How to Rebuild Your Super Deluxe Coil Select Rear Shock at Home

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Rebuilding your Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link] rear shock from RockShox can significantly extend its lifespan and improve its performance. This process allows you to address common issues such as poor damping, reduced performance, or leaks, ensuring your bike rides smoothly and efficiently. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to rebuild the shock, from disassembly to reassembly, with an emphasis on tools, maintenance, and troubleshooting common problems.

Tools Required

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools to perform the rebuild. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (for precise tightening)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • RockShox-specific shock oil (appropriate for the Super Deluxe Coil Select [paid link])
  • Clean, lint-free rags
  • Seal kit (specific to your model)
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Shock pump (to set air pressure if applicable)
  • Oil drain pan or container
  • Silicone grease
  • Cleaning brushes
  • 8mm socket wrench
  • Suspension fluid (according to RockShox’s specifications)
  • Shock eyelet tools (if replacing or servicing eyelets)
  • Suspension grease

Understanding the Components of the Super Deluxe Coil Select

The RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select rear shock is a high-performance coil-sprung shock designed for aggressive trail riding and enduro disciplines. Understanding the shock’s components is crucial for the rebuild:

  • Coil Spring: Provides consistent, predictable support during your ride.
  • Damper: Controls the rebound and compression to adjust the ride feel.
  • Air Chamber: In some models, an air chamber may be present to fine-tune the pressure.
  • Eyelets and Mounting Hardware: Used for connecting the shock to the frame and controlling movement.

Familiarizing yourself with these parts will make the rebuild process easier and help you identify issues more effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding Your Super Deluxe Coil Select

1. Preparation and Removal

Before starting the rebuild process, it is essential to remove the shock from the bike safely.

  • Remove the shock: Use your 5mm hex wrench to loosen the mounting bolts at both the top and bottom of the shock. If necessary, use a small flathead screwdriver to loosen any stubborn bolts or bushings.
  • Place the shock in a clean workspace: Lay down a clean, flat surface to avoid contamination during the rebuild.

2. Disassembling the Shock

After removing the shock from the bike, it’s time to take it apart for cleaning and inspection.

  • Drain the oil: Hold the shock over an oil drain pan and use the 6mm or 8mm socket wrench to remove the rebound adjuster and damper screws. Drain all the suspension oil from the damper and reservoir.
  • Remove the coil spring: Depending on your shock model, the coil may have a lockring or preload adjuster that holds it in place. Use the appropriate tool to remove the spring, taking care not to damage it.
  • Inspect the shock body: Check for any visible signs of damage, wear, or contamination on the shock body. If the body appears scratched or dented, it may need professional servicing or replacement.

3. Replacing the Seals and O-Rings

Seals and O-rings play a vital role in ensuring the shock is properly sealed and functions correctly. If the shock has been losing oil or experiencing excessive sag, it’s time to replace the seals.

  • Disassemble the damper cartridge: Use the appropriate tool to remove the damper cartridge from the shock body.
  • Replace the seals: Carefully remove the old seals and O-rings from the damper body and piston. Be sure to clean the mating surfaces thoroughly before installing the new seals.
  • Lubricate the seals: Apply a light coating of suspension grease to the new seals and O-rings before installing them. This will help them seat properly and reduce friction.

4. Cleaning and Inspecting the Components

Once you have disassembled the shock and removed all seals, it’s time to clean the components.

  • Clean the damper assembly: Use a clean rag and a small brush to remove old oil, dirt, and debris from the damper, piston, and other internal parts.
  • Inspect the coil spring: Check for any cracks, kinks, or excessive wear on the coil spring. If the spring appears damaged, it should be replaced.
  • Examine the shock body: Look for any scratches, dents, or gouges. Minor wear can often be cleaned, but extensive damage could require replacing the shock body.

5. Reassembling the Shock

Now that the shock components are clean, it’s time to reassemble them.

  • Reinstall the seals: Insert the new seals back into the shock body, ensuring they are seated properly.
  • Install the damper: Insert the damper cartridge back into the shock body. Tighten the bolts carefully, using a torque wrench [paid link] to achieve the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
  • Reinstall the coil spring: Place the coil spring back onto the shock, tightening the lockring or preload adjuster. Ensure the spring is seated correctly and that there’s no slack.
  • Fill the shock with oil: Using the recommended RockShox oil, fill the shock to the appropriate level. Follow the instructions provided by RockShox for the correct volume and type of oil.

6. Setting the Proper Air Pressure and Rebound

After the shock is reassembled, it’s important to set up the air pressure (if applicable) and adjust the rebound to your riding preferences.

  • Check the air pressure: Use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure in the shock, ensuring it is at the correct level according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Adjust rebound: Adjust the rebound damping to suit your riding style. For aggressive riding, you may want a slightly faster rebound, while for smoother trails, a slower rebound might be preferable.

7. Reinstalling the Shock on the Bike

With the rebuild complete, it’s time to reinstall the shock onto the bike.

  • Mount the shock: Position the shock back onto the frame, aligning the mounting holes. Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
  • Check alignment: Ensure that the shock is properly aligned and the eyelets are not binding or misaligned.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While rebuilding your Super Deluxe Coil Select, there may be some common issues that arise. Here’s how to address them:

  • Oil leaks: If you notice oil leaking from the shock after the rebuild, check the seals and O-rings. Ensure they were replaced correctly and seated properly.
  • Excessive sag or lack of support: This could indicate an issue with the coil spring, air pressure (if applicable), or oil levels. Double-check all adjustments and ensure the shock is properly tuned.
  • Unresponsive damping: If the damping feels unresponsive, check the damper oil level and consider replacing the damper seals. Ensure that the rebound and compression adjustments are functioning correctly.

Customization and Optimization

Optimizing your Super Deluxe Coil Select for better performance can involve adjusting the coil spring, air pressure (if applicable), and damping settings based on your riding style and terrain.

  • Coil spring choice: If you’re using the shock for more aggressive terrain, a heavier coil spring may provide better support. Conversely, a lighter spring may be better suited for smoother rides.
  • Fine-tuning rebound and compression: Adjust the rebound and compression settings to match the type of riding you do. For aggressive downhill riding, you may want to increase the compression damping for better control.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Super Deluxe Coil Select rear shock is compatible with a wide range of modern mountain bike frames, but it’s important to check the shock’s specifications for compatibility with your bike’s geometry. Ensure the eyelet size and shock length match your frame’s requirements. Additionally, make sure the shock’s mounting system aligns with your bike’s rear suspension system for smooth performance.

By following these steps, you can successfully rebuild your RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select rear shock at home. Regular maintenance and attention to detail will help maintain the shock’s performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for years to come.