FOX 32 Factory Step Cast Owner’s Manual

FOX 32 Factory Step Cast

Product Information

Specifications:

• Designed and tested in Santa Cruz County, California, USA
• For use on bicycles
• Available for electric bicycles
• Various safety restrictions based on bicycle type and weight
  limits

Product Usage Instructions

Installation:
It is strongly recommended to have a professional bicycle service technician install FOX suspension products according to FOX installation specifications to prevent product failure and ensure safety.

Proper Usage:
Follow the guidelines provided in the owner’s guide to correctly set up, use, and maintain your FOX suspension product. Avoid any modifications or alterations to prevent severe injury or death.

Compatibility:
Ensure that the FOX suspension product is compatible with your bicycle type and weight limits. Do not exceed the specified maximum assisted speed and system weight for your specific product.

Maintenance:
Regularly inspect and maintain your FOX suspension product to ensure optimal performance and safety. If in doubt, contact FOX for assistance or visit their website for more information.

FAQ:

• Q: Can I install the FOX suspension product myself?
  A: It is recommended to have a professional bicycle service technician install the product to avoid improper installation that could lead to severe injury or death.
• Q: Can I modify any part of the FOX suspension product?
  A: No, modification or alteration of any part of the product can cause failure resulting in severe injury or death. Follow the guidelines provided in the owner’s guide.
• Q: What should I do if I mistakenly cut the steerer too short?
  A: If the steerer length is cut too short, the crown/steerer/upper tube assembly must be replaced to prevent potential fork failure and loss of control of the bicycle.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for choosing a FOX suspension product for your bicycle. FOX suspension products are designed and tested by the finest professionals in the industry, in Santa Cruz County, California, USA. Follow the guidelines and instructions provided in this owner’s guide, so that you are able to properly set up, use, and maintain your new FOX product.
More information and videos are available at http://www.ridefox.com/OwnersManuals, or call FOX US at 1.800.369.7469, email mtbservice@ridefox.com, or contact an Authorized International FOX Service Center at http://www.ridefox.com/GlobalDistributors. If access to the Internet is not available to you, contact FOX to order a paper copy of the online FOX owner’s manual for your product, free of charge.

WARNING AND SAFETY INFORMATION

• FOX products should be installed by a professional bicycle service technician, in accordance with FOX installation specifications. Improperly installed forks can fail, causing the rider to lose control resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Modification or alteration of a FOX product can cause product failure resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Never modify or alter ANY part of a FOX product (including coil springs, lower leg cross brace, crown, steerer, upper tubes, lower leg, air can, seat post, air volume spacers, internals, axle slit shims, axle adapters, or any other parts).
• FOX bicycle suspension products may also be used on Class 1 (USA Designation) and L1e-A (EU designation) electric bicycles.
• FOX E-BIKE+ suspension products may be used on Class 3 (USA designation) and L1e-B (EU designation) electric bicycles.
• DO NOT use any FOX bicycle suspension products on any pedal-assisted motorized cycle or motorized vehicle that exceeds a max assisted speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) or a max system weight of 140 Kg (308 lb).
• DO NOT use any FOX E-BIKE+ suspension products on any pedal-assisted motorized cycle or motorized vehicle that exceeds a max assisted speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) or a max system weight of 169 Kg (372 lb).
• DO NOT use any FOX bicycle suspension product on any throttle-equipped motorized vehicle.
• Misuse of FOX suspension products may cause the suspension to fail, resulting in property damage or SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, and void the warranty.
• DO NOT use FOX bicycle suspension products on any vehicle carrying more than one operator or rider, such as a tandem bicycle or heavy utility bicycle.
• Do not remove or replace the steerer tube. This could result in the loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never attempt to remove or replace the steerer or upper tubes independently from the crown. Modifying the integrated crown, steerer, or upper tubes can cause an assembly failure, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Do not cut the steerer more than three (3) mm below the uppermost installed part.
• If the steerer length is mistakenly cut too short, the crown/steerer/uppertube assembly MUST BE REPLACED! Using a fork with clamped steerer engagement that is too short can lead to sudden fork failure, which can cause loss of control of the bicycle resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• If the steerer tube has any nicks or gouges that can be felt with your fingernail, the crown/steerer tube assembly must be replaced. A nick or gouge can cause the steerer tube to fail, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never attempt to cut threads into the threadless steerers of FOX forks. Cutting threads into a threadless steerer can cause the steerer tube to fail, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never use more than 30 mm of height of steerer stem spacers under the steerer stem, as this condition can cause the steerer tube to fail, causing a loss of control resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never allow things such as cable or cable housing to come in contact with the steer tube of a fork.
• If your bike has internal cable and cable housing routing, please consult your bicycle manufactures owner’s guide for safety instructions.
• Cable and/or cable housing that comes in contact with a steer tube can cause the steerer tube to fail, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Cable housing contacting the fork crown will cause abrasion damage to the crown over time. If contact is unavoidable, use vinyl tape or similar protection to cover the point of contact. The FOX warranty does not cover abrasion damage to the FOX fork crown.
• Improper service, or use of non-FOX replacement parts with FOX forks and shocks may cause the product to malfunction, resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• As dirt and debris can accumulate between the fork axle openings, always check and clean these areas before installing the wheel. Improper hub and axle installation can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Never use a power washer to clean your FOX product.
• If your fork loses oil, tops or bottoms out excessively, or makes unusual noises, do not ride the fork and immediately contact FOX or an Authorized FOX Service Center for an inspection or repair service.
• Follow your brake manufacturer’s installation instructions for proper installation and adjustment of the brake system. Failure to properly install and adjust your brakes can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle, which can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
• Your fork or shock may fail under conditions that cause bending and/or breaking to any part of the fork or shock. Any condition that causes a loss of air and/or oil, such as a collision or extended periods of non-use, may also cause your fork or shock to fail. A damaged and/or leaking fork or shock can fail, resulting in a crash and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. If you suspect your fork or shock has been damaged, stop riding immediately and contact FOX for inspection and repair.
• A fork-mounted carrier may cause damage to the fork legs and/or dropouts, especially in cases where the fork is side-loaded and/or when the rear wheel is not secured in the carrier. Damaged fork legs and/or dropouts can fail, resulting in a crash and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. If you suspect your fork has been damaged, contact FOX for inspection and repair.

