How to Rebuild Your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH Rear Shock at Home

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The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] rear shock is designed for high-performance downhill biking. Over time, the shock may require maintenance to keep it performing at its best. Rebuilding your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] rear shock at home can save you time and money while ensuring your bike stays in top condition. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from disassembly to reassembly, ensuring that your rear shock is rebuilt to factory standards.

Tools Required

  • 8mm and 10mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • T25 Torx driver
  • Shock pump
  • Seal press tool
  • Needle nose pliers
  • 10mm socket wrench
  • 3mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • Rags or towels for cleaning
  • Cleaning solvent (like isopropyl alcohol)
  • Latex gloves
  • RockShox rebuild kit (specific to the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH)

Disassembly of the Rear Shock

Step 1: Remove the Rear Shock from the Bike

Before beginning the rebuild, the shock must be removed from the bike frame:

  1. Use an 8mm Allen wrench [paid link] to loosen and remove the bolts securing the rear shock to the frame.
  2. Carefully slide the shock out from the linkage or frame, making sure to note how the shock is oriented for reinstallation.

Step 2: Remove the Air Can

To access the internal components, the air can needs to be removed:

  1. Use a T25 Torx driver to remove the air can bolts.
  2. Carefully slide the air can off the main shock body. If there is any resistance, tap gently with a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the parts.

Step 3: Remove the Damper Assembly

The damper assembly contains critical components that will need to be inspected and cleaned:

  1. Use the 10mm socket wrench to remove the damper assembly from the shock body.
  2. Pay attention to the order and orientation of parts as you remove them, as proper reassembly will depend on this.

Cleaning and Inspection

Step 4: Clean the Components

Before starting the rebuild, thoroughly clean the shock components to remove any dirt, debris, or old oil. Use a cleaning solvent like isopropyl alcohol and rags or towels to wipe down all the parts. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the components.

Step 5: Inspect Internal Components

Examine all internal parts, including the damper assembly, air can seals, and o-rings. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, leaks, or abrasions. If you find any damaged parts, they should be replaced with new components from the RockShox rebuild kit.

Rebuilding the Rear Shock

Step 6: Install the New Seals

With the shock disassembled and cleaned, you are now ready to begin reassembling:

  1. Begin by installing the new seals into the air can and damper assembly. Use a seal press tool to install them properly without damaging the seals.
  2. Apply a thin layer of suspension fluid to the seals to ensure a smooth fit and prevent damage during installation.

Step 7: Reinstall the Damper Assembly

Once the seals are installed, carefully reinstall the damper assembly into the shock body:

  1. Align the damper assembly with the shock body and gently insert it, making sure that all components are seated correctly.
  2. Use the 10mm socket wrench to secure the damper assembly back into place.

Step 8: Reassemble the Air Can

Now that the damper is secured, it’s time to reassemble the air can:

  1. Carefully slide the air can back onto the shock body.
  2. Use the T25 Torx driver to reinstall the air can bolts and ensure that they are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 9: Add Air to the Shock

Before fully reassembling, you’ll need to add air to the shock:

  1. Use a shock pump to add the recommended air pressure to the shock.
  2. Check for any leaks by cycling the shock through its travel. If there are no leaks, proceed to the next step.

Reinstallation and Final Adjustments

Step 10: Reinstall the Rear Shock on the Bike

Once the shock has been rebuilt and is holding air pressure, it can be reinstalled on the bike:

  1. Align the shock with the bike’s frame and carefully slide it into place.
  2. Use the 8mm Allen wrench to reinstall the mounting bolts, ensuring they are torqued to the correct specifications.

Step 11: Set the Shock Pressure and Rebound

With the shock back on the bike, adjust the pressure and rebound settings according to your riding style:

  1. Set the air pressure using a shock pump.
  2. Adjust the rebound damping according to the conditions of the ride and personal preferences. This step may require some trial and error to find the ideal setting.

Step 12: Test the Shock

Before heading out on the trails, it’s important to test the shock to ensure everything is functioning properly:

  1. Bounce the bike gently to check the shock’s response.
  2. If the shock feels too soft or too stiff, adjust the air pressure or rebound settings accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Leaking Air

If you notice the shock is losing air, check for damaged seals, a loose air can, or a faulty valve. If you can’t find the issue, replace the seals and ensure that all bolts are tightened to the correct torque.

Excessive Sag or Lack of Travel

Excessive sag could be due to too little air pressure. Increase the air pressure to the recommended setting. If the shock still doesn’t offer enough travel, it may require a different spring rate or a more thorough inspection of the damper components.

Rebound Not Functioning Properly

If the rebound is not functioning properly, it could be due to an improperly installed damper or an issue with the rebound circuit. Check the damper assembly for proper installation and consider replacing the damper if necessary.

Customization and Optimization

Adjusting the Compression and Rebound Damping

To optimize the performance of the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock, it’s important to fine-tune both the compression and rebound damping. Start with the factory settings and make incremental adjustments based on riding conditions:

  • For downhill trails, more compression damping may be necessary to handle high impacts, while less rebound damping will allow the shock to recover more quickly.
  • Experiment with both compression and rebound settings to achieve the best performance for your riding style.

Upgrade Options

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH shock can be further optimized with higher-end components, such as upgraded seals or oils. Consider contacting a professional if you want to further customize your rear shock for competitive riding or extreme conditions.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock at home is a rewarding process that can significantly extend the lifespan of the shock while enhancing your bike’s performance. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your shock is properly maintained and rebuilt to factory standards. Regular maintenance will keep your shock operating at its best, allowing you to tackle downhill trails with confidence.