The fork stays stuck down (won't recover)
The #1 cause is rebound that's too slow: on back-to-back hits it doesn't recover and keeps sitting lower (pack-down). Other causes: mismatched positive and negative air, dry seals with stiction, or air in the damper. Fix it in order: open the rebound, equalize the pressure and, if it persists, lower leg service. Start by setting the rebound; if that's not it, check whether it's losing air.
Staying stuck down isn't the same as losing air: here the fork drops with the hits and doesn't come back up. It's almost always rebound or lubrication, not a leak.
The causes, in order of likelihood
1. Rebound too slow (pack-down). If the rebound is closed too far, the fork takes time to recover. On a descent with back-to-back hits it doesn't have time to rise between one and the next, and it "packs" further and further down. It's the most common cause.
2. Mismatched positive and negative air. Air forks have a positive and a negative chamber that must equalize. If they don't balance (from not cycling the fork while inflating), it can stay low or stiff. Equalizing the pressure solves many cases.
3. Dry seals (stiction). Without fresh bath oil, the seals drag and slow the recovery: the fork rises lazily. It's a sign of an overdue lower leg service.
4. Air in the damper. If air got into the damper cartridge, the rebound becomes spongy and irregular and the fork doesn't recover well. This one is shop territory.
How to fix it step by step
How to tell each cause apart
Push the fork down slowly and let it go: if it rises lazily and evenly, suspect the rebound or dry seals. If it bounces erratically or "burbles", think air in the damper. And if the pressure also drops on its own between rides, then you really do have a leak and you need to look at why the fork loses air.
Tell us the brand, model and how it behaves when you let it go and we'll tell you if it's rebound, pressure or service. Message us on WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
Why does it stay stuck down?
Almost always rebound too slow (pack-down). Also mismatched air, dry seals or air in the damper.
How do I fix it?
Open the rebound, equalize the pressure cycling the fork and, if it persists, lower leg service. Air in the damper is shop work.
Is it the same as losing air?
No. Losing air is the pressure dropping on its own; staying stuck down is not recovering its height. They usually have different causes.
Related
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