Preventative Maintenance for Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shocks

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Maintaining your RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock is crucial for ensuring a smooth ride, optimal performance, and longevity of the shock. Preventative maintenance not only helps avoid costly repairs but also ensures that your rear shock continues to deliver the responsiveness and comfort expected from this high-performance model. This guide will cover the essential steps for maintaining your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing it for maximum performance.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump
  • 2.5mm and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • 8mm spanner
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Clean, lint-free cloth
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Suspension oil (specific to RockShox)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Small brush or toothbrush

Understanding the Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock from RockShox is a premium model designed for cross-country, trail, and enduro riding. It features the RC3 damper system, offering high adjustability, including low-speed compression, high-speed compression, and rebound controls. The shock is equipped with RockShox’s DebonAir spring, designed to provide a plush, progressive feel.

Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock ensures the smooth function of the suspension system, enhances riding performance, and prolongs the lifespan of the shock. By addressing issues before they become significant problems, you can avoid suspension failure and improve your riding experience.

Basic Maintenance Routine

Performing regular maintenance is simple and can be done in a few key steps. Here’s an overview of the basic maintenance tasks for the Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock.

1. Cleaning the Shock

The first step in maintaining your rear shock is keeping it clean. Dirt and debris can build up on the shock body, affecting its performance and potentially causing damage.

  • Use a clean cloth to wipe down the shock’s body.
  • For deeper cleaning, use a brush or toothbrush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
  • Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the shock’s stanchion tube.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the shock’s seals or internal components.

2. Inspecting the Shock

Before every ride, it’s essential to check the overall condition of the shock.

  • Inspect the air sleeve for any signs of damage or wear, especially around the seals.
  • Check the shock’s air pressure. Incorrect air pressure can lead to poor performance and premature wear.
  • Examine the rebound and compression dials to ensure they are functioning correctly and aren’t stuck or damaged.

3. Air Pressure Adjustment

Maintaining the correct air pressure is key to getting the most out of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock. Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure based on your weight and riding style.

  • Check the shock’s air pressure before every ride.
  • Adjust the pressure if necessary, following RockShox’s recommended air pressure settings (typically available in the user manual).
  • Proper air pressure ensures optimal performance and helps prevent bottoming out or inadequate suspension response.

4. Lubricating the Shock

Regular lubrication is vital to the smooth operation of the rear shock, reducing friction and preventing wear on the moving parts.

  • Apply lubrication to the shock’s shaft and stanchion tube as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Use suspension-specific lubricants to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
  • Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess grease or oil can attract dirt and debris.

Comprehensive Service

A deeper level of maintenance involves disassembling the shock for a more thorough inspection and service. This level of maintenance should typically be done every 50 to 100 hours of riding, depending on usage.

1. Removing the Shock

To begin, carefully remove the shock from the bike frame using the appropriate tools (typically 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link] for mounting hardware). Ensure that the shock is fully deflated before removal.

  • Use the 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the shock from the bike frame.
  • Store the shock in a clean, dry place during servicing.

2. Disassembling the Shock

Once removed, it is time to disassemble the shock. This step involves opening the air sleeve, draining old suspension oil, and inspecting internal seals and components.

  • Remove the air valve using an 8mm spanner.
  • Carefully separate the air sleeve from the main shock body. Use caution when handling internal seals, as damage could affect performance.
  • Drain any old suspension oil from the shock.

3. Replacing the Seals and Oil

Over time, seals can degrade, leading to air and oil leakage. Replacing the seals and replenishing suspension oil are crucial steps to maintaining the shock’s performance.

  • Replace the air sleeve seal and main shock seals.
  • Fill the shock with the correct amount of suspension oil (RockShox recommends a specific oil type for optimal performance).
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil type, amount, and procedure to avoid damaging the shock.

4. Reassembling the Shock

After replacing the seals and adding fresh suspension oil, reassemble the shock.

  • Carefully slide the air sleeve back onto the shock body.
  • Tighten the air valve with the 8mm spanner.
  • Ensure all components are properly seated and torqued to the manufacturer’s recommended values.

5. Testing the Shock

After reassembling the shock, test it to ensure it operates smoothly.

  • Pump the shock to the correct air pressure and adjust the compression and rebound settings.
  • Check for any unusual sounds, leaks, or resistance during the shock’s operation.
  • Ensure that the shock feels responsive and properly tuned.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite regular maintenance, you may encounter issues with your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Shock Bottoming Out

If your shock bottoms out frequently, it could be due to insufficient air pressure or a malfunctioning rebound setting.

  • Check the air pressure and adjust it according to the rider’s weight and riding conditions.
  • If the rebound setting is too fast, slow it down to provide better control.

2. Stiff or Sticky Rebound

A stiff or sticky rebound can result from insufficient lubrication or dirt in the shock’s internals.

  • Clean the shock thoroughly, paying particular attention to the rebound adjuster and stanchion.
  • Lubricate the internal components with the recommended suspension oil.

3. Leaking Oil or Air

If you notice oil or air leaking from the shock, it is likely due to worn seals or a damaged air sleeve.

  • Check the seals for signs of wear or damage.
  • Replace the seals as necessary and re-lubricate the components.

Customization and Optimization

Optimizing the Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock for your riding style can significantly enhance performance. Fine-tuning the shock’s settings can improve handling, comfort, and overall bike performance.

1. Adjusting Rebound and Compression

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock offers adjustable rebound and compression settings. Fine-tuning these adjustments based on terrain can improve your bike’s handling.

  • Adjust the low-speed compression for smoother rides on rough terrain and reduce the chance of bottoming out.
  • Use the high-speed compression adjustment to fine-tune the shock for faster impacts, such as during drops or fast descents.
  • Rebound settings should be adjusted to suit your riding speed, with slower rebound for smoother rides and faster rebound for aggressive, fast trails.

2. Fine-Tuning Air Pressure

As mentioned, maintaining correct air pressure is crucial for performance. Riders can experiment with different air pressures based on weight and riding style to find the optimal balance between comfort and performance.

3. Upgrading the Shock’s Performance

For advanced riders looking to push the performance of the Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock, consider upgrading components like the air spring or damping system to suit specific riding needs. RockShox offers a range of tuning kits and accessories to enhance shock performance.

Conclusion

Maintaining the Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. By regularly cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting your shock, and performing a thorough service every 50 to 100 hours of riding, you can keep your suspension system in top shape. Additionally, troubleshooting common issues, fine-tuning settings, and customizing your shock to suit your riding style will allow you to enjoy a smoother, more responsive ride for years to come.