Problem with Fox Transfer SL dropper

I put Fox Transfer SL 31.6 on my Spark PRO 2019 and when I tighten the seat clamp (even just 3Nm) it affects lifting. I feel it when lowering but it stuck when moving back…

Does anyone have a similar problem?

you should check how round the seatclamp is (specially when fastened, when it’s too much oval, it will apply to much pressure on the dropper, even when it’s not tight).
The “roundness” is maybe not easy to see/check, but a good indication can be how much gap you have when the clamp is tight. (the gap should be ~1mm )

For example, this one has a gap that’s way to big and also an issue with the dropper:

Hi

I just turned seat clamp in an opposite way and it looks better now.
I have carbon friction paste but I assume that I need a different one because seatpost is ALU or this ona can work also?

carbon paste will always work to increase friction between the post and the frame, even if both are alu.

-some- say that carbon paste will not prevent corrosion and you can still end up with the post forever fixed in the frame, but I have not (yet) had that experience.

You’re doing all the right things. Carbon paste is also called friction paste, and it’s always a good idea to use it on any seat post. Flipping the seat post collar is a good first step and if that doesn’t solve it I would look at getting a different seat post collar. 3Nm is actually adequate torque for most riders, but if it’s still binding, then you should try a different collar.

Now I have new problem… it has lot of play and when is in some position it doesn’t want to go back or up until I manually push/pull…

I have the Fox on a couple bikes and Reverb on a couple others.

The FOX post seems to develop a lot of stiction around the seal and that can prevent it from fully returning to max height. There are various short term fixes for this including using a zip-tie to drop a little oil (or FOX fluid) into the seal, using a little Slick Honey or SRAM Butter along the post, or a partial rebuild. Google and you’ll find instructions on all three of those approaches.

I clean the post and apply Slick Honey every 10-12 rides. That seems to help quite a bit with a post having sticky return but no other issues.

You should also check your dropper lever at the bars, the cable and the cable adjustment as that can affect the dropper function on the FOX post.

Excessive play, assuming you mean side to side movement of the saddle, can be a sign that you need to have a rebuild. FOX posts are more difficult to do at home compared to the Reverb so probably send it out for that service. That said, check your seat and seat post clamp before jumping to a rebuild. Seats break and clamps can loosen up so check the easy stuff first.

Good luck. Droppers are brilliant but they do require maintenance time to time.

Sounds like some stiction. There is a bit of maintenance you can do here. I got this problem after a sandy race a year ago. You should be able to take the collar off (where stantion inserts into post up/down). Wipe that down good. Then use a pick to get the sponge ring out of the collar you’ve just loosened. Wipe this down as well. Apply some lightweight bearing grease to the post. Personally, I use Motorex. Then tighten the collar back down BY HAND. You don’t need to use a wrench. Just hand tighten. After cycling a couple of times - take off any extra grease on stantion as this will only attract dust.

As previous posters have said. 4N-m is max I torque the post into the frame. Also carbon paste a must.

Side to side play required you to send it to Fox. Bike shops are unable to service the Transfer SL. Unless this has recently changed.

I´m having the same issue.

The seatpost works perfectly outside the bike.
If I put it in and give just a little torque on the collar, it gets stuck.

Perhaps try a different collar. Wolftooth.

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I have had 3 regular Fox Transfers and each one did this. Tried all the usual solutions with no change. I now have a wolftooth resolve.