How to Service Your SIDluxe Select+ Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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Servicing your RockShox SIDluxe Select+ rear shock at home is a rewarding task that can save you time and money, while also improving your bike’s performance. With the right tools, instructions, and a little patience, you can maintain your shock in optimal condition, ensuring a smooth ride. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from disassembly to reassembly, including troubleshooting common issues and customization tips.

Tools Required

  • 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm hex wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (up to 100Nm)
  • RockShox suspension oil
  • Cleaning brushes (soft)
  • Rags or paper towels
  • Shock pump
  • Teflon grease
  • Small pick or prying tool (plastic or soft metal)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Air compressor (optional)

Preparation and Inspection

Before starting the service, it’s essential to properly prepare your work area and inspect your SIDluxe Select+ for any visible damage. Follow these steps:

  1. Clean the Rear Shock: Begin by cleaning the shock’s exterior with a soft brush and a rag. Dirt and grime can cause internal damage during disassembly if left unchecked.
  2. Inspect for Leaks or Damage: Look for signs of fluid leakage, scratches, or dents. If your shock has any significant damage, it might require professional servicing or replacement of certain components.

Disassembly of the SIDluxe Select+ Rear Shock

Disassembling the shock is the first step in servicing it. This process allows you to inspect, clean, and replace any worn parts. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Remove the Shock from the Frame: Use a 5mm hex wrench to loosen the mounting bolts securing the shock to the frame. Once the bolts are removed, carefully slide the shock out of its mount.
  2. Depressurize the Shock: Before you begin disassembling the shock, ensure that it is fully depressurized by releasing the air from the positive and negative chambers using a shock pump. This step is crucial to avoid injury.
  3. Remove the Air Can: Use a 4mm hex wrench to remove the air can bolts. Keep track of the order of the bolts, as some might have different lengths.
  4. Pull Off the Air Can: Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the air can away from the shock body. You may need to use a small pick or prying tool to gently break the seal if the air can is stuck.

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Internals

After disassembling the shock, it’s time to clean and maintain the internal components. Follow these steps to ensure proper function:

  1. Clean the Shock Shaft: Wipe down the shock shaft using a rag and suspension oil. This will ensure that no dirt or contaminants are left on the shaft, which could cause damage during reassembly.
  2. Clean the Air Can: Inspect the inside of the air can for any signs of damage or wear. Clean it thoroughly with a rag and suspension oil.
  3. Inspect the Piston and Seal Head: Remove the piston and seal head from the shock body. Inspect them for wear or damage, such as cracked seals or a scored piston. If these parts are worn, they should be replaced.

Reassembly of the SIDluxe Select+ Rear Shock

Reassembling the shock correctly is vital for proper operation and maintaining suspension performance. Follow these steps:

  1. Apply Suspension Oil: Lubricate the shock shaft and seals with a small amount of RockShox suspension oil. This helps prevent friction and wear during operation.
  2. Install the Seal Head and Piston: Carefully install the seal head and piston back into the shock body. Ensure that they are seated correctly and that the seals are properly aligned.
  3. Attach the Air Can: Once the piston is secured, align the air can with the shock body and gently slide it back into place. Reinstall the air can bolts, tightening them evenly. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the bolts to the recommended torque spec (usually around 3-5Nm).
  4. Pressurize the Shock: After reassembly, use a shock pump to pressurize the shock to the desired PSI. Double-check for any air leaks around the seals or valves. If there’s a leak, the seals may need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

While servicing your SIDluxe Select+ rear shock, it’s important to be aware of some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

  1. Loss of Air Pressure: If the shock loses air pressure quickly, check the Schrader valve and seals for any damage or leaks. If the valve is faulty, replace it. If the seals are worn, consider replacing them.
  2. Rough Shock Movement: If the shock feels rough or sticky during the compression or rebound stroke, check the shock shaft for dirt, debris, or damage. Clean the shaft and lubricate it with suspension oil to restore smooth movement.
  3. Excessive Rebound or Compression: If the rebound or compression feels too slow or too fast, adjust the rebound and compression dials to the appropriate settings based on your rider weight and terrain. Consult your RockShox manual for specific tuning recommendations.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

Fine-tuning your SIDluxe Select+ shock for optimal performance requires adjusting the rebound, compression, and air pressure settings. Here’s how to make your shock work better for you:

  1. Adjusting Rebound: The rebound setting controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. To adjust the rebound, turn the rebound dial (usually located at the bottom of the shock) to the desired setting. If the shock is bouncing back too quickly, turn the dial towards the slower setting. If it’s too sluggish, turn it towards the faster setting.
  2. Adjusting Compression: The compression setting controls how the shock resists compression under load. This can be adjusted by turning the compression dial. A higher compression setting will make the shock firmer, while a lower setting provides more plushness. Tailor the compression to the type of riding you do, whether it’s cross-country, trail, or downhill.
  3. Setting the Correct Air Pressure: The air pressure is the primary factor in determining the shock’s firmness. The correct air pressure varies depending on your weight and riding style. Start with the recommended pressure in the manual and adjust up or down depending on your comfort and performance needs. Typically, the shock will perform best with about 25-30% of its travel used as sag. Use a shock pump to make precise adjustments.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

When servicing your SIDluxe Select+ rear shock, it’s essential to consider compatibility with other components of your bike’s drivetrain. The shock’s performance can be affected by your bike’s suspension setup, chainstay length, and overall geometry. Ensure that the shock is well-suited to your frame and that the travel matches your riding style.

For riders with a full suspension bike, check that the rear shock is compatible with the front fork to ensure even suspension performance. Mismatched suspension designs can lead to an imbalanced ride and poor handling.

Conclusion

Servicing your RockShox SIDluxe Select+ rear shock is a highly rewarding task that enhances your bike’s performance while saving you the cost of professional repairs. By following this step-by-step guide, you can maintain your shock in excellent condition, adjust its settings for optimal performance, and troubleshoot common issues with ease. With the right tools and a bit of effort, you’ll be able to keep your bike running smoothly, ensuring an enjoyable ride every time you hit the trails.