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Öhlins Cleared to Fix Recalled RXF 36 & 34 Air forks

Oct 30, 2018
by Richard Cunningham  
Back in September, Öhlins discovered that it was possible for the air caps on some RXF 36 and 34 forks to unwind and part company with the fork crown. Öhlins and Specialized (who featured those forks on their 2017 Stumpjumper, Enduro and Fuse and the 2018 Stumpjumper, Enduro, Levo) published a stop-ride recall and set to work on a permanent fix to get affected customers up and running.

It wasn't easy, because the top cap fix had to pass a number of tests before Öhlins and government officials could sign off on it. This week, the links to obtain vouchers and parts are active, so Öhlins RFX owners can have their forks updated at official service centers. The Öhlins press release text and links can be found below:

Öhlins Announces How and Where to Send Recalled RXF 36 and 34 Forks

The safety and reliability of our products is a top priority for us. We have identified a potential problem with Öhlins RXF36 Air and RXF34 Air suspension forks sold as aftermarket equipment and as original equipment on some Specialized-branded Enduro, Stumpjumper, Fuse, and Levo mountain bicycles. The products were sold between January 2016 through September 2018.

Ohlins RXF 34
We have received some reports of the air cartridge abruptly springing out of the fork stanchion tube, posing fall and injury risks to the rider. We initiated a voluntary report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) and are working closely with them on a press release announcing the recall shortly.

We are advising customers globally who have purchased Öhlins RXF36 Air and RXF34 Air suspension forks, including those installed as original equipment on Specialized-branded Enduro, Stumpjumper, Fuse, and Levo mountain bicycles, to immediately stop riding and bring them to an Öhlins, Specialized or other authorized dealer to receive the repair.

Ohlins RXF 34

After a repair have been made, customers can register for a voucher at ohlins.com/recall giving them, free of charge, materials for a full service (labor not included) and a soon to be released performance upgrade to the RXF 36.

We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause our customers, but it is critically important to us to do everything we can ensure that our products are safe and reliable.

