Basic rear shock service & maintenance for your mountain bike - Mountain Bike Action

Win Allen from Win's Wheels goes over the proper technique to service your shock. This is an in depth video we wanted to share with our subscribers so they can potentially work on their suspension at home. We hope you find this informative and this helps you with some of your maintenance tasks on your mountain bike. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button.
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[@pauljones4960]

Great helpful video. Nice to see someone explain without a massive show of ego and showbiz BS. Thank you.

[@scottk3772]

Thanks! This helped a lot. I've been needing to service mine as it's been leaking fluid. It's pretty cool that even my shock from 2004 is built the exact same way.

[@glennpriestly1]

AWESOME! To see a pro, keeping it clean, organized, and very well explained. Top notch.

[@smithgov]

Fantastic tutorial.. What a pro, in both your work and presentation. Just did my first rebuild and followed your instructions step by step and with ease. One thing to mention. The table vise is a super helpful tool for this job. Thank you!

[@joeysowell116]

When change oil in the rear shock do you have a video on adding the nitrogen to the oil? Or does it have to have the nitrogen added to the oil to work properly?

[@nigelpar]

Great video. Makes me realise instantly there is no way I can do this at home!

[@cornholius]

Sure you can. Just removing/replacing old o rings and oil, then pumping up the shock

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@@cornholius it's too complicated for beginner only advanced mechanical skilled should try believe me

[@cornholius]

@Eric I mean, I can do it and I don't consider myself to be "advanced". I also work on my motorcycles with much bigger suspension components and bicycle suspension works the same way, but are easier and lighter to work with. Anybody who can follow a manuals directions can do it.

[@samteks125]

Yep, same here, tried a full service on an RS Reba for the first time last winter, which includes a lot more steps, but as the documentation is quite good, anyone with adequate understanding of the inner workings and enough patience can do it.

[@Butterfly07949]

A good way to not re-install an old seal is to snip it with some scissors. I discovered this tip when I was working on my motorcycle brake seals. This makes it a whole lot easier especially with the shock being so complex it would be so easy to forget!

[@laderamtb3684]

Perfect timing! My bike just started making a squishing sound when I compress thevrear

[@joshmeagher1083]

did the squishing go away after servicing?

[@MartyWharry]

Great tip about the Rag through the eyelet. Mine was suffering negative pressure and I don't mean a little. It went off like a bomb. No need to pick out the seals as most of them got blown across the garage.

[@samteks125]

Crap. Mine has been sucked down when releasing the air pressure while still on the bike. I tried to prevent this by using the shock's travel when releasing the pressure as you're supposed to, but it didn't help at all. This will be fun...

[@JuanMartinez-hz7th]

Thanks for the video, it is very good. I am doing a nude2 on a 2013 Scott Genius; do you know the size for the hardware I need? I can't figure it out. Thanks

[@RobertBloomfield-if8hp]

I hi like how your explaining well also I have a shock like this how do I know what kit will fit I have similar fox shock like this

[@brandonl5653]

Hi, I found grease around the shaft its right at the level where the air can sagged or traveled. Is it normal? What could be the problem and how can I diagnose it? Thanks in advance.

[@brucehornberger3564]

Very excellent video. Do you have a video that does the next level of rebuild. If not do you know where I could find one??

[@mysteriousoklahoma777]

Hey quick question my Specialized brain rear shock is dead. I need to replace it which rockshox or fox which one will fit a 2011 specialized epic expert evo?

[@rterry2752]

Nothing like a clean shop ! Clean shop, clean work .

[@samteks125]

Maybe think about using clean punctuation.

[@jayryan7473]

Regarding the bottom out o-ring at 8:20. My air can was stuck in the compressed position so I had to disassemble it. And it did make the loud pop noise when it was fully unscrewed. I noticed this bottom out o-ring was mangled somehow so I picked the pieces out and threw them away. Everything else looked to be in great condition with no scratches on the finish of the interior so without installing any new parts I put it back together. Making sure it always had about 150 lb of air in it I've put about 40 miles on it and it's been working fine. I've been wondering if that o-ring is what keeps that flat metal disc in place. If that disc is not in place I think it will bounce up and down the stanchion, potentially scratching it. Today I decided to take it apart again to look at it and luckily I don't see any scratching. I'm not an aggressive mountain bike rider though-it's a totally different story on my dirt bike! I mainly ride paved surfaces hopping a curb now and then. However over time who knows what will happen to that stanchion. I'm wondering if I could use a dental band because they stretch many times their diameter. It would have to be impervious to the lubrications inside the shock body of course or it will degrade over time. Or if possible mount the shock upside down so gravity keeps the disc and its place.

