Vintage Ohlins Shock Service

[@flintstoneengineering]

Thank you Doug, you're now officially my "light bulb" guy. I've been fascinated and terrified in equal measure with suspension dynamics for years. Your logical, practical and easy to digest explanations have succeeded if your intent was to demystify what to the layman can at times seem like witchcraft. No snake oil, no marketing wank, just solid information in an entertaining format. Very much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks! I hope I am helping. I think you need to listen to everyone but have basic knowledge to tell who doesn't know what they don't know! I also hope that you see that it is not a slick edited guide. It's not rocket science

[@martinpaetzold3022]

Thank you for the video. We here at Ohlins South Africa have a good tip with that nasty stubborn circlip that is difficult to remove off the shaft. It always scratches and marks the shaft not to mention that the seal block seal might catch when assembling. Here it goes this is what we do leave it and remove the lower shock end eye of the shaft. The thread reduced to 15mm so everything slides down. No bullet tool needed. I hope this will help you.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

He Martin. Very smart. After I did the video I thought of that but it was too late to change the video. Thankfully not many shocks are that way, just the old ones. Thanks for the heads up!!!

[@benmintz3188]

I love how self-deprecating you are about the skill required to service this damper. While it's not overly difficult once you know what you're doing, you've spent the time perfecting your craft. Thank you for sharing your skill and insight with others.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks! Repetition, repetition, repetition!!

[@ronzelina6682]

Thanks Doug, gee I wish you were closer. Damn tyranny of distance from Australia 😦 Very informative, after 25 years they still make parts for my Shock 😁

[@MOTOSUAREZ]

Love your work! Thanks.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks!!

[@cozzm0AU]

Awesome tip on the special tool for removing the DU bushing, really helped me out on this automotive set i'm working on.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks! You gotta have the tools!!!

[@drchila]

Hello how are you ? I need help with a rear shock absorber on a 2014 KLR650, I am in the middle of Venezuela and no one makes repairs on these parts in this country. Could you help me repair it? Greetings

[@LadiFuchs]

You are a very nice person !:) Thanks for the gorgeous video :)🤙🏼

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thank you too!

[@douglas_martins]

Another Masterclass!!! Thanks mate!

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Douglas. Thanks again for your continued support!! I hope the information has been useful to you.

[@F4br1qu3]

Dear Doug, first and foremost thank you very much for your excellent videos, I'm extremely grateful for all this knowledge you're sharing with us for free, I wish you live forever in excellent health. Your videos helped me to fully understand how my suspension works and gave me hope that I'll be able to retune mine for the fraction of the cost of the aftermarket alternatives. I've one question regarding Ohlins m/c shocks: Can you replace the piggyback reservoir with a shorter one? I've an HO0841 that I wish to fit in a '94 VFR750F(after any rework that might be needed), but it seems like that the swingarm is going to hit the reservoir.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks! A smaller reservoir wouldn't really effect anything. The same amount of oil would be in it but just less nitrogen which wouldn't really effect much. I am assuming it is a 44mm ID reservoir. The shortest one is 80mm long.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

if it is the 49mm reservoir there is also an 80mm long one available

[@F4br1qu3]

Thanks a million for your prompt response. I love your gentlemanly manners combined with your halfway British English. It's a real pleasure to listen to your easy-to-grasp explanations. Unluckily the values you represent are quickly disappearing these days.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

@@F4br1qu3 Thanks! You forgot to mention that I am very good looking (haha)

[@F4br1qu3]

@@theohlinsguy4649 I've felt that something was missing I just couldn't put my finger on it 😂

[@petertodd2161]

Douglas, thanks for the video,I'm hoping you can share the link to manually bleed the shock. TIA Peter

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Look at my valving basics #1 at about 15 minutes in. Even though it is on an in line canister shock the method is exactly the same.

[@mayomancer527]

Thanks for sharing all the wisdom, hope you're doing well

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks!! So far so good

[@mecspec618]

Thank you so much for this Video! It really helped me to make the service by myself

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@nobbytrussin]

I have a modern stx 46 which I’m using on a custom project. If a man were so inclined, could he modify the seal head to gain some extra stroke? I ideally need to gain around 9mm. Or will it just be a case of changing a spacer? I haven’t dared strip it down yet 😬

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Does it have a bump rubber? What is the Ohlins part#? There could be internal spacers you could take out

[@nobbytrussin]

Firstly thanks for your reply. Secondly thanks for not just telling me not to bother 🙂. The part number is HO 914 and it’s an STX 46

[@frankpeutz9106]

