How to Service Your TTX1Air Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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The Öhlins TTX1Air rear shock is renowned for its advanced technology and superior performance. While it’s designed for high-level performance, maintaining it yourself can help you save on repair costs and improve your bike’s overall performance. This guide will walk you through the steps to service your TTX1Air rear shock without the need for a professional mechanic. It will cover installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customization tips to ensure optimal functionality.

Tools Required

Before you begin servicing your TTX1Air rear shock, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 10mm and 8mm hex keys [paid link]
  • A set of O-rings
  • Suspension oil (specific to Öhlins specifications)
  • Shock pump
  • Oil bath and drip tray
  • Soft cloth or towel
  • Small screwdriver (for adjustment)
  • Seal driver tool
  • Teflon grease

Disassembling the TTX1Air Rear Shock

To properly service your TTX1Air, start by carefully removing the shock from your bike frame. Follow these steps:

  1. Remove the shock from the bike:
    • Use a 10mm hex key to unscrew the bolts holding the shock in place. Make sure to support the shock as you remove the bolts to avoid damaging it.
    • Keep track of the bolts and washers for reinstallation.
  2. Drain any air from the shock:
    • Attach a shock pump to the valve and release the air pressure.
    • Be cautious to let the air out slowly to avoid damage to the internal components.
  3. Remove the air can:
    • Use an 8mm hex key to unscrew the air can from the main body of the shock.
    • Be gentle during this process to avoid damaging any parts.

Cleaning and Inspection

Once the shock is disassembled, it’s crucial to clean and inspect each part.

  1. Clean the components:
    • Use a soft cloth or towel to wipe down the air can and shock body. Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the surfaces.
    • Clean the shock’s internals with a soft brush and suspension cleaner, making sure to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Inspect the seals and O-rings:
    • Check the O-rings for wear and tear. If any O-ring appears damaged, replace it immediately to prevent air or oil leaks.
    • Lubricate the seals lightly with suspension oil to ensure they function properly.
  3. Check the shock body for damage:
    • Carefully inspect the shock body for any signs of cracking, deep scratches, or damage. If you find any damage, it’s best to consult a professional for repairs.

Rebuilding the TTX1Air Rear Shock

After cleaning and inspecting all parts, proceed with the rebuild.

  1. Apply Teflon grease to the shock body:
    • Lightly grease the shock body where the air can will sit. This will ensure a smooth connection and prevent seizing during reassembly.
  2. Install the O-rings:
    • Place the new O-rings on the shock body. Ensure they are seated properly in their respective grooves to prevent any air or oil leakage.
  3. Reassemble the shock:
    • Carefully slide the air can back onto the shock body, ensuring it aligns with the internal parts.
    • Tighten the air can with the 8mm hex key, following Öhlins torque specifications to avoid over-tightening.
  4. Reinstall the shock on the bike:
    • Once the shock is reassembled, place it back into its mounting position on the bike.
    • Reattach the shock using the bolts and washers, tightening them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque values.

Air Pressure Adjustment

After the shock is reinstalled, adjust the air pressure to suit your rider weight and riding style.

  1. Set the sag:
    • Using a shock pump, adjust the air pressure in the shock until you achieve the correct sag. For most riders, a sag between 25-30% of the shock’s total stroke is ideal.
    • To check the sag, sit on your bike in riding position and measure how much the shock compresses. Adjust the air pressure as needed until you achieve the right amount of sag.
  2. Fine-tune the rebound and compression:
    • The TTX1Air features external rebound and compression adjustments. Use a small screwdriver to fine-tune these settings to your liking.
    • The rebound controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. Set it to a slower rebound if the shock feels too bouncy or too fast if it doesn’t return quickly enough.
    • Adjust the compression to control how the shock reacts to impacts. Set it stiffer for smoother trails or softer for more technical terrain.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

  1. Air leakage:
    • If you notice the shock losing air over time, check the O-rings and seals for damage. Replace any worn seals and ensure the air can is properly threaded into the shock body.
    • If air leakage continues, consider having a professional check for internal damage.
  2. Excessive or insufficient rebound:
    • If the rebound feels too fast or too slow, it may indicate that the shock’s oil needs to be changed, or the damper is not functioning optimally. In this case, performing a full oil service may be required.
  3. Unusual sounds or rough movement:
    • If you hear grinding or feel rough movement in the shock, inspect the shock body and internals for debris or damage. Clean thoroughly and check the seals before reassembling.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To optimize your TTX1Air rear shock for your specific needs, consider the following adjustments:

  1. Volume spacers:
    • The TTX1Air allows the addition of volume spacers to adjust the air spring curve. Adding spacers can help reduce bottoming out on larger hits and provide a more controlled, progressive feel.
    • Experiment with different spacer configurations to find the balance that works best for your riding style.
  2. Fine-tuning the damping settings:
    • Customize the compression and rebound settings to match your riding terrain. A firmer compression setting will work well for aggressive riders and smoother terrain, while a softer setting is better for technical and rocky conditions.
  3. Weight optimization:
    • Make sure that the shock’s spring rate and air pressure are matched to your body weight. A properly set-up shock can enhance your control and comfort on the trail.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The TTX1Air rear shock is compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrain systems. However, ensure that your bike frame and rear triangle are designed to accommodate the shock’s length and stroke. If you’re using a different drivetrain setup or making changes to your bike, double-check that the shock’s mounting points align with your frame’s specifications. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential issues during installation.