Servicing Your Opal Air Rear Shock: Tools and Tips

Posted on
in Uncategorized

The Opal Air [paid link] rear shock from DVO is a premium component designed for optimal performance, comfort, and adjustability in mountain biking. Whether you’re performing a routine service or need to troubleshoot an issue, maintaining your Opal Air [paid link] shock is crucial to ensuring smooth and responsive suspension. This guide will cover the necessary tools, step-by-step instructions for servicing, as well as troubleshooting tips to help keep your shock functioning at its best.

Tools Required

  • DVO suspension fluid (specific to Opal Air)
  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • T10 and T25 Torx wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (with proper settings)
  • Bench vise with padded clamps
  • Small parts tray (for organizing components)
  • Shock pump
  • Cleaning supplies (brushes, rags)
  • Sealant (for O-rings)
  • Grease (specific for suspension)
  • Soft mallet
  • Oil injector for fork and shock
  • Rags and disposable gloves
  • Latex gloves (for safety when handling oils and fluids)
  • DVO air can service kit (specific to Opal Air model)

Disassembly of the Opal Air Rear Shock

Removing the Shock from the Bike

Before beginning any service work, remove the rear shock from the frame of the bike. To do this:

  1. Remove the rear wheel for easier access to the shock mount.
  2. Loosen the shock bolts: Use a 5mm or 6mm Allen wrench [paid link] depending on the bolt size.
  3. Carefully remove the shock: Ensure you support the shock while loosening and take care not to damage the frame or shock during removal.

Initial Cleaning and Inspection

Once the shock is removed, clean the exterior to avoid contamination during servicing:

  1. Wipe down the shock with a clean rag to remove dirt, debris, and old grease.
  2. Inspect the shock for any obvious signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, oil leaks, or missing parts. Pay special attention to the air can for any signs of wear around the seals.

Servicing the Opal Air Rear Shock

Draining Old Oil

To begin the service, you’ll need to remove the air can and drain the old suspension oil:

  1. Loosen the air can: Use a 10mm wrench or a soft mallet to tap gently and loosen the air can from the shock body. Ensure you are not hitting any delicate components.
  2. Drain the old oil: Hold the shock upright and allow the old oil to drain into a container. This oil can often be reused in non-damaging situations, but for the best performance, it’s recommended to replace it.

Cleaning the Internal Components

Thoroughly clean the internal components to prevent debris buildup:

  1. Remove the seal head: Use a T25 Torx wrench [paid link] to remove the shock’s seal head, which allows access to the internal components.
  2. Clean the damper shaft and piston: Use a soft cloth and suspension-specific cleaner to wipe down the damper shaft and piston. Pay close attention to the damper shaft seals for any damage or wear.
  3. Check the air can for damage: Examine the air can and inner seals to ensure they are in good condition. Replace any worn-out O-rings or seals to avoid air leaks.

Replacing the Oil

Once all parts are cleaned and inspected, it’s time to refill the shock with new oil:

  1. Fill the damper body with suspension fluid: Using an oil injector, refill the damper body with the recommended oil type. Be sure to follow the specific oil capacity mentioned in the Opal Air’s manual.
  2. Lubricate seals: Apply a light coating of suspension fluid to all seals and O-rings. This helps in maintaining smooth action and extends the lifespan of the components.
  3. Reassemble the shock: Place the damper shaft back into the air can, ensuring that all seals are properly seated. Secure the air can with the appropriate torque using a torque wrench [paid link].

Reinstalling the Shock

Once the Opal Air shock has been serviced and reassembled:

  1. Reinstall the shock: Carefully place the shock back into the frame. Tighten the shock bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
  2. Reattach the rear wheel and check the shock alignment to ensure there is no interference with the frame or other components.

Adjusting and Optimizing Performance

Setting the Sag

After reinstalling the shock, it is important to set the sag to ensure optimal performance:

  1. Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure to match your weight and riding style. Refer to the recommended settings in the Opal Air’s user manual.
  2. Check the sag: Sit on the bike and check the amount of sag. The recommended sag for the Opal Air is typically between 25-30% of the total shock stroke. Adjust the air pressure as needed.
  3. Test the shock: Compress the shock and observe the behavior. Adjust the rebound and compression damping settings to suit your preferences and riding style.

Fine-Tuning Damping Settings

The Opal Air features both low-speed and high-speed compression damping adjustments:

  1. Adjust low-speed compression: Use the adjustment knobs on the shock to fine-tune the low-speed compression. Typically, this is set based on terrain and riding style.
  2. Adjust high-speed compression: High-speed compression is generally adjusted based on how the bike reacts on technical, fast sections. A good starting point is to keep it in the middle range and adjust from there based on rider feedback.
  3. Rebound setting: Adjust the rebound damping to control how quickly the shock returns after compression. Make sure the rebound is neither too fast nor too slow for your riding style.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Oil Leaks

If you notice oil leaking from your shock:

  • Check the seals: Worn-out or damaged seals are the most common cause of oil leaks. Inspect the seals and replace them as needed.
  • Check for overfilling: Overfilling the shock with oil can lead to excessive pressure, causing oil to leak from the seals.

Loss of Air Pressure

If your shock loses air pressure:

  • Check the Schrader valve: Ensure the valve is properly seated and not leaking.
  • Inspect O-rings and seals: Check for any worn O-rings around the air can or other components that might cause air loss.

Poor Rebound or Compression

If the shock isn’t reacting well to rebound or compression adjustments:

  • Inspect internal components: If the rebound or compression adjustments aren’t functioning as expected, there could be dirt or damage to the internal components. A full disassembly and cleaning are recommended in this case.
  • Check the oil level: Insufficient oil levels can also cause poor shock performance. Refill to the proper level as indicated in the service manual.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Opal Air rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with most mountain bike frames, but it’s important to check compatibility with your bike’s rear triangle and pivot system. Ensure that the shock’s length, stroke, and mounting hardware match your frame’s specifications. This will prevent any compatibility issues during installation and ensure smooth suspension performance.

Conclusion

Proper servicing of the Opal Air rear shock is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. With regular maintenance, you can ensure your shock provides optimal comfort and control on your rides. Remember to replace seals as needed, adjust air pressure for your riding style, and troubleshoot common issues promptly. By following these steps, you’ll keep your Opal Air rear shock in peak [paid link] condition for the long haul.