FORK INSTALLATION

1. Remove the existing fork from the bicycle. Remove the crown race from the old fork. Measure the steerer tube length of the old fork and transfer this measurement to your new FOX fork’s steerer tube.
   If you don’t have an existing fork, measure the headset stack height (headset parts and frame head tube) and refer to your stem manufacturer’s instructions to be sure there will be enough clamping surface for the stem.
2. Mark the steerer tube and cut it to the proper length.
   WARNING: Prior to any cutting, consult your headset and stem manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you have enough steerer tube length for clamping the steerer and stem. Improper installation can lead to a separation of the stem from the steerer, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
3. Install the headset. Always use a new threadless headset and follow the headset
   manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Install a 39.8 mm crown race for 1 1/2 in. steerer tubes. Use a crown race setter to install the crown race firmly against the top of the crown.
5. Use a star-fangled nut installation tool to install the star nut 4-10 mm below the top of the steer tube.
6. Install the fork onto the bicycle. Install the headset bearing parts and stem in accordance with the headset manufacturer’s instructions, and adjust the headset preload accordingly until you feel no excessive play or bearing drag. Tighten the stem clamping bolts to the stem manufacturer’s torque specifications.
7. Install the brakes according to the brake manufacturer’s instructions.
   Maximum rotor size is 180 mm.
   WARNING The disc brake caliper mounting bolts must have 10-12 mm of thread engagement with the fork. Use a torque wrench to tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the disc brake manufacturer’s specification, but do not exceed 10.2 N•m (90 in-lb). Improper installation can lead to brake failure, resulting in a loss of control of the bicycle and SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
8. Route the front disc brake hose or cable housing to the inside of the lower leg, and through the supplied disc brake housing guide. Use a torque wrench to tighten the disc brake hose guide screw to
   0.9 N•m (8 in-lb).
   WARNING Use hand pressure only. Never use any tool to tighten the quick release lever. Over-tightening the levers can damage the axle or fork dropouts, leading to a sudden failure with one or more of these components, resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Failure to secure the axle properly can cause the wheel to become detached from the bicycle, resulting in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.