[@markheckendorn4224]

Love the video. Well done. I do have a question. I screwed up and while rebuilding my float shock, my rather large clumsy dog, ran around the corner and knocked my table over, which in turn knocked everything off the table. So my shim stack went everywhere. I did take a video of the boostvalve area all together. It was still all together when it fell over. So I don’t have any idea of the order they go. I’ve tried fox and other places, and either they didn’t know, fox for ex. Or just would not tell me. I’ve looked all over the web for images specific to my shock tune. But have not been able to find anything. Also, my local bike shops I’ve called don’t even mess with rebuilding shocks. You seem very knowledgeable and was wondering if you know where I could look to find the order of the shims. The shock is a fox float RP23 boostvalve with rebound XL. velocity L and boostvalve 150. Thx you.

[@n8_vel868]

I have a question. My fox float like that one works fine after a service but eventually starts to "top-out". When I try to cycle the suspension, the chamber doesn't equalize. I'm using 10w suspension oil for the air can and im not sure if it's clogging because how the thick the oil is or what. I'm not sure what exact oil I should used or exactly how much. Any help will be appreciated!

[@n8_vel868]

The air chamber side of the shock, does it need to have some oil in it before putting it back together?

[@rnrnrn69]

Thank you so much for this super informative video. Cheers!

[@bennewton]

Brilliant, absolutly brilliant. Thank you.

[@deviceu]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@andrieslouw6588]

I have a remote brain shock. So there's a line out the stanchion end running to the brain shock located on my chainstay. Got any help for that? I'm not super keen to remove the whole system just to replace o-rings fluid & dust wipers.

[@nestec55]

Just finished the rebuild. Many thanks for the step by step. Super helpful 😄😄👍

[@Eat-work-sleep-explore]

Where can i buy seal kit for this model? FOX FLOAT R? NSW area

[@mrkeopele]

i have a rockshox sid xc 7.5 x 2. bottom seal was leaking. while figuring and repairing bottom seal, negative chamber, i lost patience and damaged the threads on the top of the shock air can mount. the place that holds the o-ring that seals the air can top chamber. I like the shock and am thinking if i knew how to remove the actual shock from that top mount i could take another SID XC shorter more available (6.5 x 1.5),used failing shock and switch the top mount, all i have to know is the assembly type/procedure. is it a press in or screw in shaft of shock to the top housing threaded portion. I have a shorter and longer shock option right now but the original supplied on my 2002 Giant AC Air Lite was basically the right shock! Can you help with the way to remove the actual shock shaft from the top of air can mount?

[@afalax87]

Hi. I have the same shock that I’d like to get rebuilt. Can I mail it in to get this done?

[@raulmurrillo8604]

How can I do to take my air shock to your shop so you can fix it. And how much will cost me,? Thank you. Good video.

[@louiedorn9201]

do i need to put oil in it when i’m replacing the seals and o rings i have the same exact shock

[@leart78]

can you replace the air valve without disassemble the whole shock?

[@lucrichard388]

I got my suspension rebuilt and the shop did not aligne the bottem piece right. Is there a way to fix that easily?

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great education and a great video and thanks for sharing!!!!! I learned so much.

[@briannewbold3530]

You don't need the whole pillow-pack of fluid.. check the FOX rebuild specs: Place 2 cc of FLOAT Fluid into the air sleeve. Just FYI for the next time, you can get 2 rebuilds out of each pack.. the left over can be used to lubricate the seals during installation.

[@Dustmop78]

How do we know if the rebound switch and manual lock are damaged? My locking switch doesn’t stay up in the vertical position. Any help there!

[@jayryan7473]

Was it ever taken apart? I'm wondering if there's a little hole with a spring inside that a tiny stainless ball sits on, which catches a notch in the lever.

[@thirdiii171]

Was the WD40 is safe use to spray in ths shaft of the suspension to clean out the dirt from the shaft after running?

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

Thank you so much for doing this video

[@makeitathome1327]

Is it possible to remove the rear spring shocker permanatly? I don't want the rear shocker on the bike anymore, so is it possible to remove it permanatly?

