Nitrogen Fill Station guide for beginners. Works for FOX Rockshox & other mountain bike rear shocks
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- As requested (this is for you Diego), this video is a guide to buying and using a nitrogen fill station for use with rear mountain bike shocks. I go over nitrogen in general, parts needed for system and how to use the system.
The reason I don't use the nitrogen fill station in my rear shock service videos is I honestly don't expect people to buy a system like this to service their own shock once a year or two. Air works just as well and it is significantly less expensive than a nitrogen station. Though I will say, filling FOX rear shocks is easier (and safer IMO) using a setup like this over a hand pump and needle. Still, I can't recommend it for the vast majority of people due to the expense.
Now, The setup and method of using the system in this video works for me. It might not be the best solution for a fill station, nor the best overall way to use the system, but for me, I built it with safety as the top priority, and it has worked very well. If others feel there is room for improvement it would be greatly appreciated if you can share your thoughts.
As always, if there are any questions, feel free to ask and I'll get to them as soon as I can
Below are the parts in my setup. Not saying these are the ones you should buy, but it should give you an idea on what to look for. I'll list them in order of assembly. I would buy all the fittings at your local hardware store, home depot, lowe's ace hardware etc, as they will cost less.
40 cubic foot (CF) Trank. 20 should work for most people. find the lowest cost, buy used if you can
Regulator - I see the one I have on Amazon, might cost less at your local gas supply shop
www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYGJUQ4?...
HIgh pressure cable - I see the one I have on Amazon, might cost less at your local gas supply shop
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CIRZ0B2?...
The high pressure cable NEEDS an adapter. 1/4 FLARE male to 1/4 NPT female. the following should work. probably cost less at your local hardware store.
www.amazon.com/uxcell-Fitting...
Then you need a 1/4 npt male to 1/4 npt male. the following should work, probably cost less at your local hardware store
www.amazon.com/KOOTANS-Adapte...
the following is the same high pressure valve I have
www.amazon.com/dp/B083FLTJKF?...
Then you need a full 1/4 NPT "T adapter".probably cost less at your local hardware store
www.amazon.com/Anderson-Metal...
This is the secondary high pressure gauge I have
www.amazon.com/dp/B08942H4ZR?...
Then you need a 1/4 NPT male to 1/8 NPT male adapter.probably cost less at your local hardware store
www.amazon.com/MettleAir-Redu...
Finally the safety needle
part number 802-01-000-KIT
make sure to use plumbers tape for all connections - Jak na to + styl
It is absolutely insane to me that you don't have more subscribers. I am a Moto mechanic and part time aircraft mechanic for a living so I am lucky enough to own or have access to most anything I need for suspension work (tools, supplemental supplies, nitrogen etc........) That being said I don't think most people realize just how valuable your content really is for a novice/home mechanic wanting the learn the craft. Good on you for thinking and taking time to brief folks on the potential dangers of nitrogen indoors. Keep up the good work man!
agreed bro..his contents is superrrrr valuable for beginners like me.
Wow! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment. There's no ruining my day after reading this first thing in the morning. looking forward to making more videos, and if there are ANY misses or improvements that you see or think can be made please feel free to share them for others as well as myself. there's always room to learn 👍
@@KillaForceCrew awesome to hear. if you have any questions or requests feel free to ask any time.
@@zoubtube Absolutely and will do 👌
I was just thinking the same thing! Great content.
I really appreciate your time and effort to make this video! thank you so much, now i can uderstand much better how it works!!!! i cant say enough word to thank you
Congratulations for the super great explanation and advice about wearing safety glasses, not to mention the clear and calm way of telling about details step by step!
Thanks you for such a thoughtful comment. It's Very much appreciated. Hopefully it comes in handy for you if you ever plan to put together a system like this
I can't believe your channel doesn't have more followers. Fantastically explained at a level that is understandable to everyone, beautiful imagery and you don't forget safety. I myself am an ex hvac technician who has had a bikeshop for several years now, people underestimate the danger of nitrogen.
Thank you very much for the thoughtful comment. I was really hoping to get the safety message across because you're 100% right, nitrogen can become unsafe if not handled correctly.
all your videos are absolutely informative and helpful.you should get more subscribers..kudos for these type of contents 👍👍👍👍
This is the good stuff! I’ve been searching for a video like this for ages. Thanks
Thanks! I literally just added the parts used in my system in the description section based on request. just make sure to make safety the high priority every time you use the system if you decide to build one. 👍
I created almost exactly the same setup and already successfully filled my shock. Many thanks !
I'm glad to hear it worked out for you. Just remember to take safety into consideration, and it should work out well for you for a long time. 👍
Thanks so much for the time it took to create the video. As the first time ive ever commented on youtube, obviously i was impressed (and ya saved me 550 bucks. Thanx again😄
I'm happy to hear that the video worked out for you and super happy to hear that it saved you that kind of money. The system is easy enough to use, handle it with care and you'll do just fine with it. Thanks for the comment 👍
Thanks man! As always, very valuable content.