 

15 MM QUICK RELEASE INSTALLATION

1. Install the front wheel into the fork dropouts. Slide the axle through the non-drive side dropout and hub.
2. Open the axle lever.
3. Turn the axle clockwise 5-6 complete turns into the axle nut.
4. Close the lever. The lever must have enough tension to leave an imprint on your hand.
5. The closed lever position must be between 1-20 mm in front of the fork leg.
6. If the lever does not have enough tension, or has too much tension when closed at the recommended position (1-20 mm in front of the fork), see the next section for adjustment instructions.
7. Compress the fork a couple of times to ensure that the lower leg has settled into its low-friction point.

ADJUST THE QUICK RELEASE

1. Note which direction the axle lever needs to turn to achieve proper orientation.
2. Open the axle lever in the fork.
3. While holding the QR lever open and stationary so it cannot rotate, use a 4 mm hex wrench in the center of the end of the axle to adjust the lever position. With the 4 mm adjuster set properly, you should start to feel tension in the axle when the QR lever is 90 degrees before full closure in the vertical position.
4. Repeat the axle installation instructions to verify proper installation and adjustment.

KABOLT INSTALLATION 

1. Install the front wheel into the fork dropouts. Slide the Kabolt axle through the non-drive side dropout and hub.
2. Use a 6 mm hex wrench to torque the Kabolt axle (clockwise) to the torque specification that is etched on the head of the Kabolt.

TIRE CLEARANCE TEST

WARNING If a fender or mud guard is to be used, it should be installed while performing the tire clearance test.

1. Release all air pressure from the fork by depressing the Schrader valve.
   WARNING FOX forks may contain high air pressures. Release ALL air pressure from the main air chamber before disassembly. Failure to do so may result in parts or fluids ejecting from the fork, which can cause SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
2. Compress the fork completely.
3. Measure the distance from the edges of the inflated tire to the fender/mud guard, crown, fork brace, and steerer. There must be AT LEAST 8.5 mm of clearance around the entire tire.
   WARNING Failure to leave at least 8.5 mm of clearance between the edges of the inflated tire and the fender/mud guard, crown, fork brace, and steerer may cause the tire to jam against the crown when the fork is fully compressed, which can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
4. Add air pressure to your desired setting using a FOX high-pressure pump. Set the sag according to instructions online at www.ridefox.com.
5. You must repeat this test EVERY time you change tires or rims.
   WARNING
   • Do not exceed maximum air pressure: 32 Step-Cast maximum air pressure is 140 psi.
   • Minimum air pressure is: 40 psi for all 32 Step-Cast forks. Pressure measured at an ambient temperature of 70-75˚F. Normal operating temperature range for FOX products is 20-140˚F.

AIR SPRING VOLUME SPACERS

Changing volume spacers in FOX 32 Step-Cast forks is an easy internal adjustment that allows you to change the amount of mid stroke and bottom out resistance. If you have set your sag correctly and are using full travel (bottoming out) too easily, then you could install one or more spacers to increase bottom out resistance. If you are not using full travel, then you could remove one or more spacers to decrease bottom out resistance.

1. Remove the air cap.
2. Release all air pressure from the fork by depressing the Schrader valve.
   WARNING FOX forks may contain high air pressures. Release ALL air pressure from the main air chamber before disassembly. Failure to do so may result in parts or fluids ejecting from the fork, which can cause SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
3. Carefully unthread the topcap from the fork with a Park Tool FR-5 or FR-5.2 cassette tool.
4. Pull up to remove the topcap assembly from the fork crown.
5. Slide the air volume spacer or spacers horizontally to install or remove them from the topcap.
   WARNING Do not exceed the maximum number of volume spacers for your fork. This can damage your fork. Find volume spacer information online at www.ridefox.com.
6. Reinstall the topcap assembly into the fork crown and tighten to 24.8 N•m (220 in-lb) with a Park Tool FR-5 or FR-5.2 cassette tool.
7. Add air pressure to your desired setting using a FOX high-pressure pump. Set the sag according to instructions online at www.ridefox.com.

REMOTE INSTALLATION

The remote can either be installed under the handlebar on the non-drive side, where a front shifter would typically be placed, or installed above the handlebar on the drive side. The remote can be used with two cables to control the fork and shock simultaneously.