Torkel Sintorn, General Manager MTB Öhlins Racing AB

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118 Comments
  • 72 6
 I think canyon should make a spectral with an Öhlins fork, a canecreek shock and a crank bros dropper post just for the lolz
Any ideas for the wheels ?
  • 87 2
 Crankbrothers again
  • 5 0
 @zede The bike you can only stare at it when you're lucky enough to stand next to it.
  • 9 4
 The Crankbros dropper has been great...
  • 42 5
 Wheels I don't know, but for sure some Guide brakes. The crank bros dropper can of course also be swapped for a reverb.
  • 13 35
flag milanboez (Oct 30, 2018 at 5:45) (Below Threshold)
 Mavic wheelset and Shimano M8000 brakes
  • 6 0
 do not forget about avid brakes; for sure there are magnesium models left if the DOT hasn't eaten them up already
  • 2 0
 Mag wheels
  • 6 35
flag pinnityafairy (Oct 30, 2018 at 6:12) (Below Threshold)
 Anyting carbon will work. Go ahead and buy Carbon wheels pinkbike told you they're good and warrantied. Let me know how that works out for you.
  • 23 19
 @milanboez: Shimano make some of the best Dependable stuff on Earth.
  • 10 0
 There is only one choice because most of you are so much younger than me. Spinergy -of course upgrade to the Chinese freehub with 2 pawls and 30 degrees rotation.
  • 2 0
 @cvoc: the electronic reverb
  • 1 0
 @properp: quite well thank you
  • 4 1
 e13 wheelset !! Of course
  • 5 2
 bontrager line 30 carbon wheels
  • 6 2
 I think the Ohlins air shock takes the cake for mega turd followed closely by the Cane Creek DB in-line. Ironically both where stocked on Specialized Enduros. As for wheels, it’s big S for the win again: Roval traverse fattie Alloys. Spectacular failure offered by everyone’s favorite OEM.
  • 2 0
 Yes, I’ve had two Crank Bros Highlines in use now over 18 months and they’ve been 100%. A Specialized Command post died on me before that. I know CB used to suck but you can’t just assume it now. 3 year warranty too @NebulousNate:
  • 3 2
 Bontrager wheels
  • 2 0
 Novatech hub’s (2017-18 )
  • 2 0
 Race Face Carbon!
  • 2 0
 G1 Raceface Turbine droppers are so bad they make all of those other products look well engineered.
  • 1 0
 If there were a convenient way to integrate a Samsung Note device in the bike, it may aid a bit with the unreliability and crash/fire hazard.
  • 1 0
 Not to mention great customer service @vinay:
  • 17 1
 The amount of money that Öhlins lost over this must be ridiculous, and all that for just a lock tight it and torque it down to spec fix.
  • 6 2
 Am I the only one who thinks this can just be fixed with some thread lock and a little over tightening?
Top cap coming loose......fix is.....properly tighten it down!!! What can be more complicated than this?
  • 6 3
 @MAtechshit: only if it is actually under torque that's the problem. Possibly they were over torqued and the threads are stripping out.
  • 5 0
 @MAtechshit: Could also be that the threads were not machined deep enough/incorrectly on the cap so there is poor engagement into the crown, regardless of torque.
  • 4 0
 @MAtechshit: yes just tighten it down more!
That will fix it.
What if the tolerance on the treads is out?
What if the treads were over tightened and the threads stripped.?
Quality control on bike parts is not the best. This is a perfect example.
  • 11 1
 @MAtechshit: Tighten down properly? Not sure what you're talking about. Just wrap the thread in hemp, maybe add some chewing gum as threadlock and then gently smash it back into the stanchion until it stays jammed. Worked for my granddad, sure should work here as well. I'm pretty sure this is what they've been doing at Ohlins too. It just took some time for them to prep the gum.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: the fix it's really only putting lock tight and torque it to spec, no other problem there
  • 2 0
 @enki: you would snap the hex off the top of these before the thread stripped out, nothing wrong with how they were made just not done up properly from the factory
  • 2 4
 @tiagomano: Torque it to spec, are you out of your mind? I read this conspiracy theory in the comment section of this high profile website called Pinkbike that manufacturers have this built-in planned obsolescence so that when the top cap pops out you just go out and buy a new fork. Never thought it were true, but here you have it. The "torque to spec" advice was there just to accelerate the process. See, it is fine to torque. Torque away if you will. But NEVER TORQUE TO SPEC. Do you read me? Go higher, lower, whatever and be fine. But NEVER TORQUE TO SPEC. Oh man I'm spitting at my screen as I write this so I can hardly read what the hell I'm writing this time. But I just want to make sure you've got this down. NEVER TORQUE TO SPEC. Oh shit, now what's that. Smoke escaping from my screen? And fire? Ah damn, as if computers weren't supposed to be spit at. Conspiracy I tell you...

Can you still read me?

NEVER TORQUE TO SPEC!

Use hemp man, HEMP! More hemp!

