Rockshox Reverb AXS A1 Wireless Dropper Post 600 Hour Service guide for beginners. + IFP removal tip

This is a FULL 600 hour service guide video for a Rockshox Reverb AXS A1 wireless dropper post. It's a FULL service / maintenance guide, which technically includes the 600 hour , 200 hour and 50 hour service
It's a bit of a long video, but I wanted to make sure I broke out as many steps as possible in order to make it easy to follow. Considering the Dropper is nothing more than a one way damper, this service isn't all that bad, even though it might look it at first glance. Once you get used to the main components, you should be able o finish this service in about 1.5 hour max your first time and within 45 minutes once you get used to it.
Warning:
I will say that I fundamentally believe there is a bit of a flaw with this model dropper post, and it has to do with the collar and the bushing. As you will see in this video, the coating on both the collar and bushing has not only started wear, but would've soon completely worn off. This is VERY bad IMO. I'm fairly confident that the only way to manage this is to REGULARLY perform a 50 service on this post in order to keep an eye on them. I HIGHLY recommend you do this, especially considering the cost of these posts. Neglect this, and I'm positive the post will be damaged over time. At least the post is wireless, which make it easy to remove and service
I also explain how to remove a stuck IFP in this video. This trick works for all reverb dropper posts. If you find the IFP is stuck at the bottom of the IFP tube, do NOT try and pry it out as you can damage the IFP tube. Follow the tiup in the video and you should be fine
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll respond first chance I get
Chapters
00:00 intro parts and tools
09:08 Post Disassembly
24:51 Damper Cartridge disassembly
41:27 IFP install and bleed
01:02:11 Closing up the Damper cartridge
01:07:01 Basic 200 hour service

[@OffRoadCycling]

A big Thank You to @ZoubTube for servicing my RockShox Reverb AXS Wireless Dropper Seatpost! The 600 hour service kit was provided as well as the grease, oil and return shipping. I offered compensation but was told there is no need for any. Time to Pay It Forward. I can’t thank you enough for all this! FYI: In one of the comments from the 200 hour video I saw mention of trying to find another dropper to make a 600 hour service video so decided to offer mine which just started having rebound issues. The post is 3 years old and has around 600 hours of use although not used much the first 2 years. Sending it to someone I didn't know was a little concerning but decided to take my chances.

[@zoubtube]

Apologies for the delayed response but i've been traveling for work lately. Thank you for showing such a level of trust, for me that was the compensation considering current times. It was a great example of people having faith in others. Hopefully you get to enjoy it and hopefully the video helps you with servicing it in the future. Many thanks again! and as always, let me know if you have any questions. 👍

[@vin374]

Just got done with my 600hr service. Followed the video exact and worked out perfectly. I didn’t use the 600hr kit. But my post had the suction. So I took it all apart. Changed the oil and reset the IFP height. Changed the seals that come in the 200hr kit and it came out beautifully. Thanks again

[@zoubtube]

That is really great to hear myman! so glad it all worked out. Now go out there and enjoy it! 👍

[@GokkunGuru]

I live in Canada and lama is legit. Good video. I loved this one a lot.

[@jcw5002]

I just followed these steps and fixed my dropper! Thank you so much for this detailed video (and the other ones you have for the Reverb AXS). Without this video, I probably wouldn't have been confident to try it myself. The video aligns pretty much perfectly with the official service manual from RockShox. I was using both side by side by doing the service. My post has the same suction issue as the one in the video. It would only extend about 30mm instead of the full 170mm. This happened after I screwed up the 50h service and didn't properly torque the baseplate. It blew out on a ride and I think that's what caused air to get into my upper post. I did the full 600h service (although didn't replace any parts except oil), and that fixed the suction problem. It took me about 2 hours start to finish. Lots of special tools required :( THANKS AGAIN! You are a legend.