Dear Douglas, if ever you have to rebuild/service a double piston shock (S46DR1) I would love to see this in a video. Just very curious how to vacuum it since I really have no idea how to since the N2 fill opening is above floating piston. The ones I have are either an emulsion shock or have a reservoir, which both are relatively easy to vacuum. Also can't imagine how to "adjust" the height of the floating piston (it annoys me 😁). Like you I'm an engineer so always interested/curious in the correct "how". Stay healthy and have a nice weekend! Frank (Netherlands)

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Frank. Your shock is not an emulsion shock. The D in the description means that it has a separator piston. You don't vacuum fill an emulsion shock. What you can do if you don't have to tools to vacuum fill your shock with an inline separator piston after you have bled the piston is to make sure the sep piston is high enough to contact the bottom of the shaft. push it down with the shaft until you have about 40mm left of the shaft (before the threads) showing. Then push down and install the seal head. That should do it. Don't put any N2 pressure in the shock until the seal head is installed with the snap ring in place.

[@Snowhite808]

have You measured any notable difference on Öhlins shocks, that have separator vs bladder? from the feel, there is huge difference on many of the other brands - (hence the conversion kits) but how about Öhlins units?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

I am not aware of any Ohlins shock with a bladder. You have to ask yourself if it is so much better why aren't they using them.

[@adamhideghety5612]

Hello, im writing from hungary, europe. Really nice video what you made. Sadly, i have no tools like that, so i have to give it to my mechanic. I have a suzuki dr650se, and i did some suspension swap. First, i swap my front fork, for a yz450. within a week, i will get a ohlins shock, from a late 90s. ktm. Which is compatible, with my dr. I get it for 200dollar. But the original motorbike weight which is a couple of ktm, exc, and sx. The shock part number is TK-6270. I need new springs, for the 100 pounds more bike, and a 200 pound rider. And probably new valving would be super nice. I didnt know where can i find these parts, and cant find a real suspension guy, who could relalve the rear shock. What would you do in my sutiation ? : ) .

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Valving has nothing to do with weight. Springs do that. Valving only has to be changed if the motion ratio is different. Good luck!!

[@adamhideghety5612]

@theohlinsguy4649 I see. Is it a possibility to buy different shims ? Or I have to send it to someone. Who will made it?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

@@adamhideghety5612 I would find the closest Ohlins dealer or contact Ohlins in Sweden

[@odiespankers07]

Good evening, are you still rebuilding ohlins currently? Our Volvo automotive community needs a dedicated rebuilder in the US for Ohlins road and track shocks/struts. On the search, thank you!

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi. Yes but I don't sell or service Ohlins R&T shocks as I am concentrating on motorsports Ohlins products

[@odiespankers07]

@theohlinsguy4649 do you happen to know anyone that does service them in the U.S.? Apparently Ohlins US is not providing it.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Call 3DM Motorsports in North Carolina@@odiespankers07

[@Mineratron]

This vintage shock looks like the one on my 01 CBR600FS1 (F4i) track bike... :D still works fine. :)

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Yes. I service Ohlins shocks from the 70s and they still look great once they are refreshed

[@ultramantaro1557]

How to put nitrogen if shock does not have air valve? Mine ktm 250 exc 1997 ohlins

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Most Ohlins have a needle fill and not a schrader valve (valve like on your car tire). You would need a special tool to fill them.

[@ultramantaro1557]

@@theohlinsguy4649 tq sir

[@hornet224]

Can you show us some of your race cars and go over their design characteristics. That would be very interesting to many of us to see and experience.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi I only have one race car, a Vandiemen RF2000 Formula F with Honda power. If you think anyone would be interested I will try to do that. I have switched back to a Mac computer and I need a bit different video software. I use Wondershare but every time I call A recording says there is no one to help me and call back later and they hang up. I don't know if they are just going out of business or what but I might have to find new software. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@Emilgoransson]

What does hold the rebound shaft and needle to stay down to the smal hole? just the oil presure?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi The needle can't come up the shaft because there is a counterbore inside the shaft. No oil goes up the shaft because of the o-ring on needle. The needle is held in from coming out the bottom by the shaft jet. The need is held against the rebound shaft by the nitrogen pressure in the canister pressurizing the shock oil

[@theohlinsguy4649]

You can take off the end eye or clevis on the top end of the shaft and take out the rebound shaft but the needle and oil will not come out.

