) and then the pinch bolt is tightened. The right leg "floats" allowing alignment of legs prior to tightening the pinch bolt.

QR axles require a special spacer that allows the pinch bolt to be tighened. Fox 2021 + 36/38 15QR Hardware (Axle Not Included)

If your missing that hardware, the pinch bolt won't tightening properly. I'd also get a proper Fox QR and not a Shimano one...

Very helpful post! That is exactly how mine is, I just didn't know what the parts were called.
Kabolt axle, eh? I will file that away.

I also didn't know that this happened:

"The right leg "floats" allowing alignment of legs prior to tightening the pinch bolt."​

I also didn't know this:

"QR axles require a special spacer that allows the pinch bolt to be tighened."​

That last point appears to be the OP's problem @simonali19

 

[irie]

Fox 36/38 forks using a kabolt axle require a two step installation. First the axle is tightened with the pinch bolt loosened (right leg) and then the pinch bolt is tightened. The right leg "floats" allowing alignment of legs prior to tightening the pinch bolt.

QR axles require a special spacer that allows the pinch bolt to be tighened. Fox 2021 + 36/38 15QR Hardware (Axle Not Included)

If your missing that hardware, the pinch bolt won't tightening properly. I'd also get a proper Fox QR and not a Shimano one...

Had no idea that you have to go through that ^^^ rigmarole with Fox 36/38 forks?

 

[simonali19]

The first thing to do (seriously) is to discard the QR and get a solid axle, either from Fox or aftermarket. They're easy to remove on the trail with a 6mm wrench, which every multitool has.

I would prefer a hex wrench axle

 

[simonali19]

Is this a good replacement?

https://burgtec.co.uk/product/fox-kaboltx-fork-axle/

 

[simonali19]

Had no idea that you have to go through that ^^^ rigmarole with Fox 36/38 forks?

Nor me. Forks also have bleed valves that you have to prod on occasion

 

[ozzybmx]

Nor me. Forks also have bleed valves that you have to prod on occasion

The little Fox 'fart buttons' are a good thing. Pressure builds up in the lowers of every fork due to bit hits and even general riding. Fox and Manitou have pressure relief buttons, which are a great addition. I have even bought them aftermarket for a Performance fork.

If you think the regular 38 has a routine for tightening the axle, look at the Podium... once you learn it, its easy.

 

[skypig]

The “alignment” procedure is similar to dirt bikes. Where it is also sometimes unknown/ignored.
I feel it is best to pump the forks and even hold them down (loaded) while tightening the pinch bolt.
For best alignment, and subsequently: fork action.