I've had a Fox ATS Steering Stabilizer for a number of years, but haven't played with adjusting it. Thought I would adjust it this weekend. Looked online for an owner's manual, scoured the Fox website, and can't find anything about adjusting (only about installation). I know there is an adjustment screw (circled in blue in the picture) that has about 25 "click" positions that you can adjust from soft to firm with full clockwise being the firmest. However, I thought the knob (circled in red in the picture) also turned and was part of the adjustment process, but I can't seem to confirm that anywhere. Anyone able to clarify?

Also, is there any service that can/needs to be performed on these (I don't see any zerk fittings or anything so I am presuming everything is self-contained and it is not serviceable) and what is the life expectancy of one of these? Thx

 

Geez, am I the only guy in the world that bought a Fox ATS Steering Stabilizer? Not a single response

I did reach out to Fox today and I got the following response from their Customer Support, "The adjuster screw circled (blue) controls the rebound speed, the cap circled in red covers the schrader valve. We recommend a rebuild at around 50K highway miles."

Not sure this helped me much other than to confirm what I thought, which is that there are two adjustments. Not really clear, however, what the Schrader valve controls. I thought Schrader valves were what was on tires. Didn't know that this kind of setup had a Schrader valve.

It's still hard to believe that there is not a single source of documentation (eg, an owner's manual) that would clearly explain how this steering stabilizer works and how to adjust it. All the owner's manual explains is how to install it. It's like you're supposed to know inherently how the device works.

I also don't know what "rebuild at 50K miles" means. What would you rebuild? That sounds like a euphemism for buy a brand new one and replace the old one. Nobody else out there has any experience with these devices?

 

I honestly did not know Fox had a adjustable steering stabilizer. I know Falcon does. I would just play with the adjuster on it and see if anything changes. Maybe mark it some way before you start changing it. That way if it get all out of wack you can put it back where you started.

 

More research and a little more information. Apparently the reservoir that sits on top of the steering stabilizer is nitrogen pressurized and is kept separate from the tube with oil below.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to find anything on the Fox website, an owner's manual, and even the internet for the most part that describes the function, care, and maintenance of this nitrogen pressurized reservoir. From what I have been able to ascertain by reading some other forums, the Schrader valve is used to pressurize the nitrogen reservoir. Apparently, just barely touching the valve insert completely releases all of the nitrogen and you're screwed. Virtually no way to manually just let a little out. It seems to be all or none. Refilling it requires that you have a nitrogen tank and regulator so that you can be very precise when you refill it as the volume of nitrogen is very small overall. For most people that means that you need to take it to a shop (probably a motorcycle shop as most auto shops don't have nitrogen and a regulator). In terms of what PSI to have it filled to, well nobody knows because Fox doesn't publish any information or specs anywhere stating what it should be. The consensus seems to be that 50 PSI would be reasonable although opinions vary greatly.

This is obviously an integral part of the device. If the nitrogen reservoir is not pressurized correctly then the whole unit can't do its job. For the very high cost of this component, it seems like it would be in Fox's best interest to make this very clear and post a service document stating how often this should be checked, recharged and to what PSI. For Pete's sake, at least add that to the owner's manual.

 

That's weird but it must be old and discontinued. Did you install this stabilizer over stock? If so I would like to know if there was any difference between the two in terms of handling and dampening etc. I only have 33" tires so my stabilizer is a Bilstein replacement as the Mopar one had zero damping capabilities. Going 35''s next and that's it.

 

The Fox ATS Steering Stabilizer is still very much alive, not old and discontinued. It completely replaces the OEM unit.

 

Lots of people throw away $400 on it, I see them all the time. Not sure why the Schrader valve would be where it is as the shaft would have to be drilled to get the nitrogen into the shock body. Never seen a cutaway view to see what exactly is inside the body. It's a steering stabilizer that is overly complicated and expensive. It amazes me how many people, that don't know what they are doing, plop down that kind of money for a steering stabilizer.

 

Received this additional info from Fox customer service today: "The schrader valve is there to add nitrogen (200psi). The nitrogen is used to minimize cavitation in the oil."

The part that surprised me in their response was the 200 PSI. On other forums, people were suggesting 50 PSI. Clearly, Fox needs to do a better job educating the public what the specs are on this device. The difference between 50 and 200 PSI is massive. I just don't understand why something as simple as a spec sheet indicating this 200 PSI recommendation does not exist.

 

200 is typical to fox shocks

 

I'm not talking $200, I'm talking 200 PSI (pressure)