How to maintain your mountain bike shock absorber?

How to maintain your mountain bike shock absorber?

Unfortunately, too many riders neglect the maintenance of theirMTB shock absorber shock absorbers, forgetting that they are an important part of the bike's frame and are under constant stress when riding.

  • Time : 1h30
  • Level : Medium
  • Tools : Vice with soft jaws | Bowl wrench (or rubber strap wrench) | Tip | Clean cloth | Grease or joint lubricant | Suspension lubricant

Coil-spring shock absorbers require almost no regular maintenance. All you need to do is change the spring when it wears out, and replace the spring with a new one. gasket kit in the hydraulic section. Air dampers, on the other hand, require more frequent maintenance. Data may vary from one manufacturer to another, but you can remember these intervals:

  1. Before each ride : check the plunger for cleanliness, condition and lubrication, using a specific product that will not alter the seals.

  2. Every 50 hours (~25 outings): for an air system, replace the gasket kit for the air tank.

  3. Every 100 hours (~50 outlets): for both air and coil spring systems, drain and replace the complete gasket kit.

As the 100-hour service is a fairly extensive operation, we recommend that you have it carried out by a specialist. But here's how to do the 50-hour service yourself. Please note that this procedure is only valid for air systems.

Steps

  1. Remove the measuring gasket from SAG SAG is the sag value of a suspension when the rider is on the static bike in riding position. Typical values are 10-15% for cross-country, 20-30% for All-Mountain/Enduro, and 30% for DH/Freeride.
  2. Empty all the air from the shock absorber.

  3. Using the strap wrench, unscrew the air reservoir, then pull gently to separate it from the rest of the shock.

  4. Replace the old seals on the air tank, noting the direction and order of assembly. Clean the bowl with the cloth before fitting the new greased seals.

  5. Then replace the plunger seals and the damper head seal in the same way.

  6. Replace the reservoir on the shock absorber, having first applied about 1 ml of suspension lubricant.

  7. Screw on and tighten by hand.
    Probikeshop tip No need to tighten it too hard, between 4 and 5 Nm depending on the model.
  8. Inflate to the correct pressure for your weight.

Your shock absorber maintenance is now complete. Remember to lubricate the plunger regularly to keep it running smoothly and preserve your equipment.

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