Why do I need to rebuild my Side x side Fox or Walker Evans shocks?
Do you own a Polaris RZR 800 S or 900 RZR, Polaris 900-S 1000 S with some really nice Fox or Walker Evans shocks installed on it?
You have probably owned it for quite a few miles – maybe into the multiple 1000’s.
Did you know that Fox and Walker Evans and Elka manufacturers recommend rebuilding these shocks every 1500 miles for trouble-free service?
Sometimes you think that this is too often because you might ride that many miles in a year. You might think that you would be rebuilding them every winter, and why should you spend that much on rebuilding shocks when everything seems to ride just right.
These high-end shocks are a great addition to our side x sides, and they have multiple adjustments and most are ride height adjustable to make up for sagging springs.
These shocks cost a minimum of $500.00 each and go way up from there – costing as much as $5,000.00 per set on the high-end sports machines.
The great news is that when we rebuild the shock, it is ready for another 1500 miles, and it will be working just like new.
But lately, I have been seeing some of these shocks leak fluid and lose their nitrogen. They keep getting ridden until the seal head rubs on the inside of the shock housing. This actually ruins the shock housing. Now it will not seal properly and it keeps leaking out where the shaft comes in, and the housing has to be replaced.
Fox Performance 2.0 Shock Taken Apart
Fox Shock Housing Wear from seal head
If this happens, instead of, let’s say $179.00 to rebuild the shock, now it becomes $335.00 or more for a rebuild with new housing.
If your shock has been visibly leaking out of the shaft or the nitrogen cap and now is starting to clunk when hitting bumps, I highly recommend rebuilding the shock as soon as possible to avoid an expensive rebuild.
It is exactly the dentist scenario – if you wait long enough, it will end up costing you a whole lot more. You will have no choice but to pay the higher price if you want it fixed, along with special ordering the housing so you will probably be 6 weeks without shocks.
To recap: Do not keep riding your side x side if it starts clunking because that sound is the sign you are damaging it internally.
It is expensive to rebuild these shocks, so do not make it more expensive than it has to be.
If you are in need of shock rebuilding for your Polaris, Can-Am, or Arctic Cat, give us a call and we will be happy to help you out.
Until we ride again
Owner of UTV Service specializing in shocks and suspension.
I have always loved making cars and now UTV’s run and handle there best. I do not believe in taking short cuts and when something comes along that does not fit my values I will not sell or back that product.
Business owner for over 35 years. 3-Time Nascar short track champion at our local race track Rocky Mountain Raceway in Salt Lake City, Utah
UTV’s owned
2017 Polaris XPT 2-Seat Turbo-Current
2015 Polaris XP1000 -Sold
2011 Polaris RZR 800- Sold