[@samteks125]

What's a spring shocker 🤔

[@katman11]

Will Rear Shock Rebuild Kit 803-00-142 fit on the 2005/2006 Fox Float R with Specialized Brain Fade? Fox Tech support is telling me kit will not work on a shock that old....3rd Party shock rebuild specialists (Freewheel/Shockspital & Risse Racing Technology) however are saying the kit should work fine. Any other definitive answers? Thanks.

[@BlairMaynard]

I don't have the same shock, but i did turn the rebound adjuster clockwise all the way and it was still a b!tch raising the can to screw it into the top, but I did it. Thanks for the great video.

[@AlexanderGarciaFilipinoDentist]

Thanks for the video demo. I did the servicing of my fox 2 shock but i cant make it work. Shock didnt work....i brought it to a local fox service shop and they told me it will really wont wotk because i need to use nitrogen gas instead of regular compress air. Is it true? In your video you pump regular compress air. Im confused. Thanks in advance fir the answer.

[@tranfamily35]

i pump regular air

[@samteks125]

If you released the nitrogen from the damper side (which means you did something NOT described in this video), FOX is right and you're in trouble.

[@EdA-bz3bu]

I think it would be a good idea to draw the shock and reference all the different pieces orientations. Very helpful vid👍👍

[@Chucktinez]

Hello I had a quick question and really need help. I have a vintage retro year 2000 GT full suspension mountain bike model XCR5000. It currently has the original rear shock ShockRST 22A, 4.6inch travel. Can I swap this out for something modern? Or is there a replacement for this type of shock? I can’t seem to find anything online for it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

[@patternedbikealves584]

Ótimo vídeo. Vc tem conhecimento de um shock sa DNM, já fez manutenção em algum ? Sou o Mauritonio Sou brasileiro .

[@brooklynbound75]

Awesome Vid, Thanks. Noticed the Fenix watch. What Band is that ?

[@cubatea]

absolutely brilliant video. Thanks very much

[@foreign-v2421]

i’m a beginner and for some reason my shock losses air i have a fox float rp2

[@aphaseelec]

Knew I came to the right place when you have the same coffee machine as me and your wearing a Fenix.

[@tommydale5309]

I weigh 225 and keep my shock at 290 lbs/inch, seems to be where I need it ??

[@tristantopambudi3186]

My specialised shock (comes with brain at rear ) makes squeak noise Any advice to solve it ?

[@ReaganPatriot]

Noise on front shock or back brain?

[@tristantopambudi3186]

More like rear sus, only sometimes squeak not always, although it is annoying.

[@ZillaYT]

Thanks,but you need close up shots in some of these steps.

[@jacknolan62]

Great video. I'll be back!

[@doubleAronsvlog]

What are some signs that your rear shock would need service? I have a new bike that I've ridden probably about 25 hours on. I know they say 50 hours but I'm wondering if I should have it done sooner

[@Kyros9119]

If you are hearing any bubble sounds or the suspension is in any way stiff get it serviced. Even if you do it in double the recommended hours it will more than likely be fine but it is best to do it in time.

[@mikerucker8913]

I have an 06 shock float r never been serviced . It’s in need of one but the point is don’t need to open up the can if it’s not broken or ready.

[@kebas6702]

Mine is stuck down, what can I do?

[@StoffelDilligas]

Great video thanks a lot.

[@manuelcobian2355]

I want to work in your shop to take my cappuccino first ☕😋

[@rollingstone1689]

What would I be expecting to pay for this job at a bike shop in 2021

[@rollingstone1689]

Well I had this air can an front fox fork serviced for 150 pound sterling

[@markmccall9027]

@@rollingstone1689 Always got to factor in the cost of all the new washers etc when you try it at home. Some service kits are more expensive than I was expecting.

[@ViktorJ0van0vski]

when i release air from the valve oil comes out why could that happen?

[@eduardlopez4307]

Hi win allen. I have a trek fuel ex 2018 model with a fox float evol re:activ do you know what servicing kit will i buy? I have no idea what part number of servicing kit on it. There is a repair kit selling online that said it will fit for all float model rear shock. Can i buy it? Pls help

[@s1v3bid]

Eduard Lopez Your shock has float in the name and the kit says for all float shocks, so you can most likely buy it. Smh

[@eduardlopez4307]

@@s1v3bid thanks.appreciate it.

