How to install your suspension
You’ve removed it but now how do you properly reinstall your suspension?
Your suspension has been returned to you after service or possibly you have purchased a new piece as an upgrade, in this blog we will show you the step by step process to reinstall your shock and fork so you can get back on trail sooner.
It’s important to perform this process the correct way to prevent damage to either your bike or yourself. Improperly installed suspension can cause a load of issues that could be costly to you. It’s best to do it the correct way this first time.
What tools will you need?
- Allen key set (typically 3/4/5/6/8 but could vary)
- X2 Rag(to put between any linkage that might contact each other and wipe off any excess grease)
- Tools to install your mounting hardware(See install mounting hardware video)
- Shock pump
- Blue Loctite
- Waterproof grease
- Possibly a set of helping hands
- Torque wrench of appropriate rating for the bolts you’re torquing
Things to check before you get started.
- The shock is the appropriate size for your bike(length and stroke)
- If your bike has any flip chips, check the positioning prior to removal of old shock
- What orientation your current shock is in(Piggyback, static vs moving side, air valve assembly)
- Does your new shock clear any opening within the frame, EX: through seat tube, without hitting(especially when changing to a coil)
- Is your new shock compatible with your frame, coil or air
Step 1: Prep your tools
Step 2 (Shock)
Before installing take the opportunity to clean linkage and mounting locations
Now is a great time to clean any hidden areas in your linkage system that are usually difficult to reach with the shock installed.
Also check for free and smooth movement of your pivot bearings.
Step 3 (shock).
If you have any spacers that fit between your mounting hardware and your mounting location on your frame use a dab of grease on the mounting hardware to temporarily hold the spacers in place.
- You can use this same technique for any flip chips your frame utilizes
Use the same great to lightly coat the shaft portion of your mounting bolt avoiding the threaded area
Apply a small amount of blue loctite to the threads on the bolt or female side of your mounting bolt.
- putting loctite directly to the threads on the mounting bolt might lead to pushing the thread locker into the bushings or bearings when pushing the bolt through the mounting hardware.
Step 4 (Shock).
Slide lower or rear eyelet of your shock into the side of the linkage that connects directly to the rear triangle.
- Installing the portion of the shock that connects to the rear triangle first will allow you to have control over the rear half of the bike and shock with one hand when installing the forward or stationary mounting bolt.
Step 5 (Shock).
Align upper mounting hardware with the stationary mounting location on your frame
- If you are newer to this process having a friend to help hold and position the rear triangle might be useful
Step 6 (Shock).
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts to manufacturers specifications
Step 7 (Shock).
Wipe away any excess grease or loctite around the mounting locations
Step 8 (Shock).
Remove the valve core and cycle shock from full extension to full bottomout. This process is to confirm your new shock won’t cause any damage to your frame through its travel stroke.
Step 9 (Shock).
If everything clears the frame with no binding, reinstall your valvecore and proceed to reset sag with the help of our ‘HOW TO SET SAG’ video.
Step 10 (Fork)
If this is a new fork or a new to your bike fork you will need to confirm your steerer tube is cut to an appropriate length. We have a video in our Tech Help section on that process as well.
Install your crown race if it is not already done so.
This moment to confirm your bearings and bearing cups are clean and coated with fresh waterproof grease.
Step 11 (Fork)
Install your lower bearing on the crown race of your fork
Install your upper bearing into the associated bearing cup.
Step 12 (Fork)
With your spacers and dust cap easily accessible, slide your steerer tube into your frame followed by your compression ring, the dust cap, and corresponding stem spacers.
Step 13 (Fork)
Install your stem and lightly tighten the pinch bolts tight enough to prevent the fork from sliding out and falling on the ground.
Step 14 (Fork)
Install your top cap hand tight
Step 15 (Fork)
Loosen the stem pinch bolts and cinch up the top cap followed by again tightening the pinch bolts hand tight
Step 16 (Fork)
Re install the small parts on your fork including the fender, cable guides, and front brake
- Leave the front brake caliper loose to allow for alignment of the caliper and brake rotor.
Step 17
Install front and rear wheels. Torque to spec.
Remove your bike from the work stand and mount it.
Step 18
Again, loosen the stem pinch bolts
Tighten your top cap to adjust your headset bearings preload.
Do this by tightening the top cap until you feel resistance then turn another ¼ turn.
Torque the stem’s pinch bolts to the manufacturer recommended specifications.
