Step-by-Step Rear Shock Oil Change for Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T

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The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T rear shock is known for its exceptional performance and adjustability, making it a popular choice among high-end mountain bikes. Over time, the oil in your rear shock can degrade, which affects its performance. Regular maintenance, such as an oil change, ensures smooth function and extends the lifespan of the shock. This guide walks you through the process of performing a rear shock oil change for the Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T.

Tools Required

  • 2mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Shock pump
  • Suspension fluid (recommended RockShox suspension oil)
  • Clean, lint-free cloths
  • Oil drain pan
  • Small brush
  • Seal kit (for reassembly)
  • Compression damper tool (for the RC2T)
  • Syringe or oil injection tool (for precise oil measurement)
  • Rags or paper towels

Preparation

Before beginning the oil change, ensure you are working in a clean and organized environment. A cluttered workspace can lead to misplacement of parts or contamination during assembly.

  1. Remove the shock from the bike:
    • Use your 5mm or 6mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the bolts securing the shock to the bike frame. Take care to note the orientation of the shock for reinstallation.
    • Set the shock on a clean, stable surface to prevent damage.
  2. Discharge the air pressure:
    • Attach a shock pump to the air valve of the shock and release any remaining air pressure. This prevents accidental release of pressure while working on the shock.

Disassembly

The next step involves disassembling the shock to access the oil chamber.

  1. Remove the damper and air can:
    • Using a 2mm Allen wrench [paid link], remove the screws securing the damper adjusters and any locking mechanisms.
    • Carefully separate the damper from the air can. This step is critical, as the damper contains the oil chamber you will need to access.
    • Be mindful of the internal components, such as O-rings and seals, and avoid damaging them.
  2. Disassemble the RC2T compression damper:
    • The RC2T damper on the Super Deluxe Ultimate features both high and low-speed compression adjustments. To access the oil in the damper, remove the high-speed and low-speed compression dials using the appropriate tool. Take note of how these components are oriented for reassembly.
    • Use the compression damper tool to carefully extract the compression unit from the damper body.

Oil Drainage

After disassembling the shock, the next step is to drain the old oil.

  1. Drain the oil from the damper:
    • Position the damper above your oil drain pan to catch the used oil. Gently tilt the damper and allow the oil to drain out. It is essential to ensure that all old oil is fully drained before moving to the next step.
    • Use a small brush or lint-free cloth to clean the inside of the damper body. This ensures that any residue or contaminants are removed before refilling it with fresh oil.
  2. Drain the air can:
    • Similarly, use the same method to drain any remaining oil from the air can. Clean both the inside and outside surfaces of the air can with a lint-free cloth.

Cleaning and Inspection

A proper cleaning is vital to ensure the smooth operation of the shock and to prevent wear on critical components.

  1. Clean the components:
    • Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down all shock parts, including the damper, air can, and other internal components. Ensure no dirt, grime, or debris is left behind, as these can damage the seals or affect shock performance.
  2. Inspect the seals and O-rings:
    • Carefully inspect all seals and O-rings for wear or damage. If you notice any signs of deterioration, replace the seals before reassembling the shock. Using worn-out seals can lead to air or oil leaks, resulting in poor shock performance.

Reassembly and Oil Refill

Now that the shock is clean and all components are inspected, it’s time to reassemble the shock and refill it with fresh oil.

  1. Reinstall the damper:
    • First, place the compression damper back into the damper body, ensuring it fits securely in place.
    • Reinstall the high-speed and low-speed compression dials. Refer to the original orientation for proper function. Tighten them using the appropriate tool, but be careful not to overtighten, which can cause damage to the threads or seals.
  2. Refill with fresh oil:
    • Using a syringe or oil injection tool, carefully fill the damper with the recommended RockShox suspension oil. The exact amount of oil varies depending on the model, but typically, around 60-80ml of oil is required for the damper.
    • Ensure the oil is distributed evenly throughout the damper body to avoid air pockets. If needed, gently tap the damper to help the oil settle.
  3. Reinstall the air can:
    • Once the damper is fully reassembled, reinstall the air can by sliding it back into position. Ensure that the air can seals properly against the damper to prevent air leakage.
    • Tighten all screws and bolts according to manufacturer specifications, using a torque wrench [paid link] for precise tightening.

Final Setup and Testing

Before reattaching the shock to the bike, perform a final check to ensure everything is properly assembled and filled with oil.

  1. Check for leaks:
    • Pressurize the shock using a shock pump and check for any air leaks around the seals or O-rings. If you detect any leaks, disassemble the shock again and inspect the seals for damage or improper seating.
  2. Reinstall the shock on the bike:
    • Reattach the shock to the bike frame, ensuring that it is securely mounted. Tighten all bolts according to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
    • Re-inflate the shock to your desired pressure and set the correct sag. This will help optimize the shock’s performance for your riding style.
  3. Test the shock:
    • Take the bike for a short test ride to ensure the shock is functioning correctly. Pay attention to the compression and rebound settings. Adjust the dials as necessary to achieve your preferred ride quality.

Troubleshooting Common Oil Change Issues

While performing an oil change on the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T, you may encounter a few common issues. Below are solutions to some of these potential problems:

  1. Shock feels too stiff or too soft after oil change:
    • If the shock feels too stiff or soft after the oil change, it could be due to incorrect air pressure or oil level. Double-check the air pressure settings and ensure the oil was filled to the correct level.
  2. Air leaking from the shock:
    • Leaking air can often be caused by damaged seals or improper assembly. Inspect all seals and O-rings for damage, and ensure the shock was reassembled correctly.
  3. No rebound or compression damping:
    • If the rebound or compression damping feels off, check the damper oil level. Insufficient oil can affect the damping performance. Ensure the correct oil volume is used during the refill.

Conclusion

Regular oil changes for your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T rear shock are essential to maintain optimal performance and longevity. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure your shock continues to deliver superior damping, responsiveness, and durability. Proper maintenance also reduces the risk of premature wear on internal components, saving you time and money on repairs.