[@zoubtube]

I am SO glad that it all worked out for you. The first time for all these videos will take the longest for sure. but I'm positive the second time it go MUCH quicker. After that you will be doing it annually in less than 30 minutes. 👍

[@Boostedbanjoe]

Thanks fella. I had exactly the same problem with my dropper. Followed your guidance yesterday and now the post is like new again. Great video thanks again 👍🏼👍🏼

[@zoubtube]

That is SO great to hear. I really hope more people gain enough confidence to do this job on their posts. the AXS is a very nice post IMO. but it needs more attention than a regular post. Considering the cost of sending it in for service (~$150 plus shipping), not only can they save a significant amount of money over time, but they can better enjoy their investment by having it in tip top shape. Thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@paulmayhew9040]

Nice,well described post working perfectly 👍👍

[@zoubtube]

Awesome to hear it worked out for you and thank you very much for letting me know. These are great posts but I would definitely give them a check every 50 hours or so. Not having a cable to deal with makes it so much easier 👍

[@stevebarber5507]

Great video which greatly assisted me in my 600 hours service thanks @ZouTube. I did have some serious issues when trying to get the IFP to stay put when trying to install the shaft back in. The IFP kept lifting up. I think it was because I could not get the AXS to confirm it was in service mode as the dropper was locked in the up position ? The brass keys had managed to bind themselves to the tube. One thing I would suggest is wear safety glasses as I managed to spray seat post oil in my face and was thankful I was wearing them. Thanks again

[@zoubtube]

Glad to hear the video helped you with the service. Yup! without service mode activated, setting the IFP will be difficult. service mode keeps the valve open allowing for air and oil to flow through freely. And you're 100% right. Safety glasses are a must IMO when working with parts that involve pressure and oils. When take the chance.

[@anthonynazzal1958]

Super helpful! I needed this for working on mine , thank you!!

[@zoubtube]

Glad to hear that you found the video helpful. If it's your first time, take your time, and I'm sure you will do just fine. If you have any questions or concerns, just let me know and I'll do my best to help 👍

[@anthonynazzal1958]

@@zoubtube actually, I didn’t need to do a service/rebuild but to fix an odd issue. While riding today, a few miles in, I dropped the post and heard a harsh clank, then as I finished the decent and needed to sit to pedal, the dropper would t come back up. Finally got home and found that the cap and retaining clip loosened and came off, and that resulted in the shaft not having anything to push against to return it to full extension. Watching your video helped with my attempt to re assemble it all and now it seems to be working correctly again. Odd that the cap unscrewed itself completely (no bad threads so it’s not like it just pushed out due to bad threads) and that the retaining clip came out… third axs reverb I’ve had on various bikes and never an issue till this strange event

[@reza2wheels443]

Thanks for sharing this tutorial. 😊

[@zoubtube]

Thanks for watching it and hopefully you found it helpful

[@jaj07]

Thanks for an incredibly useful vid! Much easier to follow than the Sram instructions.👍🏻

[@zoubtube]

I am very happy to hear the video worked out for you, and thank you for the gracious comment. They are great posts. With a bit of care, you should be able to enjoy for years to come 👍

[@robertpresti7775]

just under $1000 with tax this thing should come with a rebuild kit. Cant believe people support buying this seatbpost. This is having the same issues with sag as the cable actuating reverb. i have the $500 transx Bluetooth dropper and its amazing! no oil only air. about 300 hrs and no issues Extra battery is only $40 and rebuild kits are cheap and plentiful. $500 is appropriate because i use this on two bikes so it saves me money. It works quick it was a bit slow but need more air and now it works just the same as my factory bontrager dropper from my roscoe 9 actually its a bit faster. Its a great dropper try it out people. not many reviews on it but the few that are all give it good reviews.

[@zoubtube]

Have to agree with you here on the reverb axs comments. The price is to high and I'm convinced the IFP is flawed in some way on the reverb AXS. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a updated version of this post sooner than later. I have not ridden the wireless tranx so I can't speak to it, but hope it ignites serious competition in the wireless dropper space. wireless droppers are super convenient when traveling.