And chewing gum...
  • 10 0
 Did anyone else catch the vagueness of the details to get the fix and what the fix is? Also the thought of a free service is nice, but they're pretty much covering the charge for a seal kit and wipers, the labor is the more expensive part. Seems kinda half baked but the thought is appreciated. The "soon to be released performance upgrade" better be completely hashed out or they might've really damaged their reputation.
  • 14 0
 They likely do that on purpose because they don’t want people attempting to fix it themselves.
  • 8 1
 fix is superglue on the thread and tighten the top cap to 32Nm.
  • 1 1
 @sino428: I was thinking the opposite. In order to discourage anyone from sending the fork in, the fix is easy but not free and, by the way, why not couplemit with an unnamed upgrade in the future so we can also charge for that. Don't blame them, just saying...
  • 2 0
 @GlazedHam: Well the way I understand the statement is that the upgrade would be free. Also, I think seeing as though the CPSC is involved they likely have to follow some very rigid standards with what they can say and not say in these releases.
  • 10 2
 I told some guy on the trail this past weekend about the recall and basically didn't believe me. I think he was just mad his shiny new enduro had issues, and he was being told that by a guy on a 120mm suntour forked hardtail.
  • 2 2
 I find people just love it when some know it all shows up and tells them their shits junk don’t you?
  • 10 1
 Loctite 243 is the fix. And then torque the cap to 32nm. Let it sit 24hours for the loctite to dry.
  • 1 0
 Vibratite VC3. Better. Adjustable and reusable.
  • 3 1
 can you post source of this info ?
  • 3 1
 @adumesny: Loctite 243 and tightening to 32Nm is the official fix sent by Specialized to my local bikeshop.
  • 16 12
 "labor not included" is ridiculous. you bought the bike, ohlins should be ponying up the cost to their authorized dealers who have customers and shops having to put time and money out of their day to unscrew (see what i did there) ohlins issue.

any shop worth anything will do the service at no cost or reduced cost to the customer but that still takes time and money out of their day and the people who bought bikes with that fork as oe kit paid a fair amount of money to not be able to ride it for the better part of a month...
  • 14 1
 The "labor not included" is only for the upgrade package, not the actual recall fix.
  • 3 2
 @Broth-Ratchurch: did you miss the part where people have been unable to ride their bikes/have to go through the inconvenience of dealing with repair?
  • 1 5
flag js11 (Oct 30, 2018 at 6:46) (Below Threshold)
 @Broth-Ratchurch: and it doesnt say labor not included for the upgrade it says labor not included for the fix.
  • 8 2
 @js11: No, I didn't. I'm pointing out that the recall fix will be covered by Öhlins.
  • 4 1
 @js11: people can just apply some vibratite and torque cap to spec.
  • 1 3
 @Axxe: is the cap designed around vibratite? no? then thats a stupid fix.
  • 6 2
 @js11: Or you could have just torqued the top cap to spec and carried on riding it with zero issues like many did.

