How much skill required to rebuild shock?

yak651
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yak651
Edited Date/Time 12/31/2017 7:01am
I have rebuilt top and bottom end of 2 strokes, took forks apart and replaced seals, wondering how hard it is to take my rear shock apart and rebuild? Any special tools needed? It’s off a ‘06 yz125, definitely due for some attention and possibly would like to replace bottom bumper. Better off just having someone do it for me as will need them to fill with nitrogen anyhow?
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lcgordon711
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lcgordon711 12/27/2017 1:19pm
12/27/2017 1:19pm
Its not that hard. A few special tools are needed that are not too expensive. Watch a video on youtube and they will explain everything. I was in the same position you were in and did it and it did not take too long. Then just take it to the shop for nitrogen charge.
JMFNB
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JMFNB 12/27/2017 1:22pm
12/27/2017 1:22pm
I just did the rebuild on my 06 125 rear shock. I had absolutely ZERO experience prior to doing it. Found a great Youtube video (06 KYB rear shock rebuild). I bought the pivot works rebuild kit. Also the top nut needs to be grinded to release the peen. As far as tools go, you need a seal bullet and a nitrogen charge kit...I had to go to a local shop to finish this. Take it on bro and save yourself some money.
danman
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danman 12/27/2017 1:40pm
12/27/2017 1:40pm
It's not too bad. It's actually easier than forks. I've done mine, then just find someone to fill the nitrogen. It's still cheaper and more satisfying.
I think Rocky Mountain has videos as does YouTube. Use those as a reference.
I'm across the state from you, so if you're bored, I have some(maybe all) of the tools. No nitrogen though.

The Shop

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FWYT
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FWYT 12/27/2017 1:41pm
12/27/2017 1:41pm
Yup. if you have that much bike work experience already, you can easily swing it.
yak651
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yak651 12/27/2017 2:43pm
12/27/2017 2:43pm
Alright, probably give it a shot. Thanks for the encouragement...if it goes bad it's all your fault!!
omalley
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omalley 12/27/2017 3:22pm
12/27/2017 3:22pm
Just an aside, if you have a mountain bike shock pump, or an air fork pump that goes to 100-150 psi, this will at least let you pump it up close to its final pressure without having all the nitrogen stuff. This lets you seat the bladder and seal head against the circlips and check for leaks, as well as making sure there’s no cavitation as it extends. Just remove the air or warn the shop before they try to fill it.
Bruce372
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Bruce372 12/27/2017 3:32pm
12/27/2017 3:32pm
Just make sure the seal head and bladder clips are seated properly or bad things will happen when you gas it.
Rockinar
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Rockinar 12/27/2017 4:23pm
12/27/2017 4:23pm
Not hard unless you drop the shim stack.
slipdog
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slipdog 12/27/2017 4:47pm
12/27/2017 4:47pm
Rockinar wrote:
Not hard unless you drop the shim stack.
Jesus dude, this thread gave me the confidence to try to do my own shock too until I read your comment...





Thanks a lot dick, now what the f**k am I suppose to do?

yak651
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yak651 12/27/2017 6:01pm
12/27/2017 6:01pm
No revalving planned!

So all balls or pivot works "rebuild" kit, what is recommended? Any preference for shock oil?
Thanks for all the help!
Jrewing
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Jrewing 12/27/2017 6:47pm
12/27/2017 6:47pm
slipdog wrote:
Jesus dude, this thread gave me the confidence to try to do my own shock too until I read your comment... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/12/27/234567/s1200_IMG_0801_Edited_1.jpg[/img] Thanks a lot dick...
Jesus dude, this thread gave me the confidence to try to do my own shock too until I read your comment...





Thanks a lot dick, now what the f**k am I suppose to do?

