Are shock absorber bushings interchangeable? A comparison with measurements
Can you install a RockShox shock bushing in a Fox shock? Or does a Fox bushing fit in a Suntour or DT Swiss shock? We receive these exact questions regularly.
The short answer is: No - not all shock bushings are compatible with one another. Although many bushings have the same outer diameter, shocks from different manufacturers differ in the design of the shock eye.
In this article, we explain what you need to pay attention to and which bushings are compatible with one another.
- All standard bushings have an outer diameter of 12.7 mm.
- The design of the DU bushing at the shock eye is decisive.
- RockShox, DT Swiss, and many Suntour shocks are mutually compatible.
- Fox and Marzocchi require the Fox standard.
- Öhlins and Suntour Tri-Air are special cases.
What are shock bushings actually for?
Shock bushings connect the rear shock to the frame. They sit in the shock eye and ensure that the shock is mounted without play.
Two dimensions are crucial:
- Bushing width (e.g. 22.2 mm)
- Inner diameter for the frame bolt (e.g. 8 mm)
The required dimensions depend on the respective frame and can be measured yourself or obtained from the bicycle or frame manufacturer.
Why don't all shock bushings fit?
At first glance, everything seems identical.
In fact, the shock bushings from:
- Fox
- RockShox
- DT Swiss
- Öhlins
- Suntour
the same outer diameter of 12.7 mm.
| Manufacturer | Shock bushing outer diameter |
| Fox | 12.7 mm |
| Öhlins | 12.7 mm |
| Suntour (Standard) | 12.7 mm |
| Suntour (TriAir) | 12.7 mm |
| RockShox | 12.7 mm |
| DT Swiss | 12.7 mm |
However, the difference is not in the bushing, but in the shock eye.
The crucial difference: the DU bushing
A DU bushing is installed in each shock eye. With some manufacturers, this DU bushing adds extra width to the shock eye.
This changes the overall width of the shock.
The following shocks have conventional, non-protruding DU bushings:
- RockShox
- DT Swiss
- Suntour Edge
Here, the shock eye width remains 12.7 mm, and the corresponding standard bushings can be used without any problems.
Things are different for the following manufacturers:
- Fox
- Marzocchi
- Öhlins
- Suntour Tri-Air
Here, the sliding sleeves add extra width to the shock eyelet. On Fox shocks, the eyelet including the sliding sleeves is approximately 16.35 mm wide.
Example: RockShox bushing in a Fox shock
A RockShox bushing can be inserted into a Fox shock without any problems.
The outer diameter fits.
However, the existing Fox sliding sleeve creates an excessive overall width.
Example:
- desired width: 22.2 mm
- actual width in the Fox shock: 24.6 mm
This means that this combination cannot be used.
The outer diameter of the bushing is not decisive. What always matters is the final overall width after installation.
Can a RockShox bushing still be used in a Fox shock?
Yes - but only with a conversion.
The original Fox sliding sleeves must first be removed for this.
Suitable RockShox sliding sleeves are then pressed in.
A vise or suitable press tool is generally required for this conversion.
Only then can a RockShox bushing be installed correctly.
Shock bushing compatibility
| Shock | Compatible bushings | Incompatible bushings |
| Suntour (standard shocks without protruding sliding sleeves) | ✅ Suntour, RockShox, DT Swiss | ❌ Fox, Marzocchi |
| RockShox | ✅ Suntour, RockShox, DT Swiss | ❌ Fox, Marzocchi |
| DT Swiss (with a standard shock eyelet) | ✅ Suntour, RockShox, DT Swiss | ❌ Fox, Marzocchi |
| Fox | ✅ Fox, Marzocchi | ❌ Suntour, RockShox, DT Swiss |
| Marzocchi | ✅ Fox, Marzocchi | ❌ Suntour, RockShox, DT Swiss |
Our recommendation
If you install a new shock from the same manufacturer, we recommend reusing the existing bushings in most cases.
They only need to be pressed out of the old shock and pressed into the new shock.
This ensures that all dimensions fit the frame exactly.
Typical mistakes when buying shock bushings
- ❌ Focus only on the outer diameter
- ❌ Ignore the shock eyelet design
- ❌ Do not measure the bushing width
- ❌ Ignore manufacturer compatibility
Conclusion
Even if many shock bushings have the same outer diameter, they are not automatically compatible with one another.
What matters is the design of the sliding sleeve in the shock eyelet and the resulting overall width.
If you want to be on the safe side, use either the manufacturer's original bushings or refer to the compatibility table shown above.
Are you unsure which bushings or shock fit your bike? Feel free to contact us - we're happy to help you choose.