These forks are so well made. Where's the Rockshox recall for "forks full of plastic crap"?
  • 3 1
 @js11: no, it is a perfectly working fix.
  • 2 0
 @jclnv: lol this is gold
  • 2 0
 @js11: I'd be surprised if 1% of the impacted people actually put their bikes on the shelves for the past month.
  • 5 0
 Atleast ohlins can actually get a pressfit tolerance on the CSU correct unlike fox.
  • 1 0
 Does anyone else find the last bit of the writeup extremely vague ? Is the performance upgrade free or are they just announcing it, and will they supply bits for a service or make you pay for one and just give free parts. Had my fork go in for another warranty issue, the lowers had been put on completely dry and what little oil was in there had pissed out the bottom because the nuts wernt done up properly
  • 1 0
 They're not compensating Specialized dealers to do the 'repair', so the two I called simply told me to clean the threads, apply blue loctite, and tighten to 32NM. I think the whole 'free performance upgrade' deal is to get people to register their 'repaired' forks with Ohlins so they can keep track of it. Having said that however, when you follow the link on here and the Ohlins site, it simply takes you to the press release page and doesn't provide any way to sign up for the voucher
  • 3 1
 Couldn’t lock tight or some thread tape solve this issue? I don’t understand how these forks were assembled without being torqued properly at the factory?
  • 4 2
 just weld the dam thing... the speed "new" things & standards appear on the market, the time it's time for an oil change just swap the fork
  • 5 2
 Have you ever considered just being stoked on riding your bike, instead of resenting the bike industry for "forcing" you to upgrade to a new standard? Are you aware that bikes don't self destruct once a newer model with a different standard is offered?
  • 1 2
 @thegoodflow: r/woooosh
  • 1 0
 @thegoodflow: take the comment with salt and a beer! I still have & ride all my mtbs since 93 (older gets less miles then newer ones)
  • 2 2
 Called shop yesterday. According to them the immediate fix is actually to swap out the air spring for a coil. They are ordering parts so we’ll see. What they can’t speak to yet is what the “performance upgrade” kit is you can register for after, but I am hoping it’s the new spring coming on the updated fork they just released.
  • 5 0
 That doesn’t sound right. You’ll never be able to go back to air after that. Sounds to me like the shops quick fix that will F you out of ever going back, because their mechanic probably claims “everyone will want coil anyways, it’s just better”.
  • 1 1
 @mtnbykr05: yeah I was surprised too. It seems what ever the “to be annouced” upgrade is, is based on a new product release, but it would be kinda cool to get coil parts first, try it and then get the new air spring (if that’s what it is) and have both internal options. Tried calling Ohlins to substantiate just what is coming, but phones go to VM. I’ll keep this thread posted as I hear more.
  • 3 0
 the shop you have spoken too, must not know what they are talking about. I have spoken to an ohlins dealer directly as well as ohlins directly and seen the fix instruction sheet.. swapping out for a coil is not fix at all.
  • 1 0
 @qman11: So what exactly is the fix??
  • 7 0
 @garygrimm: Loctite 243 + torque topcap to 32N/mm.
  • 1 0
 @garygrimm : ^^^
  • 8 1
 @Broth-Ratchurch: Whats interesting is the Pink Bike comment section came up with the same fix the day of the recall.
  • 2 1
 You can't swap the air spring to a coil.. I called ohlins and asked them this months ago when I hated how my RFX rode.. Bought a DVO and the Ohlins has been a paperweight since.
  • 1 5
flag MX298 (Oct 30, 2018 at 12:08) (Below Threshold)
 Mrpark@ they don’t make a 27.5 spring fork! The upgrade is A Fox 36. . . . .
  • 3 0
 @MX298: They do, actually; www.ohlins.com/product/rxf-36-27-5-coil-front-fork
Fox doesn't make a coil.
  • 3 0
 Switching from air to coil is always a good fix for any fork.
  • 1 0
 @MX298: I don’t have a 27.5 fork
  • 1 1
 @qman11: I agree... guess I’ll wait and see what happens. Regardless there is some mystery prize out there for getting it done and registered at an authorized shop after the fact. My guess is it’s just new version of seals/wipers that are on the new fork.
  • 1 0
 @Broth-Ratchurch: just released. . . . . . !
  • 1 0
 @MX298: incorrect. they did make a 18 27.5 in a coil. I just bought the air 2 months ago and had the option of both. The newly released forks are not even available yet.
  • 1 0
 @qman11: so why has Ohlins been telling us they don’t have a 27.5 spring fork? They have had our air fork for over four months. I swear it just popped up on Ohlins USA website!
  • 1 0
 @qman11: straight from Ohlins USA from mid August “There is a coil 170 fork coming later this fall that is, essentially, an all new chassis. ”. . . . .
  • 1 0
 @MX298: No idea why you would be told they dont. You can literally go onto Ohlins website and click front forks and there will be 2 coil 27.5 forks, one being the old one, and the other the brand new redesigned one. The other guy above even provided the link to the old one. And no it did not just pop up. The older one was there when I went to purchase my air fork in the summer.