Have you ever used shims as lightweight washers? I do. Also Indonesian 100 Rupiah drilled are even lighter but a poor quality alloy but work.
Keith72
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Keith72 12/27/2017 7:06pm
12/27/2017 7:06pm
Watch the Technical edge dirt shock videos on YouTube.
slipdog
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slipdog 12/27/2017 7:18pm
12/27/2017 7:18pm
Jrewing wrote:
Have you ever used shims as lightweight washers? I do. Also Indonesian 100 Rupiah drilled are even lighter but a poor quality alloy but work.
I've not used them as washers, but I have used them to shim motors to the mounts.
coastlinecascot 12/27/2017 8:08pm
12/27/2017 8:08pm
Shock is too easy. Showas require a clip groove spacer thing or you can rip the seal head. Kyb are too easy. Just picked up nitrogen tank setup and pieced the fill kit for 60 bucks
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 12/28/2017 2:05am
12/28/2017 2:05am
Look for a Technical Touch kit. Please skip the All Balls, Pivotworks, etc. kits.

Look on Youtube for the Race Tech video and the TBT Racing video. Be careful. Wear safety glasses. Getting the compression adjuster assembly back in can be tricky.

Pit Row

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walent215
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walent215 12/28/2017 4:32am
12/28/2017 4:32am
KDXGarage wrote:
Look for a Technical Touch kit. Please skip the All Balls, Pivotworks, etc. kits. Look on Youtube for the Race Tech video and the TBT Racing...
Look for a Technical Touch kit. Please skip the All Balls, Pivotworks, etc. kits.

Look on Youtube for the Race Tech video and the TBT Racing video. Be careful. Wear safety glasses. Getting the compression adjuster assembly back in can be tricky.
Never removed the assembly on the shocks ive done. Worked fine every time.
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 12/28/2017 6:43am
12/28/2017 6:43am
How did you do a YZ shock without doing that??
walent215
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walent215 12/28/2017 6:57am
12/28/2017 6:57am
Just like all any other shock. It does take a while for the oil to bleed over but other than that no probs.
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 12/28/2017 7:14am
12/28/2017 7:14am
So how do you fill and bleed it? Are you pulling the reservoir??
RockyRider
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RockyRider 12/28/2017 7:40am
12/28/2017 7:40am
Yeah no need to pull the compression assembly out. When it bleeds over from the body the the reservoir side, turn the compression all the way out. It will allow it to move the fluid over faster.
RockyRider
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RockyRider 12/28/2017 7:43am
12/28/2017 7:43am
Also I haven't watched the videos but make sure that after you put the bladder back in (some oil should overflow when you do), pump it up to about 10 psi or so. That will allow the oil to push through the ports and shims when you out the shaft in the body. Take your time and good luck, it's super easy.
lcgordon711
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lcgordon711 12/28/2017 8:07am
12/28/2017 8:07am
I feel like the videos online are pretty straight forward. Just follow those. Be really careful with the shims.
walent215
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walent215 12/28/2017 10:07am
12/28/2017 10:07am
KDXGarage wrote:
So how do you fill and bleed it? Are you pulling the reservoir??
Just fill the reservoir and the fluid slowly migrates over, maybe 10 minutes, then over fill the body . After running the shaft up/ down to get the air out , push seal head down and the fluid will run over. Done. And yes compression adjuster opened all the way .
JM485
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JM485 12/28/2017 11:42pm
12/28/2017 11:42pm
I recently started doing my own and have had great success so far. I’ve reached out to a few members on here for advice (thanks Brian and Bruce!), and got my own nitrogen tank set up. I just bought the race tech fill tool since it simplified the process of piecing things together, and got a regulator for my tank so I can easily control how much pressure goes in. The RM video online is great, I still use it as a reference all the time.

I say go for it, but like said above be careful when you fill it with nitrogen. I double and triple check the retaining rings on both the piston and bladder side, and make sure I’m wearing safety glasses as well as standing to the side of the shock when filling. The pressure going in is no joke, so take precautions accordingly for yourself and anyone who might be standing nearby.
erik_94COBRA
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erik_94COBRA 12/29/2017 3:36pm
12/29/2017 3:36pm
As others have said, it's definitely doable.

A strong suggestion from me is to wear safety glasses. This is especially important when cycling shaft with comp adjuster out and when filling with pressure.

Let us know how it goes.

lumpy790
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lumpy790 12/31/2017 7:01am
12/31/2017 7:01am
On KYB & Showas .... Just make sure you get all the air bled out of the oil...... now my KTM on the other hand Dizzy is not as easy

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