So I've gotten my bike recently back from the local bike shop after a complete overhaul.
New rear wheel, frame, brakes, tyres, pedals, handlebar, barstem, the works.
Now when I lift my rear and drop it from a few inches, I hear this loud knock every time, which was not there before.
Now I've taken apart the bushings the bolt on the picture runs through. Bushing is fine, no play. But there is tons of space between the metal bushing and bolt that secures the shock to the bottom of the frame.
I have a Fox Float X from 2022, and I wonder if there could be some off dimensions? The entire bushing set as illustrated looks entirely like new. It leads me to believe that they put in a new bushing and bolt set, because no way that can look brand new after 3 years of abuse in bikeparks without ever cleaning it.
Just riding it on the streets is unbearable, and I ride bikeparks, so I know what I should or should not hear from my bike, and what was there before and wasn't.
Mind that the shop absolutely botched the delivery of the bike. Reversed handles, handtight brake levers, massive play in headset, it was really embarrassing…
Anyway, how do I know whether the dimensions of the bolt and sleeve fit together, are correct, and where else could the problem be?
by Slavitom
3 Comments
Eeks, No, that’s not normal in my book. Did they put a newb on your bike or what? I’d only get your fork and shock serviced by trained, reputable technicians, or send them into FOX for an overhaul on a regular basis depending on how many hours you have on them…especially if you are riding it in a bike park. My husband and I showed up for a race this last spring and two days into practice he noticed a knocking sound on his shock. Turned out the manufacturer had put a shorter bolt in and it had started to strip out. Luckily I was running the same model bike with the same bolt type and we were able to use my bolt to swap between race runs. Canyon eventually couldn’t find another bolt to send him so they replaced the whole damn frame. Make sure the bolt is in properly and they used the right bolt. Take it to another shop for a second opinion.
My first guess is the incorrect mounting hardware was used. There is the right size and everything else is the wrong size, there is no “close enough”. You did not mention which bike you have so I cant tell you which one is correct here but if you have a look through the link they come in very specific sizing. If your bike is a brand the shop doesnt commonly see they would be unlikely to have the exact size of bushing on hand. The cream colored DU bushings are always good to replace. The middle black spacer/sleeve that is at the very top of photo #2 should be a very right fit into the eyelet when the bushings are on the shock. I usually have to use the desk to push down firmly to move it, if you can move that sleeve easily with just fingers the DU bushings need replacing. When the shock is installed if you grab the shock with your hand can you move it side to side? Can you notice movement at that eyelet?
The metal hardware like the sleeve and washers can wear out but the main wear parts are the cream colored DU bushing. If its a really loud knock my first guess is either something is missing or something is the wrong size.
[Fox Bushing link](https://ca.ridefox.com/products/fox-shock-mounting-hardware)
edit: shops can and should order bulk bags of those DU bushings direct from Fox. DH and freeride guys chew through them.
Dude, just take it back to the shop and tell them what happened! Certainly there is a spacer or washer missing somewhere.