Thank you sir, as always let em know if there are any questions,
Great video
Glad you found it informative. if you have any questions let me know
Excellent video!! Any recommendations where one could procure the air valve assembly and adapter?
Thanks for the comment. I'll put the parts I have in my setup in the description if that helps. 👍
Fantastic video ! Discovered your CZcams channel few months ago and I am a big fan, always waiting for a new video to be released.
Looking on Amazon, there's a lot of different brands selling the regulator and hose. Is there one that you would recommend over the others ?
Thanks you for the kind comment. I am by no means a product expert in this area, but my understanding is Victor is a very reputable and reliable brand (sort of like the "snap on" of the industry) and I would have bought it I knew it back then. I bought a Uniweld RHP800, also a known and reliable brand. There are regulators on ebay, amazon etc, that sell for much less. I don't have any experience with them and don't feel comfortable buying based off reviews for a critical components like this. I would go to 2 or 3 local gas supply shops, or call them if you have any in your area, and have a conversation with the person. I find the people who run these shops are very down to earth and willing to be honest with their thoughts on products. You will have to go to them for refills, so its good to build a relationship with them 👍 I know this doesn't help much but hopefully it help some
Excellent video. FWIW; recently my Fox safety needle failed after a few years of use. It’s not at all serviceable. I’ve been in contact with Fox and repeatedly denied the purchase of a replacement.
Well that sucks! I never looked into the warranty on these things ( I have no idea how long they are expected to last, but so far so good). I know they can be sent to FOX for service, but my guess is the price will probably end up being close to a new needle for doing so. interested to see how it all pans out for you
excellent!!
Thanks. If you have any questions let me know
Nice Video! Is there a video where you show your workflow with the pump? If not, I will appreciate it.
thanks. I'm assuming you mean filling up an IFP chamber with a hand pump and nitrogen needle. I've posted some FOX shock videos that go over this as I expect this would be the scenario for the majority of people since its a much more cost effective solution over all. if you meant something else, let me know and I'll try to better answer your question
Hi, you make in depth awesome videos, can you tell me if the small nitrogen fill spanner in your video comes with the fox nitrogen needle or not as I cant seem to find it as a seperate part number or part of the fox needle kit anywhere on internet, would much appreciate your help ? Cheers Simon
Merry Christmas simon. wishing you and yours a warm and safe holiday season. All the parts are seperate purchases for the most part. The fox needle includes only the needle itself as a full mechanism, The pelet inflator tool that actually attaches to the shock in order to fill it is a serpreate purchase. Any additional adapters are purchased separately as well. I have a list of links to parts that can help you build a system in the description section. though you can build a system like this in many different ways, I find the system as seen in this video is the most efficient for me based on how I use it. Let me know if there are any other questions
Hi man, Where can I get the hexagonal tool that has the hole for the syringe to go through? The small round one that has a screw attached to it. Thanks for the information
here you go. its a fox pellet retainer tool. if you buy it you will need to buy a bolt for it, which you can find at a local hardware store. cost about 50 cents. I would go with a longer bolt though so you can have more leverage
www.treefortbikes.com/Fox-Pellet-Retainer-Tool-Nitrogen-Fill?adpos=&scid=scplp333222447147&sc_intid=333222447147&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8NilBhDOARIsAHzpbLCmjBQ1yTWEFLA5JKO12AHQ55BqjwfXOjoIDoI73nAYOi0XqBdkSrIaAsyBEALw_wcB
reqainter
Hello. Thanks for this great video. I would like to know if the tool used over the needle comes within fox's safety needle kit. Thanks in advance. Cheers.
Apologies for the delayed response. Unfortunately not, the FOX pellet retaining tool is a separate purchase. I'd look around for the best price. below is a link that might help
www.treefortbikes.com/Fox-Pellet-Retainer-Tool-Nitrogen-Fill?adpos=&scid=scplp333222447147&sc_intid=333222447147&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwhvi0BhA4EiwAX25uj19fIPt6iPAZpS3JljNiU1DAcDXboqpFiW4gdxkaQ7Ky3Kd_icRv8RoCps4QAvD_BwE
@@zoubtube Thank you very much.
New subscriber, i didn't even know you filled them from there dont think the new shocks have this only one on trunion shrader! Just checked my new float X it doesn't have this self healing screw type thing, is this an old system of fox? I've been out the MTB game for 20 years just getting back into it now got a mew emtb totally different feeling bikes the new geometry taking abit getting used to from the old kona and Giant atx full sus
Thanks for the comment and for subscribing. Some FOX shocks still use pellets, but the reservoir-style shocks have moved to a valve recently, which is more service-friendly. To fill a shock with a valve, all that is needed is a valve adapter for the nitrogen system. These are low-cost and can be bought at many places. Ultimately, unless you ride in really hot environments or on very long, aggressive runs with little break in between, air will do just fine. Just about every modern shock has two fill holes, one for the air can and the other for the IFP chamber. They serve different purposes. The Air can valve (the one on the eyelet) is used to adjust your shock sag. The IFP valve, which is either on the damper body on an inline shock or on the reservoir on a reservoir back style shock, is only filled once after the IFP has been set to the appropriate depth and the damper is properly bled. Hopefully this helps
how many uses do you get out of a pellet, im struggling with a home set up with a normal shock air pump in a rear maverick shock and im guessing you only get one go with the rubber?
