Repair guides › Suspension
Air can service (every 50–125 hours)
The rear spring and damper on a full-suspension bike. Air pressure is the spring; oil flowing through valves is the damper. Linkage pivots let the rear wheel move.
Open this job in RideLoadout▶ Watch it done
Tools
- Ball-end hex key set (1.5–10 mm): Park Tool HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Set ($$)
- 1/4" click torque wrench (about 2–17 Nm) + bits: Pro Bike Tool 1/4 inch drive click torque wrench set (2.2–16.9 Nm) ($$)
- Shop rags + nitrile gloves: shop towels and nitrile gloves ($)
- Shock pump: RockShox High Pressure Shock Pump ($$)
- Fork oil + suspension grease: Slick Honey suspension grease and RockShox 0W-30 fork oil ($$)
Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool
Steps
- Note pressure, release all air.
- Remove the shock from the frame.
- Unscrew and slide off the air can (strap wrench if tight).
- Clean, replace the wiper and seals from the kit, grease with suspension grease.
- Reassemble, refit, set pressure and sag.
Torque
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Shock mount bolts | see frame manual (often 8–12 Nm) |
Diagram
Side view, chain side toward youFork
Signs it needs doing
- Too much bob when pedaling
- Harsh bottom-out
- Loss of air overnight