How to Rebuild Your TTXAir 2.1 Rear Shock at Home

Posted on
in Uncategorized

The Öhlins TTXAir 2.1 rear shock is renowned for its exceptional performance, offering riders a smooth and controlled ride. Whether you’re upgrading your mountain bike or maintaining your current setup, performing a rebuild can ensure that your shock continues to deliver peak performance. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of rebuilding your TTXAir 2.1 rear shock at home, covering installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and tips for optimization.

Tools Required

  • TTXAir 2.1 rear shock rebuild kit
  • 8mm and 10mm wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 3mm, 5mm, and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • O-ring pick tool
  • 15mm spanner
  • Bench vice or secure clamping system
  • Protective gloves
  • Shock oil (Öhlins recommended type)
  • Bleed kit [paid link] (if applicable)
  • Soft cloths or rags
  • Teflon tape
  • Small brushes for cleaning

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

Before you begin the rebuild process, make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace. It’s important to work in a controlled environment to avoid contamination. Lay out all tools and parts you’ll need, and ensure the shock is completely removed from the bike.

Step 2: Disassembling the Shock

  1. Remove the shock from the frame: Use the appropriate wrenches and Allen keys [paid link] to unbolt the shock from the frame.
  2. Drain the oil: Place the shock in a vice or secure clamping system to hold it steady. Carefully remove the air valve cap and let the air pressure out. Then, drain the oil by removing the oil fill screw.
  3. Remove the main shaft: With the shock securely held, use the appropriate tool to remove the main shaft assembly. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the delicate internals.

Step 3: Cleaning the Shock

Use a soft cloth to clean any dirt and oil residue off the shock’s exterior. Pay special attention to the areas where the seals and O-rings are seated. Cleaning is crucial, as even small particles can damage the shock’s internal components during reassembly.

Step 4: Inspecting Internal Components

Before proceeding with the rebuild, inspect the internal components for signs of wear or damage. This includes:

  • The piston: Check for any cracks or scoring.
  • The seals: Inspect the seals for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear.
  • The shaft: Ensure the shaft is straight and free of any bends or deep scratches.
  • The damper oil: If the oil appears dirty or has an unusual odor, it may be time to replace it with fresh oil.

Step 5: Replacing Seals and O-Rings

Carefully remove any old seals and O-rings using an O-ring pick tool. Apply a small amount of clean shock oil to the new seals before installing them to ensure a proper seal. Be mindful of the orientation of the seals and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct installation.

Step 6: Reassembling the Shock

  1. Install the main shaft: Slide the main shaft back into place, ensuring it fits snugly and smoothly into its housing. Be careful not to damage any internal components while doing this.
  2. Install the piston and rebound assembly: Reassemble the piston and the rebound assembly. Make sure all components are seated properly, and tighten any bolts to the recommended torque settings.
  3. Fill the shock with oil: Using the shock oil recommended by Öhlins, fill the shock to the appropriate level. Ensure the oil is free from contaminants before adding it. Use a clean funnel to avoid spillage.

Step 7: Reinstalling the Air Valve

With the shock fully assembled, reinstall the air valve. Make sure to use Teflon tape to seal the valve and prevent any air leaks. Tighten the valve cap with a torque wrench [paid link] to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step 8: Checking the Rebuild

  1. Cycle the shock: Compress and extend the shock manually to ensure it moves smoothly without any resistance or unusual noises. If you notice any stiffness or grinding, disassemble the shock and check for improper installation or damaged components.
  2. Reinstall the shock onto the bike: Once satisfied with the rebuild, reinstall the shock back onto your bike frame, ensuring all bolts are tightened to the specified torque.

Step 9: Testing and Fine-Tuning

  1. Reinflate the shock: Use a shock pump to add air to the shock. Set the air pressure based on your rider weight and riding style.
  2. Set your rebound and compression settings: Adjust the rebound and compression to your desired settings. Start with the recommended factory settings and fine-tune as needed for your riding preferences.
  3. Test ride: Finally, take your bike for a short ride to test the shock. Pay attention to how the shock performs under load, making adjustments to the air pressure and damping settings if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

  • Shock not compressing smoothly: This may indicate an issue with the oil or an incorrectly installed piston. Recheck the internal components, particularly the piston and seals.
  • Leakage from air valve: If the shock is leaking air, it could be due to a damaged valve or improperly installed O-ring. Check the valve and seals, replacing any parts that appear worn.
  • Excessive rebound: If the rebound is too fast, try adjusting the rebound setting or ensure the oil level is correct. Low oil levels can cause the rebound to behave erratically.

Customizing and Optimizing for Performance

The TTXAir 2.1 shock offers a variety of adjustment options that allow you to fine-tune your setup for specific riding conditions. Consider the following adjustments:

  • Air pressure: Adjust the air pressure based on your weight and riding style. More aggressive riders may need a higher pressure for more control, while lighter riders may benefit from a lower pressure for a smoother ride.
  • Compression damping: Adjust the compression damping to suit the terrain. For smoother trails, you may want less compression damping, while rougher, technical terrain may require more to control the shock’s response.
  • Rebound damping: Make sure the rebound damping is set to a level where the shock returns to its normal position smoothly but doesn’t rebound too quickly or too slowly.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The TTXAir 2.1 rear shock is compatible with most modern mountain bike frames that use a standard shock mount size. However, compatibility with other drivetrain components (such as the fork and chainstays) should always be confirmed before installation. Always check with the manufacturer for compatibility, as mismatched components may affect your bike’s overall performance.

Conclusion

Rebuilding your Öhlins TTXAir 2.1 rear shock at home can significantly enhance the lifespan and performance of your bike. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your shock operates at peak performance, offering you a smoother and more controlled ride. Regular maintenance and careful adjustments allow you to tailor your shock for a variety of riding conditions, optimizing your experience on the trail.