I ALWAYS hated those pellets. I've never gone above two uses with one pellet. I replace them after a second use. But have to assume you can get more if you apply a good amount of pressure to the needle, which will be easier when using a nitrogen setup with the Fox needle since it's a stronger setup than using a needle with a hand pump. You can only apply so much pressure to the hand pump needle, or else you risk breaking it. You can buy the pellets online individually or in a pack.
I’m curious how the nitrogen didn’t escape before you tightened the pellet fastener, after removing the shock from the injection needle? Help me understand.
Great question. The pelt is basically self-healing when under pressure. After inserting the needle through the pellet into the IFP chamber, the pellet-retaining screw needs to be tightened to a point where it applies pressure to the pellet, which in turn applies pressure around the needle. The trick is to not apply too much pressure to the point where you won't be able to pull out the needle, or potentially break it. Adding gas to the IFP chamber ends up applying even more pressure to the pellet. When it comes time to remove the needle, the space the needle occupies will instantly be sealed due to all the pressure from around the pellet. Then you lock the pellet down tight in order for it to stay sealed during the additional added pressures applied to it from riding.
I am literally uploading a FOX DPS video as I type this, which goes into the procedure details on how to fill the IFP chamber with either a hand pump or nitrogen system. It might help to better understand the process in order to make this all work.
Thanks for the question
Hey how are you? this will works with Ohlins shocks?
Yup! Just make sure your shock uses either the needle (which is most likely the case) to fill the IFP chamber, or a schrader valve adapter
Where can I get that manual pump?
Are you asking about the Rockshox high pressure 600 psi hand pump? you can get them just about anywhere. Right now planet cyclery has it for $32, which is a good price
What’s the advantages of nitrogen in air shocks? My dad frequently uses nitrogen in car tires, however I feel like the main benefit there is less air loss over time. I didn’t think rear shocks lose that much air compared to tires
Loss of air is possible but if your going to lose any gas (air/nitrogen) in a mtb shock, it's mostly going to be due to an IFP seal wearing more than anything
Corrosion over time as nitrogen holds no moisture. I will say modern shocks not only have coatings on them to prevent this but are also built to not corrode easily. regular service of a shock will illuminate this "potential" issue.
Heat build up over time in hot environments. IMO (and i'm sure some will disagree with what I'm about to say) this one is irrelevant for mountain bike shocks. It can possibly be an issue for dirt bikes, off-road vehicle, etc, as the forces on those shocks are MUCH greater over much longer periods of time. If anyone can provide any "real world" data that a mountain bike rear shock can be ridden to a point where heat build up is so significant that it would negatively impact a shock, I would love to see it. Not being facetious, I've literally never seen any viable data on this. Only word of mouth and bro science.
Ultimately, keeping up with regular maintenance is the best return you can give yourself when it comes to shocks and forks. 👍
Dude their are videos of people dumping water on their shocks after a 45minute enduro run and steam pours off of it. So heat is a big issue it’s a small scale shock just the same but if you ride aggressive like me my fox float x2 gets really hot after long enduro runs. Especially in the desert. This is a mountain bike btw. That is the detriment. Super hot conditions, makes oil thin and o rings roll and ruin the seal surface. Do to … lack of lube. I’d say 99 % of all mechanical failures are from lack of lube, whether it’s over heated first, lack of oil in system. Nitrogen molecules are bigger and I think squish relatively consistent so their is that benifit to but we have a ton of nitrogen in our air anyways , what if we had an air dryer in the shock pump.
@@user-nf3oq2ge3g I mentioned in my response to the person who posted the question that excessive heat is one of the issues that nitrogen helps with. But it's not as impacting to the vast majority of people unless your riding in the conditions you mentioned. If you get a chance send a link to the video you mentioned, think it would be cool to see as I haven't comes across one yet. 👍
Hi man, Where can I get the hexagonal tool that has the hole for the syringe to go through? The small round one that has a screw attached to it. Thanks for the information
Here is a link to the tool. when you get it you need to by a screw for it, which screws into the side of it in order to turn it easily. I would go for a longer screw for more leverage and space to turn it. let me know if you have any other questions
www.treefortbikes.com/Fox-Pellet-Retainer-Tool-Nitrogen-Fill?adpos=&scid=scplp333222447147&sc_intid=333222447147&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqs6lBhCxARIsAG8YcDjjCzv8_PqH9eWlcjPb_rcxAXfFcD8PtZZdl8lDeDKk2PZ_8Rh3FwgaAuxWEALw_wcB
Thanks for the information 👍🏻👍🏻
Just bought the pellet retainer tool and I am wondering what screw fits in it ? is it a special thread pitch? metric ?@@zoubtube