How to Rebuild Your SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant Rear Shock at Home

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The RockShox SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant [paid link] rear shock is a high-performance component designed for cross-country riders who demand precision and efficiency from their suspension system. Over time, however, like any mechanical component, the shock will require maintenance to ensure it continues to perform at its best. Rebuilding the SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant [paid link] rear shock at home is not only cost-effective but also a valuable skill that every serious rider should learn. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process, from disassembly to reassembly, troubleshooting, and optimization tips for maintaining your shock’s performance.

Tools Required

Before beginning the rebuild process, ensure you have the necessary tools on hand. These will help make the job smoother and prevent damage to the shock during disassembly and reassembly.

  • Torque wrenches (with appropriate torque settings)
  • 3mm, 5mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • RockShox suspension oil (specific to the model)
  • Suspension grease
  • Small plastic cups or containers (for organizing parts)
  • Air compressor (for setting up the air spring)
  • A clean workbench or surface
  • Shock pump (for adjusting air pressure after reassembly)
  • RockShox Flight Attendant tool (specific for valve servicing)
  • Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning parts)
  • Rag or paper towels (for drying and cleaning)

Step 1: Removing the Rear Shock from the Bike

Before you can begin rebuilding the shock, it needs to be removed from the bike. Follow these steps:

  1. Remove the rear wheel and ensure the bike is securely supported on a workstand.
  2. Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to detach the shock from its mounts at both the frame and the rear triangle.
  3. Carefully remove the shock from the bike, making sure not to damage any surrounding components.

It is critical to ensure that the shock is not under tension while removing it, as this could lead to injury or damage.

Step 2: Disassembling the Shock

Once the shock is removed from the bike, you can begin disassembling it to access the internal components. This step involves carefully taking apart the shock body and internal valve system.

  1. Place the shock on a clean surface to avoid contaminating the internal parts with dirt or grease.
  2. Begin by unscrewing the air valve cap using a 3mm Allen wrench [paid link].
  3. Slowly release the air pressure using the shock pump to ensure no sudden pressure build-up.
  4. Remove the main body screws and the rebound adjuster knob. Make sure to keep track of these small components for reassembly.
  5. Carefully remove the air spring from the shock body. The air spring may contain a small amount of oil, so be prepared for some spillage.
  6. With the air spring removed, take out the damper cartridge by loosening its securing bolts.

At this point, you should have access to the internal components of the shock, including the damper, air spring, and the Flight Attendant valve system.

Step 3: Cleaning and Inspecting Internal Components

The next step is to clean all components and inspect them for wear or damage. Over time, dirt, grime, and old oil can accumulate inside the shock, affecting its performance.

  1. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the damper, air spring, and valve system.
  2. Inspect each component for signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or excessive wear on seals. If any parts are damaged, it’s crucial to replace them before continuing.
  3. Inspect the seals around the air spring and damper. Replace any worn-out or cracked seals with new ones to prevent air and oil leaks during operation.

Step 4: Rebuilding the Damper and Air Spring

Rebuilding the damper and air spring is the most technical aspect of the process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure everything is properly reassembled.

  1. Begin by lubricating all the seals with suspension grease. Apply a thin layer to avoid excess grease that could attract dirt.
  2. Reinstall the damper cartridge into the shock body, making sure that it seats correctly.
  3. Reinstall the air spring into the shock body, ensuring that it is oriented correctly and that the internal parts are aligned.
  4. Reassemble the rebound adjuster and tighten all screws according to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
  5. Carefully reinstall the air valve cap, making sure it is securely fastened to prevent air leaks.

Step 5: Reassembling the Flight Attendant Valve System

The Flight Attendant system on the SIDluxe Ultimate [paid link] shock provides on-the-fly suspension adjustments based on ride conditions. Rebuilding this system requires attention to detail to ensure its functionality.

  1. Carefully remove the Flight Attendant valve assembly from the shock body.
  2. Clean the valve components thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and inspect for wear.
  3. Reinstall the Flight Attendant valve system, ensuring the parts are correctly aligned and seated.
  4. Secure all valve system screws tightly to avoid leaks or malfunction.

Step 6: Setting the Air Pressure

Once the shock is fully reassembled, it’s time to set the air pressure to the desired level for your riding style. The SIDluxe Ultimate [paid link] Flight Attendant has a unique air spring that requires precise pressure to function optimally.

  1. Use a shock pump to inflate the air spring to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure based on your weight and riding conditions.
  2. Check for any air leaks around the valve and seals. If there is any noticeable leakage, double-check the valve cap and seals for proper installation.

Step 7: Reinstalling the Shock on the Bike

With the shock rebuilt and set up, you can now reinstall it on the bike.

  1. Carefully insert the shock into the bike frame, ensuring it is correctly aligned with the mounts.
  2. Secure the shock to the frame using the appropriate mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
  3. Reinstall the rear wheel and perform a final check to ensure everything is tight and secure.

Step 8: Testing and Fine-Tuning

After reinstalling the shock, it’s essential to test it to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

  1. Begin by manually compressing the shock and checking for smooth movement. There should be no sticking or excessive resistance.
  2. Adjust the rebound and compression settings to your preferred settings.
  3. Use the shock pump to fine-tune the air pressure as needed for your riding conditions.
  4. Take the bike for a short test ride to ensure that the shock is performing correctly. Listen for any unusual noises or performance issues that may indicate a problem.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

While rebuilding the SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant rear shock, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

  1. Air Leaks: If you notice that the air pressure drops over time, check the air valve cap and seals. Replace any damaged seals and reassemble the shock carefully.
  2. Sticking or Inconsistent Rebound: If the rebound is too fast or too slow, check the damper cartridge for proper lubrication. Add a small amount of suspension fluid if needed and reassemble.
  3. Loss of Adjustability: If the Flight Attendant system stops adjusting the suspension, ensure that the valve assembly is properly reassembled and seated. If the system is still unresponsive, inspect for potential damage and consider replacing the affected parts.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To get the most out of your SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant shock, consider these tips for customization:

  1. Adjust Air Pressure for Rider Weight: Fine-tune the air pressure to match your weight and riding conditions. This will ensure the shock performs optimally during rides.
  2. Tune Rebound and Compression Settings: Experiment with the rebound and compression settings to match your riding style and terrain. A firmer setting is ideal for cross-country rides, while a softer setting may be better for technical trails.
  3. Maintain Regular Servicing: Regularly servicing the shock will prevent issues from developing and help maintain the performance of the shock over time.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your RockShox SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant rear shock at home can be a satisfying and cost-effective way to keep your bike’s suspension performing at its best. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your shock is clean, properly lubricated, and tuned to your specifications. Regular maintenance, combined with proper care during the rebuild, will help extend the life of your shock and keep you riding smoothly for years to come.