Extend the Life of Your STX22 Coil Rear Shock with These DIY Hacks

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The Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock is a top-tier suspension component known for its precision, durability, and high-performance characteristics. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are key to ensuring your shock continues to perform at its best. In this guide, we will cover the steps to install, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot your STX22 Coil, ensuring longevity and peak performance for your bike.

Tools Required

  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 8mm and 10mm hex wrenches
  • 5mm Allen key
  • Shock pump
  • Suspension fluid (Öhlins recommended)
  • Grease (preferably a suspension-specific grease)
  • T30 screwdriver
  • Clean rags
  • Small brush

Installation of the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

The installation of your Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock requires careful attention to ensure proper fitment and alignment with the rear triangle of your bike. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing your rear shock:

  1. Preparation: Clean the area where the shock will be installed. Use a small brush to remove any dirt or debris from the shock mounting points and surrounding area.
  2. Mounting the Shock: Place the shock into the frame, aligning the eyelet and shock body with the frame’s mounting points. Ensure that the shock’s mounting hardware is correctly oriented.
  3. Securing the Shock: Insert the bolts through the mounting points and tighten them. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure that you tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification (typically 8-10 Nm for most bikes).
  4. Shock Orientation: Ensure the shock’s adjusters are facing outward and accessible once installed. This positioning will make future adjustments easier.
  5. Final Check: Before tightening the bolts completely, ensure the shock is seated properly and that there are no binding or unusual angles in the shock’s movement range.

Adjustment and Customization for Optimal Performance

Adjusting your Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock to your riding style and conditions can dramatically improve comfort and performance. Here’s how you can make key adjustments:

1. Sag Setting

Sag is the amount the shock compresses under your body weight when you’re in your riding position. To set the correct sag:

  • Step 1: Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure in the coil spring. Start by adjusting the preload to achieve around 25-30% sag, which is typical for trail and enduro riding.
  • Step 2: Sit on your bike in a riding position, with all your gear on, and check the sag. Adjust the preload until you find the sweet spot that provides the right balance between comfort and performance.
  • Step 3: Recheck the sag after a short ride and make fine adjustments as needed.

2. Rebound Adjustment

The rebound control adjusts the speed at which the shock returns to its original position after compression.

  • Step 1: Turn the rebound adjuster to set the speed of the rebound. For aggressive riding or rough terrain, you’ll want to slow down the rebound (turn clockwise). For smoother trails, a faster rebound (turn counterclockwise) can provide better control.
  • Step 2: Test ride the bike after each adjustment to ensure the rebound feels comfortable and controlled. Fine-tune until you feel the shock responds optimally to bumps and landings.

3. Compression Damping

The compression damping affects how the shock behaves when it compresses. This setting controls how much resistance you feel when hitting obstacles like roots or rocks.

  • Step 1: Turn the compression adjuster to change the damping level. A stiffer compression (clockwise) will provide more resistance and is better for larger hits, while a softer setting (counterclockwise) will help absorb smaller bumps more effectively.
  • Step 2: Fine-tune the compression depending on the terrain you’re riding. If you frequently ride technical trails with large obstacles, a stiffer compression may help with control.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Longevity

Maintaining your STX22 Coil Rear Shock will help it last longer and perform better. Follow these steps to keep it in top condition:

1. Regular Cleaning

Clean your shock regularly after each ride to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. Dirt can cause wear on the shock’s internal components, which may lead to failure over time.

  • Step 1: Use a clean rag or brush to remove dirt from the shock’s body and mounting hardware.
  • Step 2: Apply a small amount of suspension grease to the shock’s mounting hardware to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.

2. Lubrication

Apply suspension-specific grease to the shock’s pivots and mounting points to reduce friction and wear. Re-lubricate every 3-4 months or after riding in wet conditions.

  • Step 1: Clean the mounting points thoroughly before applying grease.
  • Step 2: Use a light, suspension-specific grease to avoid gumming up the components.

3. Suspension Fluid Replacement

Over time, the suspension fluid inside your shock can degrade, reducing its performance. Changing the fluid is a more advanced maintenance task, typically recommended every 6-12 months, depending on use.

  • Step 1: Remove the shock from the frame and disassemble the shock body.
  • Step 2: Drain the old fluid and replace it with fresh suspension oil.
  • Step 3: Reassemble the shock and perform a few test compressions to ensure smooth operation.

4. Inspect for Leaks

Check for any signs of oil leaks around the seals and the shock body. Leaks indicate that the seals have worn out and need replacement.

  • Step 1: Clean the shock thoroughly and examine the seals for wear or damage.
  • Step 2: If leaks are present, replace the seals immediately to avoid damaging the internal components.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

1. Shock Bottoming Out

If the shock bottoms out too frequently, it can be caused by insufficient compression damping or too little sag.

  • Solution: Increase the compression damping to stiffen the shock. Alternatively, add more preload to the coil spring to reduce sag and provide better support.

2. Unresponsive Rebound

If the rebound feels sluggish or unresponsive, this could indicate an issue with the rebound damping or a need for fluid replacement.

  • Solution: Adjust the rebound damping and check if the fluid needs to be replaced. Ensure there are no leaks in the shock’s damper.

3. Excessive Sag

If you notice excessive sag during your rides, the coil spring may be too soft for your weight or riding style.

  • Solution: Replace the coil spring with one of a higher rate to better match your weight and riding demands. Adjust the preload as needed to dial in the correct sag.

Comparison with Similar Models

The Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock is often compared to other high-performance coil shocks, such as the Fox DHX2 and RockShox Super Deluxe Coil. While each of these shocks offers exceptional performance, the STX22 stands out for its reliability, ease of adjustment, and smooth operation in a variety of conditions.

  • Öhlins STX22 Coil vs Fox DHX2: The STX22 is typically considered easier to tune for different types of terrain due to its straightforward compression and rebound adjustments. The Fox DHX2, on the other hand, offers slightly more adjustability, but some riders find the STX22’s damping system more intuitive.
  • Öhlins STX22 Coil vs RockShox Super Deluxe Coil: The STX22 is known for its smooth, controlled feel on both small bumps and big hits, while the Super Deluxe Coil excels in offering a broader range of adjustments. However, the Öhlins shock often feels more consistent in its performance over time.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Öhlins STX22 Coil Rear Shock is designed to be compatible with most modern mountain bike frames and drivetrains, but it’s essential to check frame geometry and shock dimensions before purchasing.

  • Compatibility Check: Ensure that the shock’s eye-to-eye length and stroke length match the specifications of your bike’s rear triangle.
  • Drivetrain Integration: The rear shock will not directly interact with your bike’s drivetrain but ensuring your drivetrain is in proper working order can help reduce unnecessary stress on your rear suspension. Proper drivetrain tuning, such as correct chain tension and smooth shifting, will prevent added impacts on your shock.