Preventative Maintenance for Super Deluxe Ultimate DH Rear Shocks

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The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] from RockShox is a top-of-the-line rear shock designed specifically for downhill racing and aggressive riding. To maintain its peak [paid link] performance and extend its lifespan, it’s essential to perform regular preventative maintenance. This guide covers the essential aspects of maintaining, adjusting, and troubleshooting the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH [paid link] rear shock.

Tools Required

  • 5mm and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Shock pump (compatible with RockShox shocks)
  • 10mm socket wrench
  • Soft brush
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Clean rags
  • RockShox Suspension Fluid
  • Air can rebuild kit (specific to Super Deluxe Ultimate DH)
  • 15mm open-end wrench

Regular Maintenance Intervals

RockShox recommends performing basic maintenance every 50-100 hours of ride time. Additionally, a full rebuild should be done after every 200 hours of use or annually, whichever comes first. However, the type of riding you do can affect these intervals. If you frequently ride in harsh conditions, more frequent maintenance may be necessary.

Disassembly and Cleaning

The first step in the maintenance process is to remove the shock from the bike and clean it thoroughly. Proper cleaning ensures that dirt, grime, and debris do not interfere with the shock’s operation.

  1. Remove the shock from the bike: Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the bolts holding the shock in place. Make sure to support the frame while detaching the shock.
  2. Clean the shock body: Use a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the shock’s body. Pay special attention to the areas where the shock seals meet the shock body, as dirt can easily accumulate there.
  3. Inspect for wear: Before proceeding with any disassembly, check the shock for signs of wear, such as cracks or damage to the body or eyelet. If there are any major issues, contact a qualified technician for repairs.

Air Can Rebuild

One of the key areas of maintenance for the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH is the air can. Over time, the air can’s seals can degrade, affecting the shock’s performance. Rebuilding the air can helps maintain proper air pressure and ensure the shock is responsive.

  1. Remove the air can: Using a 15mm open-end wrench, remove the air can from the shock’s main body. Be sure to remove any pressure in the shock before you begin the process.
  2. Clean the air can: Before proceeding with the rebuild, clean the air can thoroughly. Use a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any dirt or grime.
  3. Replace the seals: The air can rebuild kit will contain replacement seals. Carefully replace the old seals with the new ones, ensuring they are seated properly.
  4. Lubricate the seals: Apply a light coat of RockShox Suspension Fluid to the new seals before reassembly. This helps them slide smoothly and prevents wear.
  5. Reassemble the air can: Once the seals are replaced and lubricated, reassemble the air can and tighten it securely to the shock body. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure the air can is fastened to the correct torque specifications.

Recharging the Shock

After rebuilding the air can, it is crucial to recharge the shock with air to the correct pressure.

  1. Set the correct air pressure: Use a shock pump to inflate the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock to the recommended pressure for your weight and riding style. Be sure to check RockShox’s guidelines for pressure recommendations, and make sure to check the air pressure frequently, especially before rides.
  2. Check for air leaks: After inflating the shock, inspect the air valve and seals to ensure no air is escaping. If you notice a drop in air pressure, recheck the seals or contact a technician for further inspection.

Damper Maintenance

The damper is the component responsible for controlling the shock’s rebound and compression. Regular maintenance of the damper is essential to ensure optimal performance.

  1. Remove the damper: Using a 10mm socket wrench, carefully remove the damper from the shock body.
  2. Clean the damper: Use a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the damper. Be sure to remove any dust, dirt, or oil buildup.
  3. Lubricate the damper: Apply a thin layer of suspension oil to the damper shaft before reassembly. This ensures smooth operation and reduces friction during compression and rebound.
  4. Reassemble the damper: After cleaning and lubricating the damper, carefully reinstall it into the shock body. Tighten it using a torque wrench to the proper specifications.

Adjustments for Optimal Performance

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH features a variety of adjustments to fine-tune the shock’s performance to your specific needs. These include adjustments for compression, rebound, and air pressure. Regularly adjusting these settings based on terrain and riding style will help maximize performance.

  1. Rebound Adjustment: Use the rebound knob on the shock to adjust the speed at which the shock returns to its original position after compression. Slower rebound is beneficial for steep or rough terrain, while faster rebound works better on smoother trails.
  2. Compression Adjustment: The compression adjustment knob controls the firmness of the shock during compression. This adjustment can help improve the shock’s performance on different terrain, with stiffer settings providing more control in aggressive riding situations.
  3. Air Pressure: Regularly check and adjust the air pressure based on your weight and riding style. The correct pressure will help the shock respond [paid link] appropriately to impacts and maintain a stable ride.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with regular maintenance, issues may arise with the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

  • No rebound damping: If the shock feels like it’s not rebounding at all, it could be due to low oil levels in the damper or a problem with the rebound circuit. Check the damper oil level and ensure it’s full. If necessary, disassemble and rebuild the damper.
  • Loss of air pressure: If the shock loses air pressure quickly, the seals may be worn or damaged. Inspect the seals on the air can and replace them if necessary. Additionally, ensure that the air valve is not leaking.
  • Harsh ride quality: If the ride feels harsh, it could be due to too much air pressure or too stiff compression settings. Lower the air pressure slightly or adjust the compression to achieve a smoother ride.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of high-end mountain bike components. However, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with the rest of your drivetrain and suspension system.

  • Frame Compatibility: Ensure that your frame is designed to accommodate the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH’s eyelet size and shock mount spacing. RockShox provides detailed specifications for this, which can be found in the user manual.
  • Linkage Compatibility: The shock is designed to be used with bikes featuring modern suspension linkages. Make sure your bike’s linkage is designed to handle the demands of a high-performance shock like the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH.

Conclusion

Maintaining the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock is essential for ensuring a smooth, responsive ride on demanding downhill trails. Regular cleaning, air can rebuilds, and damper maintenance will keep your shock functioning at its best. By understanding how to adjust settings for optimal performance and troubleshooting common issues, you can maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your shock. With the proper care, the Super Deluxe Ultimate DH will provide you with exceptional performance for many seasons to come.