[@Emilgoransson]

@@theohlinsguy4649 Okey thanks alot for the answear! i Need a new shaft to my KYB Shocks so i have to look if its build the same way! this is the only video ive seen someone replaceing it

[@davidmeharry8845]

Doug, its great to see you de-mystifying the internals of Ohlins shocks. I have a pair of 96' S36PR1C1LB shocks but one of them has a seized preload adjuster. I cant find anything online on how they work or how to strip them. Do you have any pointers?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi David. Should be pretty much the same as the shock in this video. I have a pair now with stuck adjusters. You need to cut off the perch and repair the body threads

[@petertodd2161]

Douglas, thank you for your video, I'm servicing 36mm Ohlins shock, when I remove the Phillips headed screw from the reservoir their appears to be a bladder in side which seems to be under pressure, are you able to help with how to deflate this, thankyou in advance. Peter Todd

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Peter. I don't know of any Ohlins shock with a bladder. Maybe someone retrofitted or there were some I don't know about. Did you get the reservoir end off? Sometimes there is pressure built up in the shock. Take off the vacuum fill port screw and get all of the oil out. When you are trying to get the reservoir end off leave the needle in..

[@petertodd2161]

@@theohlinsguy4649 thanks Doug I've done as you have suggested, I'll give it another go. Cheers Peter Todd

[@briankosowski8435]

Can you rebuild harley harley Davidson sportster sport rear shocks???

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Brian. As long as they are Ohlins

[@gilbertosacilotto9662]

Hi Douglas, i was wondering the hight can i place the separator piston in a shock without nitrogen tank. There Must be enough space to compensate the run of the shaft....

[@theohlinsguy4649]

You need nitrogen for the shock when it is bled. You can't run it without nitrogen.

[@gilbertosacilotto9662]

@@theohlinsguy4649 for sure, but i dont know the hight where i have to place the separator before charge the oil and bleeding. Shocks without nitrogen tank....oil and nitrogen in the same cilinder

[@BrooksStyle]

Nice work! Are you still doing this? I would like to send you my vintage ohlin shocks

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Brook. I do some but not all. I don't do motocross shocks. what shocks do you have? The part# is on the top. should be 2 letters and 4 numbers. Send to my email. [e-mail]

[@8184mod]

you have a link to a video showing how to hand bleed a LMJ canister shock?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpOcZZ-la5qfeKs. Start at 14:45. It is the same for a canister shock although you need to be sure you have oil in the hose. Put a bunch of oil in the canister before you put in the separator piston and push it in to get oil in the hose and then put the end on the canister and put in some nitrogen. Then start bleeding procedure just like in the video

[@8184mod]

@@theohlinsguy4649 Thank you.

[@8184mod]

another quick question. turns out the canister ahs a dent in it and we cannot remove the divider piston my question is are all the canisters built the same or are they different for different curves? i have spare canisters from a old set of shocks i had bought for backups.. could i use one of the canisters from another shock?

[@ktmvmx7477]

Hi. Are you still servicing Ohlins Shocks? Im searching for a new shaft shaft for a 96' 550 KTM shock

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Possibly. What is the part# of the shock? Email at [e-mail]

[@gilbertosacilotto9662]

Ho,great video and many thanks for it! But i don t understand how can i calculate the hight of separate piston before put the oil in the shock. Thanks and hello from Italy

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Gilberto If you are using a vacuum filler there is usually a spec on the specification sheet. But if you are hand bleeding (a single tube shock) the separator piston will position itself when you push in the seal head. What shock are you doing?

[@gilbertosacilotto9662]

@@theohlinsguy4649 oh it s just my thought. I hope you make as soon as possible a video with a procedure for an hand bleeding!! Thanks for the reply

[@theohlinsguy4649]

@@gilbertosacilotto9662 Good Idea. Ill put it on my list

[@s4060]

Just goes to show quality saves you money in the long run!

[@rcviola121]

I have a pair of Ohlins shocks off of a 1982 WR 250 Husqvarna that need to be rebuilt, is that something you could do for me and how much would you charge.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Rick. It depends on condition. sometimes they are too far gone. Send me a picture on [e-mail]

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

Where do you get those cool special vises?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Those are Ohlins shock vices. There are other ones available. Google shock vice or shock workstation and you will see lots of options.

[@ermiasfikadu9906]

Thanks brother

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hope it helped

[@spencerbush7760]

Hey Doug just curious if you could shoot me a quote for a rebuild service for my rear shock from a 2007 Ducati Monster S4RS. I just bought it but it has had a hard life and sat at an auction after it was stolen for a while. It seems fine but the bump stop has either had gas or brake fluid saturated on it and definitely needs replaced. I can’t really tell right now if it is leaking elsewhere since I’m tearing it down fixing everything else.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Spencer When shocks sit for a long time they tend to leak. Easy to service and get perfect again. Depending on the particular shock the service usually runs between $210 and $230 which includes parts, vacuum filling and a dyno run to make sure it is working perfectly. That doesn't include return freight which depends on where you are. Thanks for watching! Douglas

[@spencerbush7760]

@@theohlinsguy4649 okay as soon as I take it off I’d like to ship it to you. Is there a website I can get your contact info?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

@@spencerbush7760 Hi Spencer. My website is brennershocks.com Send to Brenner Shocks 3343 Weatherford Ct. Simi Valley, CA 93063. You can contact me at my gmail account: [e-mail]

[@Samodel]

👍

[@Thefailcycle]

Awesome just cleaning up a kx500 shock!