[@mm-levo]

Hola zoubtube, estuve mirando tu video con mucha atención, no se veia muy bien , pero al final intuí que la ranura de la varilla entraba hasta al raso del tubo interior. Pues lo hice así y salio perfecto!! Guau! Que contento! Gracias a tu vídeo que me ha ayudado mucho, y me dio fuerzas para hacerlo!! Un saludo

[@zoubtube]

¡Excelente trabajo! 👏 Me hace MUY feliz saber que todo salió bien para ti. 😊mi objetivo era ayudar a las personas con un poco de confianza necesaria para realizar este tipo de trabajos. y probaste que es posible. ¡Ahora sal y disfruta de la bicicleta! 👍

[@mm-levo]

thank you so much!

[@maxfun3971]

Nice video, thanks

[@zoubtube]

Thank you very much. let me know if there are any questions

[@Waremonger]

Regarding the pins, when I did my last service over the winter I decided to just go ahead and buy new pins before opening it up and, like the one you're servicing, two of the pins looked great (all three lines clearly visible) but on one of the pins the lines were a little more worn (but still slightly visible on mine). Mine is just over 2 years old.

[@zoubtube]

I'm pretty positive that this is normally. Forces on the pins aren't going to be equal, so they will wear at different rates. Best way to slow them from wearing is by making sure they have enough grease on them (regular 50 hour check). Bring wireless really does make this an easier process than a wired post.

[@mm-levo]

Solo la presentacion de las herramientas ya vale un buen like!! suscrito

[@zoubtube]

Muchas gracias por el bonito comentario. Si tienes alguna pregunta, házmelo saber y haré todo lo posible para tratar de responderla. 👍

[@mm-levo]

Hola, cuanto tiempo hacia del ultimo mantenimiento? Has hecho las horas que dice el fabricante??

[@zoubtube]

@@mm-levo El AXS en el video de 200 horas tenía alrededor de 200 horas. El AXS en el video de 600 horas tenía alrededor de 200 horas. pero tenía un problema diferente que necesitaba ser arreglado

[@josephiturra587]

I have an old 2013 SPECIALIZED EPIC . Everything looks and works great except for the “ BRAIN “ that’s basically a rear fox shock that has a hose coming out of it that leads to a valve . Unfortunately there’s no videos on KZbin as detail as your videos . It would be great if you could give a master class on how to service or rebuild that old but good suspension.

[@zoubtube]

When I get the chance I definitely will. 👍

[@josephiturra587]

That would be great thanks

[@NickBM3]

@ZoubTube you mentioned using SRAM butter instead of the dynamic seal grease for the "outer" post (i.e. not the damper/IFP chamber). Have you actually tried this? In this video and the 200 hour service video you used the dynamic grease for everything like the manual states. I did a 200 hour service last year and used dynamic grease, and a few days ago I opened the top cap to add a bit of grease until I can service it. The existing grease I could see looked pretty dry and dirty like in your video so I was interested in using SRAM butter instead. Another thought I had is that since the dynamic seal grease is used within the IFP chamber, I might add a little bit of the Serene Hydraulic oil in the outer chamber as well to hopefully keep the dynamic grease fresh longer. Thoughts? Great video btw! I will be referencing it when I do my service soon.

[@zoubtube]

Yes I have and it works great. I wouldn't use the serene fluid on the outer post unless you make sure to wipe the post after every ride. it's a very thin fluid, and I'm sure the wiper isn't tight enough to keep it from constantly seeping. I'm also sure it would settle to the bottom of the post when the bike is sitting for a while. Butter, slickoleum, slick honey are perfect for droppers. Rockshox did a good job, imo, making this post on the easier side of servicing it. The only annoying issue you might run into is removing the IFP if it's at the bottom of the chamber. I do show how to solve the issue in the video, though. Take your time, and I'm sure everything will go fine. After you're done, I'm sure you'll be surprised at how simple it really is. As always, if you have any questions, let me know!

[@NickBM3]

@@zoubtube awesome thanks for the reply! Good point about the fluid getting past the wiper seal, didn’t think about that. I’ll go with sram butter on the outer sliding parts then. This does look much better than the standard reverbs (at least older ones) that need the ifp chamber to be bled.

[@luckybastardshawaii2834]

Absolutely fantastic video. The only thing I can’t seem to put my hands on of those metal vice jaws to hold the dropper in place. Could you tell us where you were able to find those?

