Rear Shock Lockout Not Working? Causes and Fixes

A rear shock lockout that feels soft usually comes down to one of three things: the lever or remote is not actually moving the damper, the lockout is doing what it was designed to do (firm, not rigid), or the shock needs air pressure or service. Work through them in that order, because the first two cost nothing. If the damper itself has failed, it is a job for a shop or the manufacturer’s service center, not a home rebuild.

Diagnose it in three checks

What you notice	Most likely cause	What to do
Lever flops, has no detents, or the shock does not change when you move it	Loose or broken lever, or a remote cable or hose that is not moving the damper	Move the lever by hand on the shock; if it works there, fix the remote. If it does not, the shock needs service.
Bike is firm on smooth pavement but still moves over curbs and bumps	Normal lockout behavior	Nothing to fix. Firm modes are not rigid.
Rear end sits deep in its travel and feels mushy in every mode	Low air pressure or air chambers not equalized	Set pressure to the maker’s chart, then cycle the shock and retest.
Lever works but nothing changes, or oil on the shock body, or odd noises	Worn damper or seals, overdue service	Stop riding it hard and get it serviced.

Check 1: Is the lever or remote moving the damper?

Take the weight off the rear wheel, either with the bike in a repair stand or with the shock unloaded. Fox’s manual says to actuate the release lever with the suspension unweighted to get immediate changes between damping settings. Then move the lever on the shock itself.

• Lever works on the shock, not from the bars: the remote, its cable or hose, or its mounting is the problem, not the damper.
• Lever feels loose, spins freely or has lost its positions: the lever or damper internals are damaged. Do not force it.
• Lever has clear positions and the shock responds: go to check 2.

If you do not have a stand, our guide to the best bike repair stand for home mechanics covers what to look for.

Check 2: Firm is not the same as locked

Fox describes Firm on the Float DPS and Float X as “a very firm low-speed compression setting,” with Medium offering less compression damping and Open the lightest of the three. That is a damping setting, not a mechanical lock. Expect a shock in Firm to stay still while you pedal on smooth ground but still move when you hit something big.

RockShox specs lockout as a force, too: the RockShox Deluxe RL service page lists a “lockout force” spec (320, 380 or 430), not a promise of zero movement. The practical test is simple: with the lever in its firm or lock position, push down on the saddle and bounce gently. A small bobbing should be nearly gone. If the shock still compresses freely under that light load, move to check 3.

The Open Mode Adjust setting on some Fox shocks is separate from lockout. Fox says setting 1 is the plushest and 3 the firmest, and recommends starting at 1. Changing it will not repair a lockout, but it can make Open feel firmer or softer, so make sure it is not set to something unexpected.

Check 3: Air pressure and equalization

Low air pressure makes the whole rear end feel soft whatever the lever says. Set pressure from the chart for your shock and bike, using the Fox owner’s manual for the Float DPS and Float X or your frame maker’s guidance for the pressure range, and respect the limits: Fox lists 300 psi as the maximum for non-EVOL shocks and 350 psi for EVOL.

Fox also warns that adding air without equalizing the chambers can leave a shock very stiff and “topped out,” while releasing air too quickly can leave it unable to extend fully. If the shock behaves oddly right after a pressure change, slowly compress it through about the first quarter of its travel 10 to 20 times after each addition, as Fox’s troubleshooting section advises.

When it needs service, not a home fix

If the lever works, the shock is set up correctly and the lockout still does nothing, the damper is the likely culprit. Fox recommends regular shock maintenance on a schedule and more often under hard use such as lift-accessed downhill, park riding, mud, dust and e-bikes, and Fox’s parts page lists a 125-hour full service for the Float DPS. RockShox links a “50 Hour Rear Shock Service” video on its Deluxe RL page.

• Fox says to stop riding if you notice unusual sounds, sights or feel and contact a Fox Authorized Service Center.
• Fox warns that a shock in a “stuck down” condition should never be pulled apart, opened or serviced by the owner.
• Rebuilding a damper needs shock-specific tools, fluid and a service manual. RockShox publishes service manuals for its shocks; use the one for your model and year if you do the work yourself.

Fork lockouts fail in similar ways; see why a suspension fork lockout is not working for the front end. If you are deciding whether a rear shock is worth having at all, read hardtail vs full suspension and mountain bike geometry explained.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my rear shock still move when the lockout is on?

Because Firm and Lock modes are damping settings. Fox calls its Firm mode a very firm low-speed compression setting, and RockShox rates lockout by force. Large hits can still move the shock.

Can I ride with a lockout that does not work?

Often yes, with the shock simply acting as if it is always open, which costs pedaling efficiency on climbs. Stop and have it checked if the shock makes unusual noises, leaks oil, or feels different from how it normally rides, as Fox advises.

Which fix should I try first?

Move the lever by hand on the shock with the rear wheel unloaded. That one test tells you whether the control or the damper is at fault.