How to Service Your STX22 Coil Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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Servicing your STX22 Coil rear shock from Öhlins can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to bike maintenance. However, with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it’s possible to service the shock yourself. Regular maintenance of the STX22 Coil ensures optimal performance, increases its lifespan, and helps you avoid unnecessary repair costs. This guide will cover the essential steps for servicing your STX22 Coil rear shock, including installation, adjustment, and troubleshooting, along with tips for customization and compatibility considerations.

Tools Required

  • Öhlins STX22 Coil rear shock service kit
  • Shock oil (Öhlins recommended)
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 8mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • 10mm wrench
  • T25 Torx driver
  • Rags or cloth
  • Clean workbench or workspace
  • Latex gloves (optional but recommended for cleanliness)

Installation of the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

Installing your STX22 Coil rear shock properly is critical for ensuring smooth performance. The process is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail to avoid damaging the shock or bike frame.

  1. Prepare the bike: Make sure the bike is on a stable surface, preferably a workstand, and that the rear wheel is removed to allow proper access to the shock mount.
  2. Remove the old shock: Using a 10mm wrench, remove the bolts securing the old shock to the frame. Ensure that you do not damage the mount points as you remove the shock.
  3. Install the new shock: Carefully position the STX22 Coil shock into the shock mount. Tighten the bolts using an 8mm Allen wrench [paid link], ensuring they are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically around 25-30Nm, but always check the Öhlins manual for exact torque settings).
  4. Recheck the alignment: Ensure the shock is aligned correctly with the frame and that it is not rubbing against any other components.
  5. Reinstall the rear wheel: Once the shock is securely in place, reassemble the rear wheel.

Adjusting the STX22 Coil Rear Shock

After installation, making the correct adjustments is crucial for achieving the best performance from your STX22 Coil. The rear shock comes with preload, rebound, and compression adjustments. Each of these adjustments affects the bike’s handling, comfort, and overall ride quality.

Preload Adjustment

Preload affects how much the coil spring compresses under the rider’s weight. Adjusting the preload ensures that the shock is responsive and maintains proper sag.

  1. Check your rider weight: Consult the Öhlins shock spring chart to find the recommended spring rate based on your body weight.
  2. Adjust the preload: Use the preload adjuster on the shock to dial in the correct setting. This may involve turning the preload collar with a spanner wrench to either compress or release the coil.

Rebound Adjustment

Rebound controls the speed at which the shock extends after being compressed. Proper rebound damping ensures a smooth and controlled ride over rough terrain.

  1. Find the rebound adjuster: The rebound adjuster is usually located at the bottom of the shock.
  2. Turn the adjuster: Turn the rebound adjuster clockwise to slow the rebound, or counterclockwise to increase it. Adjust this setting based on your riding style and terrain.

Compression Adjustment

Compression damping determines how quickly the shock compresses when it encounters an obstacle. The STX22 Coil features high and low-speed compression adjustments.

  1. Locate the compression knobs: These are typically found at the top of the shock.
  2. Adjust high-speed compression: For fast, high-impact terrain (e.g., rock gardens or drops), increase high-speed compression by turning the knob clockwise.
  3. Adjust low-speed compression: For smoother, slower terrain (e.g., long climbs or smooth trail sections), adjust the low-speed compression for a softer ride.

Maintaining Your STX22 Coil Rear Shock

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the STX22 Coil rear shock in top working condition. Here are the key maintenance tasks you should perform periodically.

Cleaning and Inspection

Keeping the shock clean is essential to avoid dirt buildup, which can cause premature wear.

  1. Wipe down the shock: Use a clean rag to wipe away any dirt, mud, or debris from the shock body after every ride.
  2. Inspect the seals: Check the shock’s seals for any signs of wear or damage. If the seals appear compromised, they will need to be replaced to prevent oil leakage.

Oil Service

The STX22 Coil uses specific shock oil that needs to be replaced periodically. Regular oil changes will keep the internals of the shock functioning properly.

  1. Remove the shock from the bike: Once the shock is removed from the frame, set it on a clean workbench.
  2. Drain old oil: Use a T25 Torx driver to remove the shock’s oil reservoir cap. Drain the oil into a clean container.
  3. Refill with fresh oil: Using the Öhlins recommended shock oil, fill the shock to the required level. Consult your service manual for the exact oil capacity.
  4. Reassemble: Reinstall the oil reservoir cap and torque it according to the Öhlins specifications.

Air Can Service (if applicable)

Some models of the STX22 Coil feature an air can. If your model includes one, servicing it will ensure proper functionality.

  1. Remove the air can: Use a 10mm wrench to remove the air can from the shock body.
  2. Lubricate the air can seals: Apply a light coating of suspension grease to the seals before reattaching the air can.
  3. Reinstall the air can: Carefully align and reinstall the air can, tightening it according to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Even after following the correct installation and adjustment procedures, there are a few common issues that riders face with the STX22 Coil. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

  1. Excessive sag: If the shock compresses too much under your weight, it may indicate that the preload is too low or the spring rate is incorrect. Adjust the preload collar and check the spring rate against your rider weight.
  2. Loss of damping control: If the shock feels overly soft or lacks resistance, it could be due to a lack of oil or air pressure (if applicable). Recheck the oil levels and air pressure, and replace the oil if necessary.
  3. No rebound action: If the shock is not extending properly, it may indicate an issue with the rebound setting or internal damage. Check the rebound dial to ensure it’s set correctly and inspect the shock for any visible damage.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To get the best performance from your STX22 Coil rear shock, consider customizing it for your specific riding style and conditions. Here are some tips for fine-tuning your shock:

  1. Fine-tune compression settings: If you’re riding on rough trails, adjust the high-speed compression for better impact absorption. If you’re riding smoother trails, reduce compression for more comfort.
  2. Set sag to proper levels: Ensuring that your shock sag is within the ideal range (typically 25-30% of travel) will enhance both comfort and performance.
  3. Experiment with rebound settings: If you’re riding fast, technical descents, you may want to slow down the rebound to prevent bouncing. For smoother trails, a faster rebound may improve traction and control.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The STX22 Coil rear shock is compatible with a wide variety of bike frames, but it’s important to ensure that your shock and other drivetrain components are compatible. Check that your frame can handle the shock’s travel length and mounting style. Additionally, pairing the shock with a compatible coil spring and adjusting it to match your weight will ensure optimal performance.