[TheMan]

What do you use to lube or clean th exposed part of your shock? I was going to buy some "oil" from a bike shop, but I was wondering if there is anything around the house or garage that you can use. I am not changing the oil inside the shock or servicing it. I just want to do a little preventative maintenance. I have a Fox Shox BTW.

[powderbock]

Not familiar with your shock, I ride Rock Shok Sid, I don't belive there is any reason to lube the unprotected part of your shock. I dont think you will prevent anything, but will atract more dust and debris to it.

[tetonmtnbiker]

I agree with powder. I use a shop rag to clean the dust of after almost every ride (takes 30 seconds) and do not add anything.

[tajcrews]

Originally Posted by TheMan

What do you use to lube or clean th exposed part of your shock? I was going to buy some "oil" from a bike shop, but I was wondering if there is anything around the house or garage that you can use. I am not changing the oil inside the shock or servicing it. I just want to do a little preventative maintenance. I have a Fox Shox BTW.

There is no need to lube the stanchions. The wiper seals take care of keeping em clean when they compress inside the fork legs so just use a rag or something like that and wipe the dirt off. Other than that there is nothing else to do.

[Neuner]

Originally Posted by TheMan

I was going to buy some "oil" from a bike shop, but I was wondering if there is anything around the house or garage that you can use.

Yours is Fox but I'm familiar with Rock Shox which has a 'special lube' priced high for what it is called Judy Butter. It's really just simple axle and bearing grease. If your shock uses air or springs then it should be the viscosity that may affect the ride but never damage the parts. I still have Englund Air inserts in my Judy and as a friend, who is an avid rider/racer recommended, I use Axle grease to lube the stanchions internally and a bit of motor oil to slow down the rebound slightly. Has been working perfectly for about 4-5 years now.