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Seth. Great! Hope it helped!

[@Vikingman2024]

Thanks Doug! Now I know who to go to for Ohlins shock information. Do you sell Ohlins for vintage dual shock motocross bikes?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi William. They are not available any more but if you find a decent set I can service them and make them functionally as good as new.

[@Vikingman2024]

@@theohlinsguy4649 Thanks! I will be looking for an old set of Ohlins...thanks again Doug!

[@TreadTalk247]

Do you a Ohlins rear shock kit for a 2000 Suzuki TL1000R avail? I found some online however I’d rather buy from someone in the USA if possible!

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Crazy I don't see anything (Is that a DL?) Do you have an Ohlins part# for that shock. Should start wit SU xxxx

[@TreadTalk247]

@@theohlinsguy4649 yes Sir it’s a SU806 I believe for a 2000 Suzuki TL1000R

[@TreadTalk247]

@@theohlinsguy4649not sure if you ever saw my response?

[@thova1000]

Nice video again. Thanks. Most shocks seem to have a seperating piston others have a bladder. Is one better than the other, cheaper?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Thomas Great question. On it's face if you were splitting hairs the bladder would be the better choice because there would seem to be no stiction envolved. My take on it is that if it was better Ohlins would still be doing it. It has been my experience that Ohlins never does things just to save money. My guess is they have a good reason not to use a bladder. What the reasoning is I couldn't say. Thanks for watching!!

[@hanji2972]

@@theohlinsguy4649hello Mr The Ohlins Guy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4mapZ1shrB1oZY according reply，1.air leaks from bladder into damping oil if shock did not maintain . 2. bladder quicker responds than floating piston on small bumps. 根據影片下面回覆， 1.太久沒保養，氣體會滲入避震油。2.氣囊對小震動反應較快

[@danieljmartinez-pagan2619]

Hello I was wondering what shocks do you recommend for a mini Baja car. Also if you have any other recommendations it would be helpful.

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Daniel Id love to help but I really have no answer. What I kind of know about is road racing and street/track day cars that rely on mechanical grip. I am sure that there are other considerations with what you do.

[@danieljmartinez-pagan2619]

@@theohlinsguy4649 Ok I understand, thank you anyways, keep up the good work

[@Chubemonet]

What brand of shock cleaner are you spraying there!?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

It is called SPEEDSOLV. Cleans really great and not toxic. You can get it from Ohlins USA

[@daveprototype6079]

Great video New subscriber Cheers

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Thanks Dave! Hope it was informative and a bit entertaining.

[@buddyhoffman7883]

Just sent you an email about getting my ohlins serviced 👍

[@danielmenaugh161]

I have a set of husqvarna cr 390 shocks i need rebuilt, i cant find your telephone number.. can you please send link to website

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Sorry Daniel. 805 990-9126

[@theohlinsguy4649]

website. brennershocks.com

[@roarkfabworks]

Do you also do Ohlins ATV shocks?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Yep. Just don't do Bicycle Ohlins

[@SuddothMediaHD]

I need my Nismo g-attack Ohlins rebuilt

[@theohlinsguy4649]

What is the part# on the shocks

[@SuddothMediaHD]

@@theohlinsguy4649 5300R-RSR45

[@theohlinsguy4649]

@@SuddothMediaHD That isn't the shock part#. Or email me a picture of the shocks. [e-mail].

[@cjdelossantos5832]

Hello Gramps, have you not received my emails?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

must have missed them. Send again!

[@cjdelossantos5832]

@@theohlinsguy4649 I have sent them again on your email and the shop email. Thanks!

[@Многогранность-ф1й]

What oil do you recommend ? 5w or 7.5 w?

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Thanks for watching! It depends what the shock is used for. Ohlins specifies which oil to use in the spec sheet for every damper they make. Watch my video on "Why Ohlins Oil" kzbin.info?search_query=why+ohlins+oil

[@ardenbriggs2714]

Snap-On for life

[@Pereke69]

nice, i thought you gonna dyno it!

[@theohlinsguy4649]

I did but since it is a customer shock and evidently had been re-valvedI don't show it.

[@ipostuplenie]

Tired about bla bla too much grease.... bla bla

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Simple solution. Don't watch. Get your own channel and lets see what you got.

[@daviddong1286]

@@theohlinsguy4649 don't mind him, your videos are charming and helpful, I love them!

[@natangburek8979]

Bro red grease make rubber jammed Need use silicone rubber grease are good

[@theohlinsguy4649]

Hi Natang. I don't find that to be true.