Tech tips · Suspension
RockShox lower leg service:
step-by-step guide
A RockShox lower leg service is like brushing your teeth: do it regularly and your fork stays plush. It takes about 45 minutes and basic tools.
By Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic
In short
A RockShox lower leg service means: wash the fork, release the stanchions, clean the lowers, replace or soak the fork foam rings, lubricate the seals and add the exact fork oil volume from the RockShox chart.
Time
About 45 min
Tools
2.5 and 5 mm Allen keys
Torque
About 7 Nm
Difficulty
Medium
Author: Marko Ristivojević, Master Bike Mechanic · BK MTB Evolution, Istočno Sarajevo
What we do in a lower leg service
A RockShox lower leg service is the best way to keep your fork supple and stop your expensive stanchions from scoring. Regular RockShox fork service pays off.
We don't touch the air spring or the damper. We only clean and lubricate the lower legs.
RockShox lower leg service: tools and prep
Tools. 2.5 and 5 mm Allen keys, a rubber mallet, a pick for the fork foam rings and a torque wrench. For the rest of the workshop setup, see our guide on organizing your bike workshop.
Oil and grease. RockShox 0W-30 or 15wt as specified in the chart for your model, plus SRAM Butter or Slick Honey suspension grease.
Supplies. Isopropyl alcohol, a syringe for precise dosing and clean lint-free rags.
Steps 1–2: cleaning and releasing the stanchions
Wash the fork. Dirt is the biggest enemy of hydraulics. Pay special attention to the area around the seals.
Remove the wheel and brake. Take off the front wheel and caliper so you don't get grease on them by accident.
Note the rebound setting. Count the clicks, turn the rebound knob all the way out, then remove it.
Loosen the bolts. Loosen the bolts at the bottom of both legs by 3–4 turns, but don't remove them completely, then tap the bolt heads lightly with a rubber mallet to pop the stanchions free.
Steps 3–4: lowers and foam rings
Remove the lowers. Take the bolts out fully, place a tray underneath and slide the lowers off. The old oil will drain out.
Clean the inside. Use alcohol and a long rag wrapped around a wooden handle, not a metal one, so you don't scratch anything.
Fork foam rings. If they are falling apart, replace them with new ones. If they are only slightly dirty, wash them with alcohol and let them dry.
Soak them in oil. Soak the rings in suspension oil and put them back in their seat under the seal.
Steps 5–6: lubrication and oil
Grease on the seal. A thin layer of SRAM Butter suspension grease on the inner lip of the seal reduces friction on the first stroke.
Refit the lowers. Take care not to fold the seal lip, and don't push the legs all the way on yet, so there's room for the oil.
Add the oil. Take the fork oil volume from the chart for your model, usually about 10 ml in one leg and 20 ml in the other, and inject it with the syringe through the holes.
Step 7: closing up
Close up the legs. Push them on all the way until the stanchion threads show in the holes. Fit the bolts, preferably with new plastic washers.
Torque wrench. Tighten to the specified value, usually about 7 Nm, and don't overtighten.
Finish up. Refit the rebound knob, wipe off excess oil with alcohol, put the wheel back and cycle the fork a few times.
Important: Check the exact oil amount in the SRAM database (by serial number) or in the BikeTechTools chart. Too much oil can lock up the hydraulics, while too little causes scoring.
FAQ
How much oil goes into a RockShox fork?
It depends on the model and year, usually about 10 ml in one leg and 20 ml in the other. Always check the exact fork oil volume in the RockShox chart.
How often should I do a lower leg service?
About every 50 hours of riding or every six months, and more often if you ride in mud and rain.
Do I need to open the damper or the air spring?
No. A lower leg service covers only cleaning and lubricating the lowers. The damper and air spring are part of a full service.
Can I use regular grease?
No. Use suspension grease, such as SRAM Butter or Slick Honey, because regular grease damages the seals.