[@johnnymoreno7149]

“Back to 105” we noted 110

[@joelhicks8343]

Fox recommends pumping it 5% higher than your target value to accommodate the pressure lost when removing the pump

[@johnnymoreno7149]

@@joelhicks8343 The oiginal reading at 3:10 was 110psi. "Well documenting" your pressure would've resulted in, considering your 5% increased pressure for "accommodation" (just like fox recommends), would have resulted in ~116psi prior to romoving the pump not "back to 105". Why not just acknowledge the mistake? 🤔

[@gimi5223]

Salut ma pote ajuta cineva daca am apasat din greseala pe vintil si a iesit puțină presiune îl mai pot unfla

[@walterlafleur8961]

What is a good way to open the can without a vice? I don't want to damage the eyelet.

[@Foxtrot0scar]

Keep it on the bike then undo the can in situ while it's still bolted in

[@charliezdybek1882]

Hold the can and put a screwdriver with duck tape on the metal in the top hole and use it as an internal soft jawed vise

[@jtgallegos4237]

So no fluid in the bottom in the air canister?

[@walterlafleur8961]

I've seen other tutorials where half of the fluid is put in the bottom and half is put into the top.

[@dha588]

Are all the fox r shock psi 105?

[@archielorenzojr.langamin2150]

where can i buy this kit? tnx

[@yvesvyncke6008]

What fluid and how much is het using ?

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

Fox fluid. The seal kit comes with a small tube of fox fluid. It only needs a small amount, about a nickel or quarter size amount inside the shock. Ride on 🤘

[@jaydenbourne8763]

Does anyone know why my rock shox rear suspension squelches every time I put pressure on it?

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

Bad seal ?

[@pifcudoidef]

I love coffe&expresso machines , I love mtb and I Love E-Mtb, I love dogs, so.... I will sub to u :D

[@01AceAlpha]

I would pressurize the shock after installing it on the bike.

[@bmxaholic7600]

Whqt do i do if my shock has wearmark to silver on the stancion?

[@Graemesbullys]

My shock was never gold even when new I know this because I took it apart when it was literally 1hr old and it was solid silver.

[@jayryan7473]

At 17:00 You didn't lube the seals before jamming the air can on. Defininitely lube first.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

No lube on thread of air can when reassembling

[@Mr.Behemoth607]

My air shock blew top and bottom are separated

[@rudyzabala4406]

MUY BUEN CONSEJO EXPLICITO MUY EDUCATIVO AUNQUE NO ENTENDI LO QUE DIJO EN INGLES

[@scottsoward]

What was in the pillow pack??

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

Fox fluid. Ride on 🤘

[@stegersexguitars5808]

awesome....

[@stephenwalker3679]

Brilliant

[@archielorenzojr.langamin2150]

i need that kit..

[@stanisawkawak8442]

The only stem that I can follow is making coffe

[@tedoyle61]

And I don't see anything in there justify such ridiculously excessively high prices for these.

[@dereckfabianmoracorrales4370]

Ragnar lothbrok, Bjorn , Floki

[@dabeachman]

why is the o ring there at all?

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

The o-ring inside is to make an air tight seal. The last o-ring on the outside, is there to check your shock sag and to see how much shock travel you’re using. The o-ring slides down on the shaft and shows you the amount of travel. Ride on 🤘

[@normanmolina6989]

@@DailyNeighborhoodRide my outside o ring has broken off. What can I use as an alternative to set sag and make sure I’m not bottoming out?

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

@@normanmolina6989 your local bike shop probably has some of those o-rings laying around? Otherwise I would probably just use a string or something, but not leave it on after setting the sag. Ride on 🤘

[@manuelcobian2355]

I like it 🍵 cappuchino

[@chromatecyborg3302]

whats a soft jaw never heard of this?

[@mikel6441]

It means that the jaws of the vise are made out of mild (soft) metal. They're usually aluminum plates that are placed between steel jaws to prevent damage to another metal object.

[@samteks125]

If you don't have those, you can bend some aluminium or just use pieces of wood small enough to fit your vise

[@agussas3705]

Alamat servis di mana

[@Eric-kn4yn]

50hrs 🤣 that would be 6weeks use

[@samteks125]

Absolutely ridiculous, isn't it. The 100/200hr recommendations for servicing front forks are unrealistic already, but this really does it

[@tristantopambudi3186]

Ive accidently turned and pulled the housing of the valve/little long tube instead of the cap where the air come in to my Rockshock ario now I the air hissing out slowly, how to fix it, or do I have to replace those little round ruber seal ? Be nice if I cud just fix it . Thanks

[@ZillaYT]

Thanks,but you need close up shots in some of these steps.