Fox Racing Shox - Vanilla Float RC - Rebuild Kit

My venerable Fox Racing Shox Vanilla Float RC finally began to show signs of leaking air. No real blowout, but it wasn't holding air but for about 2-4 hours. Now for reality. I don't ride off-road much at all, although I own a full suspension bike. This shock has performed admirably on a Cannondale Super V 800 ridden leisurely with some simple off-road miles. Either way, the shock performed for about 7 years without a hiccup. Somewhere in the 6,000-8,000 mile range. Actually the whole bike has been pretty impressive, I'll review it in another post.

First I located a video on the foxracingshox.com website that demonstrated the shock rebuild process. A Dental Pick is recommended for seal removal, and I must concur. Before beginning, I rode to the local CVS Drug Store and located a Dental Pick kit for $6.99. This tool was well worth it.

I collected my tools: Leatherman Micra snips, MINIBUCK TOOL Model 350 pliers, Allen wrench, Dental Pick, clean rags, Slick Honey Grease, and my old shock as a prop. Removed the Vanilla Float RC and temporarily installed a Vanilla Float in its place. I released the pressure in the Vanilla Float RC. This made the air sleeve easy to unscrew and remove.

There is a main seal at the front of the shock, but remove the middle seal and split spacers first. This will make it easier to slide the main seal over the middle seal area when you remove and re-install the new seal. Lubricate the main seal with Slick Honey Grease and slide it down the shaft, over the middle seal area, and into place at the head of the shock. Lightly lubricate the split spacers with Slick Honey Grease and the middle seal. Install the first split spacer, the middle seal, and second split spacer.

The seal and spacers inside the air sleeve will require the Dental Pick to assist in removal. Be careful not to scar the inside of the sleeve. I used my MINIBUCK TOOL pliers remove the dust/grease cap then pull the outside spacer away from the air sleeve so I could snip it with my Leatherman Micra. I removed the spacer with the pliers. I poked out the seal with the Dental Pick, then pulled the inside spacer with the pliers again. Remove the outside dust/grease cap, then the outer spacer, seal and inner spacer.

To re-install the spacers and seal in the air sleeve, fold them so the "curve" is small enough to fit into the air sleeve. Slide this edge of the spacer into the air sleeve's slot. Gently press around the edge of the spacer until it slips into the slot. Repeat the process with the seal and again with the outside spacer. A generous but not heavy lubing with Slick Honey Grease will make this process easier. Once you have the spacers and seal installed, install the outside dust/grease cap onto the air sleeve.

Reassemble by sliding the air sleeve on and hand tightening until the stickers are aligned in their normal position. Install the shock onto the bicycle frame. Fill the shock with air until it is sufficiently filled.

Manufacturer: Fox Racing Shox

Model: Kit: Rebuild, FLOAT Air Sleeve 803-00-050-A

List: $6.00

Paid: $0.00 (Included with Vanilla Float RC factory purchase.)