Fork Mid-Valve Squish

Mid-Valve setup is perhaps the most critical part of fork valving. The most important thing to control is Float.

Float is the distance the Mid-Valve Stack moves before it has to bend.

Squish is the amount the Float decreases when the Nut is tightened as the components compress. It is already calculated into the theoretical float on the DVS Custom Setup Sheet.

For more details check out the following example. These instructions are general and not specific to your particular bike.

VR7- MID-VALVE STACK
Install the stock:
Spring Washer (with holes) and the
Thrust Washer

Install the Mid-Valve Stack onto the Valving Shaft starting with the:
Sleeve Washer
Check Spring
Mid-Valve Packing Stack
Hi-Speed Mid-Valve Stack
Mid-Valve Crossover (only if it is a two stage Mid-Valve stack)
Lo-Speed Mid-Valve Stack

and
Sleeve Extender Shim(s) (8 id x 11mm od shims) (if required)
CALCULATING THE FLOAT
Setting the correct Float is the most critical part of the installation. Float is the amount the Mid-Valve stack moves before it has to bend.
Squish is the amount the Gap shrinks as the Nut is tightened.
Float is calculated as follows:
Gap is the total length available for the Mid-Valve Stack...
Gap = Sleeve Length plus Sleeve Extender - Recess Depth - Squish
Total Mid-Valve Stack = Lo-Speed MV plus MV Crossover plus Hi-Speed MV plus MV Packing
Float = Gap - Total Mid-Valve Stack
Once the complete assembly is built, check the Float with a feeler gauge (step VR14). This may be off due to production tolerances on all of the parts in the assembly. Adjust the MV Packing Stack to create the correct Float.

VR14- Make sure the mid-valve is free to move up and down.
CHECK THE FLOAT
The most critical valving setup in the entire front fork is the FLOAT. Use a feeler gauge to measure the actual "float" of the mid-valve. The float is the amount the stack moves before it has to bend.
Insert the feeler gauge between the Gold Valve Piston face and the first shim. Make sure the feeler gauge goes all the way in to the surface of the inner sleeve.
This is the best way to check the float as there are always production tolerances that will throw the predicted float off of the calculated number.
Adjust the packing stack to get the correct float. THIS IS CRITICAL!