I also know this because when I bought my air fork at the beginning of august, I had to stress to my dealer that I wanted the air. If you talked to Ohlins USA in mid august they would have been talking about the entirely new redesigned forks (air and coil) altogether which does include a new coil 27.5. (it got released in September, so the fall) The new forks are not going to be instock/available till next spring however
  • 3 0
 @qman11: 27.5 coil (old design) will be landing @ OUSA in the next week or so. These parts were held to ensure that the top caps were torques correctly even though these units were not affected. Yes, its poor timing that the new design dropped before the previous 27.5 product even landed. The new TTX18 trail fork (coil) will be available in Spring 2019. The good news is that you can upgrade the older chassis with the new TTX18 damping cartridge....
  • 1 0
 @Mttam510: so back to the air fork.. . . . . . . Spent weeks trying to set it up, not plush and blows through the stroke. never felt the air piston is designed well and not easy to rebuild either! “O” USA was no help. It became unrideable and needed a rebuild after a race so dropped it off in person. If we ever (been 4 months) get our fork back I’ll be lucky to get $300 for it. Bought a fox 36 and it’s night and day better and easy to rebuild too. I am not sure we’ll ever even look at another “O” fork no matter how good people say they are after my experience with n. Carolina!
  • 1 0
 @MX298: that's unfortunate to hear that you were not able to get things sorted direct from OUSA.
  • 1 2
 mrpark- That makes absolutely ZERO sense. It's the damper-side cap that's the problem. NOT the air side.
  • 2 1
 Obviously disregard what I wrote about the damper side cap. They not only told me it was the damper side when I called, but the dude I spoke to even related a story about his OWN forks losing the damper-side cap, and how they'll hold 'til two threads are left holding it on. What a clusterfuck
  • 1 0
 Um, that's not true. Fire your shop.
  • 4 1
 A month of no riding to arrive at “tighten your top cap.”
  • 8 0
 Who stopped riding?
  • 1 0
 I don't see a spot to register for the service materials or soon to be announced upgrade. Is it not posted on the recall site yet?
  • 1 0
 I’m surprised at the labor will not be free to fix the issue ,back that product lol!
  • 2 0
 I always thought Ohlins was a high quality brand.
  • 4 3
 No, it's just fancy machined over-priced gold bling. They didn't have the greatest reputation in the Moto world for their OEM stuff either.
  • 4 0
 @yzedf: have you ever ridden any of the newer non oem forks? the shitty reputation you are talking about comes from the oem specd non TTX damper forks, as well as there air shock. Go ride a 18 rxf36 with the TTX damper and then talk.

@Kramz I know you ride DVO, in my opinion the rxf36 is equally comparable, however I do prefer ohlins triple air spring design more. Ive ridden the DVO once and it was a super solid fork. Ohlins is already stepping it up with their new 19 products with revamped closed cartridge dampers and a improved air spring.
  • 2 3
 corrupted by big S
  • 2 2
 @qman11: I was referring to their ttx based OEM moto stuff. It's the same shiit they pulled on Specialized that they pulled on Ducati a decade ago. Once again tarnishing their image. I don't care how good, or not, their 2018 stuff is, I'll never own one.
  • 3 1
 Torkel needs to be in charge of torqueing. ZIIIIINNNNNGGGGG
  • 1 0
 Obviously your materials engineer is out on the weekdays getting torqued up. Is the job open?
  • 2 0
 are there any registered service centres in BC, Canada?
  • 1 0
 I'm not even sure I Ohlins makes there bike product thought they were suntour like DVO ?
  • 1 0
 Can anyone guess what the performance upgrade will look like?
  • 2 0
 Its a bottle of loctite
  • 1 0
 what front tire is being used in the bike pictured here?
  • 2 0
 Michelin Rock'R2 Enduro
  • 4 0
 @StrangeDuck: how enduro is it?
  • 3 0
 @underhawk: 97.2% Enduro. Never go full Enduro though. That's why I only ride Down-Enduro bikes.
  • 1 0
 Ok, I just had to look this up. It's pronounced uh - lins.
  • 1 0
 My fork has been fix! Soon I'll have my Enduro back on the trail.
  • 1 0
 Randy does not approve!
  • 1 0
 Get a MRP Ribbon.
  • 2 0
 Are they made out of cheese like my chain guide that lasted 2 weeks ?
  • 1 3
 that what happening when some "S" telling what they want.
did they recall aftermarket forks to?
or just "S" OEM forks?
  • 1 2
 That’s what happens when “O” has someone else make their stuff! And all air forks are affected.
  • 2 3
 Or you can hit me up and get on a DVO set up.
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