[@zoubtube]

Glad to hear you found the video informative. The metal softjaw with the 25mm hole I bought from a guy in canada through ebay. He makes great quality sofjaws, but they are pricey, and from what it looks like they have increased in cost since I bought them. below is the link. www.ebay.com/itm/113970834025?itmmeta=01J1WJTMX5XGBNSHD6G25BZHMF&hash=item1a8930ea69:g:QiMAAOSwsAtdz2uK Another option is the RockShox Reverb Vice Block - very handy tool but again expensive, pretty much doubled in price since I bought mine. I'd google search for the best price www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/tl-rvbt-vb-a1 a more cost effective alternative if you have a solid vice would be the following poly softjaw on ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/276243285596?itmmeta=01J1WJJKRC0HV04J0Y7ZH9SDAF&hash=item405162065c:g:EpQAAOSwB4hlhbGM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4MRYvDyBct6DdSoX%2F4fpzsSw5Uzrpg049kSUxYsMmEcoj9OmVl1rvixt%2FS3NCyNrPE3MJ2HJMZA%2FuLisgzADheJzRZ5vdAWjn5ZukjleF6LEOujg0lMYx9quSlKT1U7x8bO0LdDMWRzl3gMszI6VS2kN7wjmdMZJASMpcXB8TsCq5O03gngQ6Art7ygt2Qi8gV%2FIGGFPkEqOdPM1j6EEZn7LBkDwub1IHFgLNFC%2Fb7q0BcXPPvxhJaAL%2F8VmY9DrO8IUkAZFU%2BjS%2FX5p33GRd7Zs%2FcKaDpJuYadM19gMft6m%7Ctkp%3ABFBMnLzKko9k One option that looks interesting that I've never tried is the following that might work well. it's metal, low in cost, and offers a good amount of sizes www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Seatpost-Suspension-Freewheel-Maintenance/dp/B0BMB5JYQC/ref=asc_df_B0BMB5JYQC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=837909002167703903&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016979&hvtargid=pla-2281435179778&psc=1&mcid=5f6d9da13d62379e98af4f3df4633a7f&hvocijid=837909002167703903-B0BMB5JYQC-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1 Hopefully this helps.

[@luckybastardshawaii2834]

@@zoubtube really really appreciate the info! You’re the best.

[@havelandoutdoors]

Great video! I've already watched it a few times tonight :) Order partings to fix a sucked down AXS dropper but I have a question about the IFP more out of wonder. Why is setting the depth of it so important? Why is it allowed to just float in there then. And in a sucked down situation couldn't I just break the suction like you did and then seal it back up (without changing oil or pull out the IFP) or is the IFP likely now in the wrong location (hence my first question :) ) -- thank you so much!

[@havelandoutdoors]

I think I worked it out in my head -- I need to pull the IFP and rebleed the system to really get the air out from behind the IFP

[@zoubtube]

Why is setting the depth of it so important? It balances pressure between the oil and air. If the pressure isn't right, the post won't work as it should. The engineers determine the appropriate depth in order to maintain the correct pressures "in a sucked down situation couldn't I just break the suction like you did and then seal it back up" In a suckdown scenario, the pressure is imbalanced, which ultimately means the ifp isn't going to be in the right spot based on the imbalance of pressure. The post needs to be opened in order to not only balance the pressure, but also to place the IFP at the right depth again prior to closing it up and filling it with air. This is a great post, but servicing is more involved than most. Once you get used to the job, it'll go by quickly. Just a warning, though. There is some kind of Teflon coating on the bushings. This coating wears, and it does NOT do so consistently. I HIGHLY recommend you regularly check the bushings. I just worked on another one of these posts last week that had low hours on it, and the lower bushing coating was about 90% deteriorated. I'm finding this to be a very common problem. Also, I stopped using dynamic grease on these posts. IT dries up into a thick clay paste way too fast. Sram butter or equivalent works better, imo.

