How to Service Your DB Kitsuma Trunnion Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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The Cane Creek DB Kitsuma Trunnion [paid link] rear shock is a high-performance suspension component designed for mountain and enduro bikes. While it provides a smooth and efficient ride, regular maintenance is essential to ensure it operates at its best. Servicing your DB Kitsuma Trunnion [paid link] rear shock yourself can save you time and money while improving your bike’s overall performance. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to service your rear shock without needing a mechanic.

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Tools Required

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (up to 10 Nm)
  • Shock pump
  • Clean rags
  • 3mm and 8mm wrenches
  • T30 and T40 Torx bits
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Cane Creek shock oil
  • Fresh seals and O-rings
  • Suspension grease
  • Latex gloves
  • Drain pan for oil collection

Understanding the DB Kitsuma Trunnion Rear Shock

The DB Kitsuma Trunnion rear shock uses a trunnion mount design, which differs from traditional eyelet mounts. The trunnion system connects the shock to the frame using a pair of bolts that pass through the shock body. This setup allows for a more compact and efficient design, offering greater stiffness and better control.

To service the shock, it’s important to understand its key components: the air sleeve, damper, and the internal seals. Regular servicing focuses on replacing seals, changing the shock oil, and maintaining proper air pressure. This will help prevent excessive wear, reduce friction, and improve damping performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Servicing Your DB Kitsuma Trunnion Rear Shock

1. Preparing the Shock

Before starting, ensure that you have a clean workspace and wear latex gloves to avoid contaminating the shock components. The first step is to remove the shock from the bike frame.

  • Use the appropriate Allen wrenches [paid link] to unscrew the mounting bolts on both ends of the shock.
  • Keep track of all hardware (washers, bolts) to avoid losing or mixing them up during the reassembly.

2. Draining the Shock

Once the shock is removed, place it on a clean surface, such as a rag or bench, to prevent any contaminants from entering the shock body.

  • Use a T30 or T40 Torx wrench [paid link] to remove the air sleeve bolt. Some oil will likely spill out, so be prepared to collect it in a drain pan.
  • Allow the shock to drain fully, ensuring all the oil is expelled from the shock.

3. Disassembling the Shock

With the shock drained, it’s time to carefully disassemble it.

  • Begin by removing the air can from the shock body. You may need to use a 3mm or 8mm wrench to loosen it, depending on your shock’s specific configuration.
  • Once the air can is removed, inspect the internal parts such as the air piston and seals for wear. Pay special attention to the O-rings, as these often wear down over time.

4. Cleaning and Replacing Seals

Next, clean all parts thoroughly with a clean rag and suspension oil. This ensures that no dirt or debris remains inside the shock.

  • Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the old seals. Take extra care not to scratch or damage the shock’s internal surfaces.
  • Replace the seals and O-rings with fresh ones from a Cane Creek service kit. Proper seal replacement is critical for maintaining air pressure and damping performance.
  • Grease the new seals lightly with suspension grease to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

5. Reassembling the Shock

After replacing the seals, it’s time to reassemble the shock.

  • Carefully insert the air piston and reattach the air can. Ensure that the air can is aligned properly with the shock body to prevent any misalignment that could damage internal components.
  • Tighten the air can bolt to the recommended torque (usually around 10 Nm) using a torque wrench [paid link] to avoid over-tightening.
  • Double-check that all parts are securely in place before proceeding to the next step.

6. Adding New Oil

Once the shock is reassembled, add fresh shock oil to the appropriate chamber. Cane Creek recommends using their specific shock oil for best performance. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact amount needed, typically indicated in the shock’s manual.

  • Slowly pour the oil into the shock body, ensuring that all internal components are well-lubricated.
  • After adding the oil, carefully compress and extend the shock a few times to allow the oil to settle and spread evenly throughout the system.

7. Reinstalling the Shock

Now that the shock is reassembled and lubricated, it’s time to reinstall it onto your bike frame.

  • Carefully align the shock with the frame’s mounting points and secure it using the original bolts.
  • Tighten the bolts with the appropriate Allen wrench [paid link], making sure to torque them to the recommended specifications (usually 8-10 Nm).

8. Setting the Correct Air Pressure

Finally, use a shock pump to inflate the shock to the correct air pressure based on your rider weight and riding style. The correct pressure can be found in the shock’s manual or on Cane Creek’s website.

  • Attach the shock pump to the valve and inflate the shock slowly, checking for any leaks or air loss during the process.
  • Once the pressure is set, check the shock’s sag by sitting on the bike and checking how much the shock compresses under your weight. Adjust the air pressure as needed to achieve the recommended sag.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Shock Not Holding Air

If your shock isn’t holding air, it may be due to worn-out seals or a damaged O-ring. In such cases, inspect the seals carefully during the disassembly process and replace them as necessary.

2. Excessive Rebound or Compression

If your shock feels too fast or too slow in its rebound or compression, the oil may be contaminated or too old. Draining and replacing the shock oil, as described earlier, should help improve performance.

3. Leaking Oil

Oil leaks are often caused by damaged seals or improper reassembly. Ensure that all seals are in good condition and that the shock is reassembled correctly with the air can securely tightened.

Customizing and Optimizing Performance

The DB Kitsuma Trunnion rear shock is highly tunable, allowing riders to customize the shock’s performance for different terrain and riding styles. Here are a few ways to optimize its performance:

  • Adjust the Compression and Rebound: Fine-tune the shock’s compression and rebound settings based on your personal preference and riding conditions. Cane Creek provides clear guidelines on how to adjust these settings for better control and comfort.
  • Change the Volume Spacers: Adjusting the volume spacers can change the shock’s bottom-out resistance and overall stroke feel. Use the correct volume spacer to increase or decrease the shock’s progression.

Conclusion

Servicing your Cane Creek DB Kitsuma Trunnion rear shock is a straightforward process that can be done at home with the right tools and a bit of time. Regular maintenance will ensure your shock continues to perform at its best, providing a smooth and controlled ride on any terrain. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to extend the life of your rear shock and avoid costly repairs at the mechanic.