GRIP/GRIP SL PUSH-TO-LOCK DAMPERS

1. Install the remote lever onto your handlebar. Do not exceed 1.7 N•m (15 in-lb). Less torque may be needed for carbon bars. Refer to the handlebar manufacturer’s instructions for use with carbon bars. Make sure to check for clearance between the remote lever and any brake or shifter controls.
2. Route the cable housing from the fork topcap, around the rear of the crown, to the remote lever and cut to length. Install a ferrule on the end of the housing at the remote lever and at the fork topcap.
3. Install a short piece of housing with one ferrule between the in-line barrel adjuster and the remote lever body.
4. Push the larger remote lever to its actuated position, this is FIRM mode. Make sure that the cable head is completely seated in the remote lever.
5. Use a 5 mm hex wrench to turn the remote pulley clockwise to approximately 0.56 N•m (5 in-lb). While holding the 5 mm hex and pulley in this position, push on the fork to see if the blow off force is sufficient for your preference. Adjust the pulley clockwise for more FIRM mode force, counter-clockwise for less FIRM mode force until you find your desired setup. Note the position of the pulley set screw for your desired setup.
6. With all cable housing fully seated and no slack in the system, lightly lubricate the inner cable and thread it through the cable housing and around the fork remote pulley. With the 5 mm hex wrench still holding the remote pulley in the position for your desired FIRM mode force (from Step 5), tighten the pinch bolt to 1.13 N•m (10 in-lb).
7. Release the 5 mm hex wrench from the remote pulley. Test the remote actuation to make sure it is functioning properly. Then cut off the excess inner cable and crimp the end.
8. The in-line barrel adjuster may be used to change the lockout blow-off force. Clockwise barrel adjustment increases blow-off force, while counter-clockwise adjustment decreases blow-off force.

GRIP/GRIP SL PUSH-TO-UNLOCK DAMPERS

1. Install the remote lever onto your handlebar. Do not exceed 1.7 N•m (15 in-lb). Less torque may be needed for carbon bars. Refer to the handlebar manufacturer’s instructions for use with carbon bars. Make sure to check for clearance between the remote lever and any brake or shifter controls.
2. Route the cable housing from the fork topcap, around the rear of the crown, to the remote lever and cut to length. Install a ferrule on the end of the housing at the remote lever and at the fork topcap.
3. Install a short piece of housing with one ferrule between the in-line barrel adjuster and the remote lever body.
4. Leave the actuation lever in its un-actuated position, this is FIRM mode. Make sure that the cable head is completely seated in the remote lever.
5. Note that the Push-to-Unlock damper is in FIRM mode by default. Push on the fork to see if the FIRM mode blow off force is sufficient for your preference. If so move to Step 6. If not, use a
   5 mm hex on the pulley to adjust the pulley slightly (clockwise for more FIRM mode force, counter-clockwise for less FIRM mode force) to find your desired setup.
6. With all cable housing fully seated and no slack in the system, lightly lubricate the inner cable and thread it through the cable housing and around the fork remote pulley. If needed (from Step 5), with the 5 mm hex wrench still holding the remote pulley in the position for your desired FIRM mode force, tighten the pinch bolt to 1.13 N•m (10 in-lb).
7. Release the 5 mm hex wrench from the remote pulley. Test remote actuation to make sure it is functioning properly. Cut off the excess inner cable and crimp the end.
8. The in-line barrel adjuster may be used to change the lockout blow-off force. Clockwise barrel adjustment decreases blow-off force, while counter-clockwise adjustment increases blow-off force.

SAG SETTING

To achieve the best performance from your FOX suspension, adjust the air pressure to attain your proper sag setting. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight and riding gear. Sag range should be set to 15–20% of total fork travel. Make sure to set sag with the compression lever in the OPEN mode.
Watch the sag setup video at ridefox.com/sagsetup

Do not exceed maximum air pressure: 32 Step-Cast maximum air pressure is 140 psi.

COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT

• GRIP COMPRESSION ADJUST
  The 3-Position Micro Adjust lever is useful to make on-the-fly adjustments to control fork performance. Use the positions between the OPEN, MEDIUM, and FIRM modes to fine-tune your compression damping.
• GRIP SL COMPRESSION ADJUST
  The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-fly adjustments to control fork performance under significant changes in terrain, and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride. Use the OPEN mode during rough descending, the MEDIUM mode for undulating terrain, and the FIRM mode for smooth climbing.

REBOUND ADJUSTMENT
Rebound controls the rate of speed at which the fork extends after compressing. The rebound adjustment is dependent on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air pressures require slower rebound settings. Use your air pressure to find your rebound setting. The rebound adjuster is located underneath the damper-side fork leg.