[@mm-levo]

Hola, si tengo muchas dudas 😂😂 muchas gracias! Antes de empezar el servicio , pusiste la tija en modo mantenimiento? Cuando ya tienes puesto el aceite y el piston ipf en su sitio, la varilla ( que va con la valvula del aire en la parte superior) este tiene como una rababa, hasta donde la pones ? A ras del tubo interior o hasta que llegas al tubo exterior? Para que me entiendas mejor , 1:03:49 del video

[@zoubtube]

"Antes de empezar el servicio , pusiste la tija en modo mantenimiento" Sí. Tienes que hacer esto para el servicio de 600 horas. no tan importante para el servicio de 200 horas "Cuando ya tienes puesto el aceite y el piston ipf en su sitio, la varilla ( que va con la valvula del aire en la parte superior) este tiene como una rababa, hasta donde la pones ? A ras del tubo interior o hasta que llegas al tubo exterior?" Debe asegurarse de que el borde superior esté al ras con el tubo interior, no con el tubo exterior..

[@sprungmass]

Great video, my post is due so I better order the parts and do this. I find it annoying how Rockshox does not have a brass key size chart somewhere so you can pre-order them before opening the post. My 31.6/125mm post had size 3 keys. Now wondering what the 34.9/170mm post will have. What is the exact travel of this one you serviced? I see it is 30.9 and looks like 150mm and it is using size 3 keys? It is funny how chewed up that lower bushing gets. My last one looked the exact same.

[@zoubtube]

Thanks! The keys are sized based on tolerances per post, at the factory. Your right though. It would be great to know what pins were used per post based by some kind of ID on the post itself. The dropper in this video is a 150mm. It had size 3 keys, not to say every 150mm will have size 3 keys though. personally, I find the coating used on the bushing and collar a flawed design. These things wear WAY to quick. They really force the point on performing the regular 50 hour service just to keep tabs on them

[@sprungmass]

@@zoubtube Opened my 34.9/170 post up this morning and luckily it uses size 3 keys which I stock piled a while back. Bushing is showing wear but not delaminated. There is a guy online who measured all the keys and their diameter using a micrometer. Turns out there is a minimal 7-10 micron difference between the different sizes. The key # does not correspond to the diameter. Just FYI for those who are scrolling through the comments.

[@GokkunGuru]

The silver outer cap that requires 34mm wrench/crow foot, does that come in black for a stealthy mod?

[@zoubtube]

I believe the regular reverb stealth cap will work, but I've never tried it on the axs to be 100% sure.

[@xpdirect66]

What is the part number for the aluminum seatpost service vise bracket? Where do you purchase? Thanks

[@zoubtube]

This particular soft jaw I bought on ebay, below is the link. A bit pricey, but I like this guys soft jaws. Well made, precise and they have magnets, which helps hold them in place. www.ebay.com/itm/115153412361?var=415219180268

[@allshownogolf]

Hi there, I was looking at the AXS manual and it says the PSI is actually rider weight (w/ gear) x2? IE if a rider/gear weighs 200lbs, then it's 400PSI. Max is 500PSI, is your friend 125lb? Thanks in advance!

[@zoubtube]

Per the 2020-2022 Reverb AXS service manual: "Pressurize the seatpost to 250 psi (17.2 bar)." This applies for 50, 200 and 600 service. I would be very cautious adding more air that that as it would create more pressure, which would make it easier for air to escape into the oil chamber.

[@vin374]

So I have the same issue with the post suction down. I can’t find a 600 hour kit. Can I just disassemble reset the IPF height and put back together to get the post working? When its suction down like it is, what exactly happened?

[@zoubtube]

YUP! following the video will take care of the issue. Make sure the post is in service mode and be carefull with the collar and the bushing in case the coatings on them have started to delaminate. make sure to apply a good amount of grease on them if they have started to peel.

[@vin374]

@@zoubtube perfect. Just ordered the IFP tool and oil. The post is relatively new but as I went to do a normal vent this issue happened. Not sure how venting the post would cause this problem but it did.

[@zoubtube]

@@vin374 The post is sucking down due to negative pressure. My guess is oil will want to mist out when releasing air so make sure to wear glasses and cover the air valve with a piece of paper to control the mist. You don't want to breath it in

[@sebastiengiovannelli8556]

is it possible to grease the under the collar without deflate the seatpost ?

