Suspension service — what it covers and how often
A basic suspension service is recommended roughly every 50 riding hours, a full one every 100–200. See how they differ and how to spot when it is time.
Short answer: a basic suspension service (the "lower leg" service) is recommended roughly every 50 riding hours, and a full service every 100–200 hours. These are guide figures from suspension makers — the exact interval depends on the model, riding conditions and intensity. Your fork or shock manufacturer lists its own recommendations in the manual.
Suspension is not a "fit and forget" part. Inside it there are seals, oil and (in many models) a damping cartridge and an air spring. Oil ages, seals dry out and start to weep, and dirt getting under the seals speeds up wear. Regular service is mostly about replacing oil and seals before the pricier internals wear out.
You will usually meet two service levels. A basic service (lower leg / dust wiper) means removing the lower legs, cleaning, replacing the dust seals and the lubricating oil — relatively quick and cheaper, done more often. A full service additionally covers the damping cartridge and/or air spring: damping oil change, internal seals and a rebuild — pricier and less frequent.
Count intervals in riding hours, not kilometres. Fifty hours for a weekend rider is a different calendar than for someone riding daily. Mud, dust, rain and high temperatures shorten the intervals; gentle riding in the dry lengthens them. If you do not track hours, treat the basic service as "once a season" for a regularly ridden bike.
How do you know it is time? Signs include: oil or an oily mist on the stanchions, "sticky" action and reduced sensitivity to small bumps, knocking or a sloshing feel inside, dropping air-chamber pressure, reduced travel or visible play. Any of these means the seals or oil need attention — the longer you wait, the greater the risk of damaging costlier parts.
Why usually not DIY? A full service needs specialist tools (cartridge tools, seal presses), the right oils of a specific viscosity and clean assembly — and a mistake on the air spring or cartridge can be dangerous and expensive. A basic service can be within reach of the experienced, but still needs the correct seals and oil. For most people, sending the unit to a workshop is cheaper and safer.
Everyday care extends the intervals between services: after every muddy ride wipe the stanchions clean, check the air-chamber pressure per the recommendation for your weight, and do not store the bike with the suspension fully compressed for long months. These small things genuinely delay seal wear.
A fork (and the rear shock on full-suspension bikes) directly affects safety and control, especially off-road — so it is best not to put the service off. If you notice any of the symptoms, look in the directory for a workshop offering suspension service in your city and ask about the scope and a quote for your model.