DIY Maintenance Guide for Your Bomber CR Coil Rear Shock

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The Bomber CR Coil [paid link] rear shock by Marzocchi is a robust and high-performance suspension component designed to provide excellent comfort and control for mountain bikers. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the shock functioning optimally, ensuring smooth rides and enhanced durability. This guide will walk you through the steps for installation, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Bomber CR Coil [paid link], as well as offer tips for customization and compatibility with other drivetrain components.

Tools Required

Before diving into the maintenance process, ensure you have the following tools:

  • 5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Suspension oil (specific to Marzocchi products)
  • Shock pump
  • Suspension grease
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Specialized shock seal kit (if necessary)
  • Small screwdriver
  • Soapy water solution (for seal cleaning)
  • Clean working space

Installation of the Bomber CR Coil Rear Shock

Installing the Bomber CR Coil Rear Shock is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail to ensure proper fitment and performance.

Step 1: Prepare the Frame

  • Begin by ensuring that the rear suspension frame is clean and free from dirt or debris. Use a rag and a light cleaning solution if needed.
  • Check the shock mount area on the frame for any wear or damage. It’s important that this area is free of debris and the mounting bolts are in good condition.

Step 2: Install the Shock into the Frame

  • Align the Bomber CR Coil shock with the mounting points on the frame. Be careful not to force it into place. The shock should slide into the mount with minimal resistance.
  • Secure the shock with the provided hardware, making sure to tighten the bolts with a torque wrench [paid link] to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening can lead to performance issues or damage to the shock.

Step 3: Adjust the Coil Preload

  • Adjust the coil preload by turning the preload adjuster. Start with a neutral setting and test the bike for comfort and responsiveness. Adjust as necessary based on rider weight and riding style.

Step 4: Pump the Shock to Correct Pressure

  • Use a shock pump to set the recommended air pressure in the shock. Typically, the Bomber CR Coil rear shock uses a specific spring rate, so the pressure adjustments will be minor and based on rider weight.
  • Check for proper sag by sitting on the bike and measuring the distance the shock compresses.

Adjustment of the Bomber CR Coil Rear Shock

The Bomber CR Coil rear shock offers several adjustments that can be fine-tuned to your riding style and terrain.

Rebound Adjustment

  • Locate the rebound adjuster at the bottom of the shock. Turn it clockwise to slow down the rebound, or counterclockwise to speed it up. The right setting depends on the type of riding you do—slower rebound is often better for rougher terrain, while faster rebound works well for smoother trails.

Compression Adjustment

  • The compression adjustment on the Bomber CR Coil rear shock allows you to control how the shock responds to impacts. Turn the compression knob to increase or decrease the compression. Lower compression settings are ideal for smoother trails, while higher settings provide better performance on technical and aggressive terrain.

Coil Spring Tuning

  • Adjust the coil spring preload to fine-tune your suspension’s overall feel. The preload should be set based on your body weight and the type of terrain you’re riding. This setting directly impacts the shock’s responsiveness.

Maintenance of the Bomber CR Coil Rear Shock

To maintain the Bomber CR Coil in peak [paid link] condition, regular maintenance is key.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Shock

  • Every few rides, wipe down the shock with a clean rag to remove dust and grime. Use a light soap solution to clean the seals and moving parts. Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure water, as these can damage the seals.
  • Apply a small amount of suspension grease to the mounting bolts to prevent seizing and reduce friction.
  • Lubricate the air spring components with an appropriate suspension oil to ensure smooth operation.

Checking and Replacing the Oil

  • Marzocchi recommends changing the suspension oil at least once a year or every 200-300 hours of riding, depending on your riding style. This can help maintain optimal performance and prevent wear on internal components.
  • To replace the oil, remove the shock from the bike and disassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use clean oil and ensure the shock is reassembled carefully, avoiding contamination during the process.

Inspecting and Replacing Seals

  • Regularly check the seals for wear. If the shock begins to leak air or oil, or if you notice decreased performance, it may be time to replace the seals.
  • Remove the seals using a small screwdriver, taking care not to scratch the internal parts. Install the new seals and lubricate them before reassembling the shock.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Issue 1: Loss of Air Pressure

  • If the shock begins losing air pressure, inspect the air valve and seals for damage or wear. If necessary, replace the seals and ensure the valve is properly seated. You can also check for any punctures in the air chamber.

Issue 2: Inconsistent Performance or Poor Rebound

  • If the rebound feels too slow or too fast, check the rebound adjuster setting first. If the adjustment doesn’t resolve the issue, the shock may require a complete oil change or internal servicing. Poor performance can also result from old or contaminated oil inside the shock.

Issue 3: Noisy Shock

  • If you notice any creaking or squeaking, it could be a sign of dry mounting hardware or insufficient lubrication. Clean and lubricate the shock mounts, and ensure that all bolts are properly torqued.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Bomber CR Coil rear shock can be tailored to match your specific riding preferences. Adjusting the spring preload, compression, and rebound damping can drastically improve ride quality.

Spring Rate Selection

  • Riders who weigh significantly less or more than average should consider swapping the coil spring for one with a higher or lower rate. Marzocchi offers a range of coil springs, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension for optimal performance.

Fine-Tuning Compression and Rebound

  • For aggressive downhill riding, stiffen the compression setting and slow the rebound. For cross-country riding, consider softer settings to maintain comfort and traction on less demanding terrain.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Bomber CR Coil rear shock is compatible with most standard mountain bike frames, but it’s crucial to ensure that your frame’s suspension linkage and rear triangle design are compatible with the shock’s dimensions and travel. The shock works best with frames that are designed to handle coil shocks, as these provide the necessary travel and support.

Before purchasing, check that your bike’s frame offers the correct shock mount sizes and spacing. Marzocchi’s shock dimensions are standard for many modern mountain bike frames, but compatibility should always be confirmed before installation.