How to Rebuild Your Deluxe Select Rear Shock at Home

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Rebuilding a RockShox Deluxe Select [paid link] rear shock at home is a rewarding and cost-effective way to maintain your bike’s performance. Over time, rear shocks can lose performance due to wear and tear, oil degradation, or damage. Rebuilding your shock not only extends its life but can also enhance the overall ride quality. This guide will take you step by step through the process, offering tips on installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization to ensure your Deluxe Select [paid link] is in top condition.

Tools Required

  • RockShox Deluxe Select rebuild kit
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Shock pump
  • Needle nose pliers
  • 8mm socket and ratchet
  • 12mm socket wrench
  • Small screwdriver
  • Clean rags
  • Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning

Disassembly of the Deluxe Select Rear Shock

The first step in rebuilding your RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock is to remove the shock from the bike frame. Begin by carefully removing the rear shock from your bike. Make sure to remove the shock bolts and keep them in a safe place for reinstallation.

Step 1: Remove the Shock from the Frame

  1. Using an 8mm Allen wrench [paid link], remove the bolts holding the rear shock to the frame.
  2. Take extra care to keep track of the washers or any other small parts that may fall out.
  3. Once the shock is free, set it on a clean surface to avoid contamination during the rebuild.

Step 2: Drain the Air from the Shock

  1. Using a shock pump, slowly release the air pressure from the shock’s air chamber.
  2. Once all air pressure is released, ensure no residual pressure remains inside by checking the Schrader valve.

Step 3: Remove the Eyelets and the Air Canister

  1. To begin disassembling the shock, remove the eyelets using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link].
  2. After the eyelets are removed, carefully detach the air canister from the damper shaft by unscrewing the canister with the appropriate wrench size. Be mindful not to damage any seals during this process.

Cleaning and Inspection

Once disassembled, thoroughly clean all components to ensure there is no dirt or grime that can affect the shock’s performance. Use a rag and isopropyl alcohol to wipe all parts clean. This step is crucial as dirt and contaminants can cause premature wear or affect performance after the rebuild.

Step 1: Inspect the Shock Shaft and Air Canister

  1. Inspect the damper shaft for any noticeable damage or scoring. If there are any deep scratches, it may be necessary to replace the shaft.
  2. Check the air canister for any visible cracks or other damage. Any major damage will require a full replacement of the canister.

Step 2: Check Seals and O-rings

  1. Remove the old seals and O-rings carefully. If the seals appear worn, torn, or deformed, they must be replaced.
  2. Ensure the new seals from the rebuild kit are compatible with the Deluxe Select model.

Rebuilding the Deluxe Select Rear Shock

Once the shock has been cleaned and all components are inspected, it’s time to begin the rebuild process. This involves replacing the worn seals, reassembling the shock, and refilling the air chamber.

Step 1: Replace the O-rings and Seals

  1. Use the new O-rings and seals from the rebuild kit to replace the old ones. Lubricate the new seals with a small amount of suspension fluid to make sure they seat properly.
  2. Install the new seals into their designated grooves on the damper shaft and air canister. Take extra care to ensure they are aligned correctly.

Step 2: Reinstall the Air Canister

  1. Carefully align the air canister with the damper shaft and gently screw it back into place. Be cautious not to cross-thread the canister.
  2. Tighten the canister using a torque wrench [paid link] set to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.

Step 3: Reassemble the Shock

  1. Once the air canister is secured, reinstall the eyelets by aligning them with the shock body and tightening them with the appropriate wrench.
  2. Make sure the eyelet bolts are torqued to the correct setting. Over-tightening or under-tightening can result in improper shock performance.

Step 4: Refill the Shock with Air

  1. Using a shock pump, refill the shock’s air chamber to the manufacturer-recommended pressure.
  2. Check for any air leaks by inspecting the Schrader valve area. If air is escaping, double-check the valve’s sealing integrity.

Reinstallation of the Deluxe Select Rear Shock

After successfully rebuilding the rear shock, the next step is to reinstall it onto your bike. Reinstallation is the reverse process of removal.

Step 1: Position the Shock

  1. Carefully position the shock back into its mounting points on the frame.
  2. Make sure the shock is aligned properly and that the eyelets are positioned correctly in their mounting points.

Step 2: Reinstall the Shock Bolts

  1. Using the correct size Allen wrench, reinstall the shock bolts and tighten them to the recommended torque specification.
  2. Double-check that the bolts are secure and there is no movement of the shock within its mounts.

Step 3: Test the Shock

  1. Before heading out for a ride, perform a thorough check to ensure the shock is operating correctly.
  2. Reinflate the shock to your desired pressure and check the rebound and compression settings to ensure proper damping. Adjust as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

While rebuilding your RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, you may encounter a few common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for resolving them:

Air Leaks

  • Symptoms: Loss of air pressure over time, poor suspension performance.
  • Solution: Double-check all seals and O-rings during reassembly. If air is still leaking after a rebuild, inspect the Schrader valve and replace it if necessary.

Improper Compression or Rebound

  • Symptoms: The shock feels too stiff or too soft, or it doesn’t react as expected.
  • Solution: Adjust the compression and rebound settings according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure all internal components are properly lubricated.

Noisy Shock

  • Symptoms: Strange sounds like squeaking or knocking during use.
  • Solution: Inspect the shock’s eyelets and mounting hardware for tightness. Lubricate the eyelets and the mounting points to reduce friction.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

For riders looking to optimize their Deluxe Select rear shock, there are several ways to tailor the shock’s performance to suit your riding style and terrain.

Adjusting the Air Pressure

  • Light Riders: Lower air pressure can provide more plushness and comfort.
  • Heavier Riders: Higher air pressure will help prevent bottoming out and maintain better control.
  • Experiment with different pressures until you find the balance between comfort and performance that best suits your needs.

Fine-Tuning the Rebound and Compression

  • Compression Damping: Adjust this setting to control how fast the shock compresses. A stiffer compression setting is ideal for aggressive riders or rough terrain, while a softer setting is better for smoother trails.
  • Rebound Damping: Adjust the rebound to control how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. Slower rebound is ideal for more aggressive terrain, while faster rebound works well on smoother trails.

Comparison with Similar Models

While the RockShox Deluxe Select is a popular rear shock for mountain bikers, it’s important to consider other models for comparison.

  • RockShox Super Deluxe: Offers higher performance with more adjustability, especially in terms of damping settings.
  • Fox Float DPX2: Known for its sensitivity and superior small bump performance, but at a higher price point.
  • SR Suntour Aion: A more budget-friendly alternative with similar travel, though it lacks the same level of fine-tuning features as the Deluxe Select.

When choosing between these models, consider your budget, riding style, and preference for adjustability. The Deluxe Select offers a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance for most riders.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock at home can save you money and extend the life of your shock. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure that your shock performs optimally for the long term. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, replacing seals, and fine-tuning air pressure, is essential to maintaining top-notch suspension performance.