• GRIP REBOUND
  Turn your rebound knob to the closed position, clockwise until it stops. Then turn it counter-clockwise to the number of clicks shown in the table on the previous page.
• GRIP SL REBOUND
  Use a 2.5 mm hex wrench to turn your rebound knob to the closed position, clockwise until it stops. Then turn it counter-clockwise to the number of clicks shown in the table on the previous page.

ADDITIONAL TUNING OPTIONS

• CLIP-ON VOLUME SPACERS
  • Changing volume spacers in the 32 Step-Cast fork is an easy internal adjustment that allows you to change the amount of mid stroke and bottom out resistance.
  • If you have set your sag correctly and are using full travel (bottoming out) too easily, then you could install one or more spacers to increase bottom out resistance.
  • If you have set your sag correctly and are not using full travel, then you could remove the spacer to decrease bottom out resistance.
  • Installation procedure and tuning options are available online at: ridefox.com/ownersmanuals.

SERVICE
Properly cleaning your FOX product between rides, in addition to maintenance service scheduled at regular intervals, will help to reduce repair costs and extend product life.
For further service procedures information, visit www.ridefox.com/OwnersManuals, or contact FOX for complete maintenance service (1.800.369.7469 or mtbservice@ridefox.com).

*For those who ride lift-accessed DH, Park, or Extreme Freeride or in extremely wet/muddy or dry/dusty environmental conditions where trail debris is sprayed onto the fork while on the trail, FOX encourages riders to perform maintenance earlier than recommended above as needed. If you hear, see, or feel something unusual, stop riding immediately and contact a FOX Authorized Service Center for proper servicing.

ridefox.com

WARRANTY

Fox Factory, Inc., a California corporation having offices at 915 Disc Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (“Fox”), makes the following LIMITED WARRANTY with respect to its suspension products:

FOX LIMITED WARRANTY
LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON SUSPENSION PRODUCTS
Subject to the limitations, terms and conditions hereof, Fox warrants, to the original retail owner (consumer) of each new Fox suspension product, that the Fox suspension product, when new, is free from defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty expires one (1) year from the date of the original Fox suspension product retail purchase from an authorized Fox dealer or from a Fox authorized Original Equipment Manufacturer where Fox suspension is included as original equipment on a purchased vehicle.

TERMS OF WARRANTY

This limited warranty is conditioned on the Fox suspension product being operated under normal conditions and properly maintained as specified by Fox. This limited warranty is only applicable to Fox suspension purchased new from an authorized Fox source and is made only to the original retail owner (consumer) of the new Fox suspension product and is not transferable to subsequent owners.
Should it be determined, by Fox in its sole and final discretion, that a Fox suspension product is covered by this limited warranty, it will be repaired or replaced, by a comparable model, at Fox’s sole option, which will be conclusive and binding. THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES AND DAMAGES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE EXCLUDED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
This limited warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, malfunctions or failures that result from abuse, neglect, improper assembly, alteration or modification, improper or unauthorized repair or maintenance, crash, accident or collision, or other abnormal, excessive or improper use.

This limited warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights. The consumer may also have other legal rights under the applicable national laws which are not affected by this limited warranty. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that a certain provision of this limited warranty does not apply, such determination shall not affect any other provision of this limited warranty and all other provisions shall remain in effect.
THIS IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE BY FOX ON ITS SUSPENSION PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS, AND THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION HEREIN. ANY WARRANTIES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE IMPLIED BY LAW INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED.
This limited warranty shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the State of California.

When making a claim under this Limited Warranty you will be required to provide to an authorized FOX Service Center:

1. The Product (or the affected part) and
2. A copy of the original proof of purchase, which clearly indicates the name and address of the seller, the date and place of purchase, the product part number and if utilized, a serial number. If FOX products are sold as part of a complete bicycle, the bicycle brand, model, model year, and serial number should be included.

©FOX FACTORY, INC. 2023 // 1.800.FOX.SHOX 915 DISC DRIVE, SCOTTS VALLEY, CA 95066
USA TEL: 831.768.1100
605-00-304 REV B
RIDEFOX.COM

Documents / Resources

FOX 32 Factory Step Cast [pdf] Owner's Manual 32 Factory Step Cast, 32, Factory Step Cast, Step Cast, Cast

References

• User Manual