[@zoubtube]

This is going to be my official answer based on my experience with these posts. These are great posts. BUT,,, they Absolutely need to be inspected VERY regularly. I would honestly not go more than 100 hours ( depending on use) without looking at the bushings inside them and applying new grease. The bushings have a coating on them that fails EASILY (I hope Rockshox sees this), and if they fail, they can damage the post. The only way to know if your bushings haven't failed yet (and they will fail) is to regularly look at them. Do yourself a BIG favor. It's easy enough to remove the post, open it, inspect it and apply new grease. Do this regularly Also, don't EVER use dynamic grease on bushings and pins. ONLY use SRAM butter or an equivalent.

[@omargv780]

Please answer my question. Minute 11:35 my dropper also bleed some oil but my dropper works perfectly and has no sag. Do I need to service?

[@zoubtube]

Merry Christmas! Anytime you see oil coming out of the inside the post is a sign that it either needs, or will eventually need, service. If it's working perfectly and you still in your riding season, then keep riding it until a failure appears. If it's the offseason for you, then you might want to consider servicing it in order to avoid potential issues next year. Though it might look intimidating, the dropper is actually pretty easy to service. After yo service it once you'll have all the confidence needed to service it whenever you feel like it after that

[@omargv780]

@@zoubtube Thanks for your time. 200 service will fix the problem?

[@zoubtube]

@@omargv780 unfortunately it won't. the 200 hour only address the main body, which involves applying fresh grease the bushings pins and shaft. Oil is in the inner IFP assembly, which is sealed off. Any oil leaks come from this part of the dropper, which requires a 600 hour service to fix. I have posted a video for this service which should help. though more involved, it not all that difficult to perform and I have to give kudos to rockshox for doing an outstanding job at simplifying the serviceability of this post

[@omargv780]

I just watched your 600 service. Thank you. I just need to buy all the parts need it. You have a new subscriber and will be recommending you everywhere.

[@denisjosimar]

pls upload a FOx Transfer dropper post service video. PLS

[@zoubtube]

Yup! It should be uploaded in sept. My place was flooded during a recent storm which set me back, but I'll be caught up soon 👍

[@denisjosimar]

Thank you and thanks for replying @@zoubtube

[@mm-levo]

Hola, donde se puede comprar las mordazas naranja que tiene las medidas de reberv?

[@zoubtube]

aquí tienes mi amigo. cuando los use, asegúrese de que todas las superficies estén muy limpias. o las partes pueden deslizarse Avísame si tienes alguna otra pregunta. www.ebay.ca/itm/143932136206 www.etsy.com/listing/937976024/dropper-post-soft-jaws-vise-block-with

[@mm-levo]

Muchas gracias

[@21armyn]

how much do you charge for a 600hr service? and where is your location?? thanks!!

[@zoubtube]

email me at [e-mail]

[@bryanha79]

How are yall tracking how many hours you have on your post?

[@zoubtube]

I've always used a watch for this. I used polar for nearly 15 years and recently moved to Garmin (though I am considering going back to polar) You can track your activities (rides) and group them to get an estimated time. BUT, I highly recommend a visual inspection of the bushings every 100 hours or so on the reverb AXS. These things wear at a very inconsistent rate, imo. Sometimes they last, and other times they wear relatively quickly. Considering the cost of these posts, it would be better to stay on top of them

[@Waremonger]

I've been waiting for your 600 hour service video 🙂. As you discovered, finding the 600 Hour Service Kit seems impossible. I've had the "Notify Me" active on multiple websites for over a year and so far it's never been in stock (that I can tell). Thanks for saying where you got yours from because I'm definitely going to give them a try. I really appreciate all your videos.

[@zoubtube]

Brother, you ain't kidding! We were surprised to find out how constraint the 600hr kit was. What sucked was my LBS had them in april. I considering buying a kit , but figured why spend the $85 now, just buy it when I need it. who would have figured

[@LE-qv5qj]

Hi, how I can contact you ?

[@zoubtube]

oh oh! your not going to tell me I'm the father are you? 😁 Send me an email at [e-mail]