Maintaining your Öhlins TTX22M Coil rear shock is essential for ensuring smooth performance and longevity. This coil shock is known for its precision and durability, making it a top choice among serious cyclists and mountain bikers. Whether you are installing, adjusting, or troubleshooting the shock, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps and provide valuable insights into the process.
Tools Required
To service the TTX22M Coil rear shock, you will need the following tools:
- Öhlins TTX22M Coil Rear Shock Service Kit
- 3mm, 5mm, and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link] (with the appropriate settings for your shock)
- O-ring pick or flathead screwdriver
- Hydraulic fluid (Öhlins recommended or equivalent)
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Shock pump (suitable for coil shocks)
- Small plastic brush
- Anti-seize compound (for threads)
Installation of the TTX22M Coil Rear Shock
Installing the TTX22M Coil rear shock requires precision and careful handling to ensure optimal performance. Follow these steps for a smooth installation process:
- Prepare the Bike Frame: Clean the mounting points on your frame where the rear shock will be installed. Dirt or debris could interfere with proper mounting and affect performance.
- Align the Shock with Mounting Points: Carefully position the shock into the frame’s shock mount. Ensure that the shock’s eyelets align properly with the mounting holes on the frame.
- Attach the Shock to the Frame: Secure the shock to the frame using the appropriate bolts and washers. Tighten the bolts evenly to avoid misalignment. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure the bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
- Install the Coil Spring: Carefully install the coil spring onto the shock body. Ensure it sits correctly in place before tightening the preload adjuster to your desired setting.
- Adjust the Preload: Using the preload adjuster, adjust the coil spring’s tension to suit your riding style and weight. This adjustment will ensure proper compression and damping performance.
- Set the Shock Pressure: Using a shock pump, set the air pressure for the shock. Refer to the Öhlins user manual for the recommended pressure for your weight and riding conditions.
Adjustment of the TTX22M Coil Rear Shock
Fine-tuning your TTX22M Coil rear shock is vital for achieving the best performance. Adjusting the shock will allow you to optimize comfort, control, and handling. Here’s how you can adjust your shock:
Rebound Adjustment
- Locate the Rebound Damping Dial: This is typically found at the base of the shock, near the eyelet.
- Turn the Dial: Adjust the rebound damping to suit your preferences. Turning it clockwise increases damping (slower rebound), while turning it counterclockwise reduces damping (faster rebound).
- Test and Fine-Tune: After adjusting, test the bike on a trail to ensure the rebound speed is comfortable. Too slow a rebound can make the bike feel sluggish, while too fast a rebound can cause instability.
Compression Adjustment
- Identify the Compression Adjustment Knob: The compression dial is generally located on the opposite side of the shock to the rebound dial.
- Turn to Adjust: Turning clockwise will increase compression damping, providing more resistance during the compression stroke. Counterclockwise decreases the resistance.
- Dial for Preferred Setup: Fine-tune the compression settings based on your riding terrain and style. For rough terrain, more compression damping is recommended to control bottom-out forces.
Maintenance of the TTX22M Coil Rear Shock
Regular maintenance is critical for keeping your TTX22M Coil rear shock in top condition. Here are some key maintenance steps:
Cleaning and Lubing
- Wipe Down the Shock: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the shock after every ride. This will help remove dirt, debris, and moisture that could lead to wear over time.
- Lubricate the Shock Shaft: Apply a light layer of shock oil or silicone spray to the shock shaft. This ensures smooth movement and helps to protect the shock from dirt and corrosion.
Coil Spring Maintenance
- Inspect the Coil Spring: Periodically check the coil spring for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or corrosion. Replace the spring if any damage is found.
- Clean the Coil: Use a small plastic brush to remove any dirt or grime that may have built up around the coil spring.
Oil and Air Service
- Disassemble the Shock: Every 50–100 hours of riding, it is recommended to disassemble the shock for a full service. This includes draining the oil, cleaning internal components, and replacing worn seals.
- Rebuild with Fresh Oil: Use the Öhlins recommended oil for refilling. This ensures optimal damping performance. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil volumes and service intervals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common problems you might encounter with the TTX22M Coil rear shock and how to troubleshoot them:
Problem: Lack of Rebound Control
- Possible Cause: Rebound damping could be set too low or too high.
- Solution: Check and adjust the rebound dial to ensure it is properly set. Make small adjustments and test to find the correct rebound speed for your riding style.
Problem: No Compression Damping
- Possible Cause: The compression adjustment may not be functioning properly or the internal oil could be contaminated.
- Solution: Inspect the compression dial for proper functionality. If oil contamination is suspected, a full service may be needed, including draining and replacing the oil.
Problem: Coil Spring Squeaking
- Possible Cause: Friction between the coil spring and shock body.
- Solution: Clean the coil spring and apply a small amount of lubricant to prevent squeaking. Ensure the spring is properly seated in its mount.
Customization and Optimization for Better Performance
The TTX22M Coil rear shock offers several options for customization to enhance performance. Here are a few ways to optimize it for your specific needs:
Preload Adjustment
Adjusting the preload can significantly affect the shock’s sag, which determines how much the shock compresses under your body weight. For optimal performance, adjust the preload so that the shock sags about 25–30% of its total travel. This setting ensures the shock is responsive to both small and large bumps.
Fine-Tune Rebound and Compression Damping
Experiment with different rebound and compression settings based on your riding style. For aggressive riders, more compression damping will help absorb large impacts, while faster rebound will allow the shock to return to its neutral position quickly. For smooth trail riders, a softer compression setting might be preferable, allowing the shock to remain plush.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The TTX22M Coil rear shock is compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrains. However, it’s important to note the following points:
- Frame Compatibility: Ensure that your bike’s rear triangle and shock mounts are compatible with the TTX22M Coil shock’s dimensions and mounting hardware.
- Suspension Travel: The shock’s travel length must match the intended travel range for your bike. Using a shock with too much or too little travel can negatively impact your bike’s geometry and handling.
- Shock Pump: For correct pressure tuning, use a shock pump designed for coil shocks. This will ensure that you can adjust the shock to your preferred riding conditions.
By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maintain, adjust, and troubleshoot your TTX22M Coil rear shock with confidence. Regular servicing and fine-tuning will not only extend the life of your shock but also enhance your riding experience, ensuring every ride is smooth and controlled.