Step-by-Step: Rebuilding Your Lyrik Select+ Suspension Fork

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Rebuilding your RockShox Lyrik Select+ suspension fork is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Over time, the fork’s seals wear, oil becomes less effective, and the internal components can degrade. This guide provides a step-by-step process for disassembling, servicing, and reassembling your Lyrik Select+ suspension fork. By following these detailed instructions, you can keep your fork functioning smoothly and ensure optimal performance on your rides.

Tools Required

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (up to 15Nm)
  • Suspension fluid (RockShox 15wt for damping, 5wt for air spring)
  • Oil pan or container
  • Snap ring pliers
  • Fork seal driver
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Silicone grease
  • RockShox 10wt or 15wt suspension fluid
  • 2.5mm hex wrench (for air spring assembly)
  • Small flat-head screwdriver
  • Cleaning brush

Preparing for the Fork Rebuild

Before beginning, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and oil, and lay out a clean, well-lit workspace to prevent losing any small components. If your Lyrik Select+ fork has been on the bike for a while, it is essential to clean it thoroughly before starting the rebuild process. This helps avoid any debris from entering the fork internals during disassembly.

Step 1: Remove the Fork from the Bike

  1. Remove the front wheel by loosening the quick-release or through-axle depending on your bike’s setup.
  2. Loosen and remove the stem bolts using a 5mm hex wrench.
  3. Slide the fork out of the headtube while ensuring the headset remains in place. Keep the fork upright to avoid spilling any oil that may be inside.

Step 2: Disassemble the Fork

  1. Remove the air spring cap: Using a 6mm hex wrench, remove the air spring cap located at the top of the fork.
  2. Release the air pressure: Before fully removing the air spring cap, ensure that the air pressure is fully released by using a valve core tool to let out the air.
  3. Remove the damper assembly: The damper can be pulled out from the bottom of the fork after removing any securing bolts. Use a 5mm hex wrench to undo any fasteners.
  4. Remove the lower legs: The lower legs can be separated by loosening the bolts holding them in place. Once loose, remove the lower legs from the stanchions.

Step 3: Clean All Components

With the fork disassembled, thoroughly clean all components to remove old oil, dirt, and debris. This is essential to ensure the proper function of the suspension system.

  1. Clean the stanchions: Use a clean cloth and some suspension fluid to wipe down the stanchions and remove any contaminants.
  2. Wash the lower legs and damper: Use a brush to clean any debris from the damper assembly and lower legs. It is important to remove old oil from these components.

Step 4: Inspect Fork Components

Inspect all components for signs of wear or damage. Check the following:

  • Stanchions: Look for deep scratches or any signs of pitting. If the stanchions are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
  • Seals: Check the condition of the fork seals. If they appear cracked or worn, it’s time to replace them.
  • Damper assembly: Inspect the damper for smooth movement and ensure the piston inside is not worn out.
  • Air spring: Ensure the air spring assembly is free from any cracks, and check the o-rings for wear.

Step 5: Rebuild the Fork

  1. Reinstall the damper assembly: Carefully insert the damper back into the lower legs. Ensure it is properly aligned and that no seals are pinched during installation.
  2. Lubricate the seals: Before reassembling, apply a thin layer of suspension fluid to the new seals and the inner surface of the lower legs. This helps ensure smooth operation.
  3. Reassemble the air spring: Install the air spring and its components, making sure that all o-rings are properly seated and lubricated.
  4. Install the new fork seals: Using a fork seal driver, gently tap the seals into place. Be sure they are aligned correctly to avoid damage during installation.
  5. Reinstall the lower legs: Slide the lower legs back onto the stanchions. Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque specification.

Step 6: Refill with Suspension Fluid

  1. Check the oil levels: Use the manufacturer’s recommended oil level for the Lyrik Select+. For the damping side, you will generally use 15wt fluid, while the air spring side can use 5wt. Ensure that the oil level is accurate and within the required specifications.
  2. Fill the air spring: Using a shock pump, fill the air spring to the desired pressure based on your rider weight and preference.
  3. Add damping fluid: Fill the damper with the specified RockShox suspension fluid. Be sure not to overfill.

Step 7: Reassemble the Top Cap and Adjustments

  1. Install the top cap: Secure the top cap back into place, tightening it with a 6mm hex wrench. Make sure the air valve is accessible for future pressure adjustments.
  2. Check rebound and compression settings: Before closing up the fork, adjust the rebound and compression damping settings as per your preferences.
  3. Install the fork on the bike: Slide the fork back into the headtube of the bike, ensuring the headset is properly installed. Tighten the stem bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Step 8: Perform a Test Ride

Once everything is reassembled and adjusted, perform a test ride to check the performance of the fork. Pay attention to any unusual noises, loss of air pressure, or poor damping performance. Make adjustments as needed to dial in the fork’s settings.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While performing a rebuild on your Lyrik Select+ suspension fork, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

  • Leaking air spring: If the fork loses air pressure quickly, check the air spring seals for damage or debris.
  • Poor damping performance: If the fork is not damping correctly, ensure that the damper is properly installed and filled with the correct fluid.
  • Sticking fork: If the fork is not moving smoothly, inspect the stanchions and seals for any dirt or oil residue.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your RockShox Lyrik Select+ suspension fork is a rewarding process that ensures the longevity and high performance of your fork. By following this step-by-step guide, you can service your fork yourself, saving money while enhancing your riding experience. Regular maintenance of the Lyrik Select+ will keep it in top condition, providing you with smooth and controlled rides for years to come.