How to Service Your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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The RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock is an advanced component designed for high-performance mountain biking. Over time, your rear shock will require maintenance to ensure optimal performance, prevent wear, and maintain comfort. Whether you’re dealing with a loss of damping, air pressure issues, or general maintenance, servicing the Deluxe Ultimate RCT at home is achievable with the right tools and procedures. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting common issues and optimizing the shock’s performance.

Tools Required

  • 8mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • 10mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • T25 Torx driver
  • Shock pump
  • Oil (RockShox 0W-30)
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Socket wrench set
  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • RockShox air can service kit (optional)
  • Soft vice or clamp (for safe shock disassembly)
  • Cleaning brushes

Preparing Your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock for Servicing

Before you start working on your Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock, it’s essential to perform some preparatory steps to ensure safety and ease of the service.

Remove the Shock from the Bike

  1. Begin by removing the rear shock from your bike. Use an 8mm Allen wrench to loosen the bolts at the shock mounting points.
  2. Ensure that the bike is securely positioned (e.g., on a stand) to avoid any accidents during this process.

Clean the Shock Exterior

Clean the shock with a rag to remove dirt, mud, and debris. A clean shock is essential to avoid contaminating the internal components during the service.

Step-by-Step Guide to Servicing the Deluxe Ultimate RCT

Step 1: Remove the Air Can

  1. Place the shock in a soft vice or clamp to hold it securely.
  2. Use the T25 Torx driver to remove the screws securing the air can.
  3. Gently remove the air can, ensuring no force is applied to the shock body. If there’s resistance, lightly tap the side to loosen it, but avoid using excessive force.

Step 2: Drain the Oil

  1. Position the shock upright to avoid spilling.
  2. Unscrew the oil fill port with a 5mm Allen wrench and allow the old oil to drain into a container.
  3. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away any residual oil from the shock body.

Step 3: Inspect Internal Components

  1. Examine the damper and the air sleeve. Ensure no debris or damage is present.
  2. Check the bushings for wear. If they appear to be damaged or overly worn, replace them before proceeding.
  3. Check the O-rings and seals around the air can. Replacing them during each service is recommended for maintaining air pressure consistency.

Step 4: Clean the Internals

  1. Clean the damper shaft and other internal components with a clean rag. Avoid leaving any debris or oils inside the shock.
  2. Use a soft brush to clean the piston and damper rod.

Step 5: Refill with Oil

  1. Once the components are thoroughly cleaned, fill the shock with RockShox 0W-30 oil. Refer to the service manual for the correct oil volume and specific measurements.
  2. After filling the shock, carefully reinstall the oil fill screw and torque it to the recommended value using the torque wrench [paid link].

Step 6: Reassemble the Shock

  1. Align the air can with the shock body and press it back into place gently.
  2. Reinstall the screws that secure the air can using the T25 Torx driver. Tighten them to the recommended torque setting.
  3. Before moving on to inflation, inspect all seals to ensure they are properly seated and that no air will escape.

Step 7: Reinstall the Shock on the Bike

  1. Reattach the shock to your bike by inserting the mounting bolts and tightening them with the appropriate tools.
  2. Ensure that the shock is securely fastened and that all bolts are torqued to manufacturer specifications.

Step 8: Inflate the Shock

  1. Use a shock pump to inflate the air chamber to the recommended pressure for your weight and riding style.
  2. Check for any air leakage during inflation. If the shock doesn’t hold air, inspect the seals again for proper installation.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Loss of Damping Performance

If you’re experiencing a loss of damping or inconsistent performance, the issue could be related to the oil inside the shock. Ensure that:

  • The correct amount of oil has been used during the service.
  • The oil is clean and not contaminated with dirt or debris.
  • The seals around the air can are intact and properly seated.

Air Pressure Problems

Air pressure loss could occur due to:

  • A damaged seal on the shock body or air can.
  • Over-tightening the air valve causing leaks.
    To resolve this, inspect the O-rings and seals for damage and replace them if necessary.

Reduced Shock Travel

If you notice reduced shock travel, check for:

  • Insufficient oil or incorrect oil weight, leading to increased friction.
  • The internal shock components being worn or damaged. If wear is evident, it may require professional servicing or a replacement of internal parts.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To get the best performance out of your Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock, it’s important to tailor its setup to your riding style and terrain. Here are some tips for optimization:

Adjust the Air Pressure

Ensure that the air pressure is set according to your weight and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. Higher pressures are better for aggressive riders or those riding on smoother trails, while lower pressures provide more comfort and responsiveness on rough terrain.

Fine-Tune the Damping Settings

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT features external rebound and compression adjustments. Use these controls to fine-tune the shock’s response:

  • Rebound: Adjust the rebound to control how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. A slower rebound is ideal for aggressive trails, while a faster rebound is better for smoother terrain.
  • Compression: Adjust the compression damping to balance the shock’s responsiveness. A higher compression setting offers more support during hard hits, while a lower setting improves traction on uneven surfaces.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Deluxe Ultimate RCT is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of bike drivetrains, provided they use compatible suspension designs. Ensure your bike’s frame supports the specific mounting system of the Deluxe Ultimate RCT. The shock features a standard eyelet mounting system, so it should work with most modern mountain bikes. Always verify your bike’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

Conclusion

Servicing your RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT Rear Shock at home is not only possible but highly beneficial for maintaining peak performance. By following this guide, you’ll be able to perform regular maintenance, address common issues, and fine-tune the shock to match your specific needs. While it’s a technical task, with the right tools and attention to detail, you can extend the life of your rear shock and keep it performing at its best for many rides to come.