How to Service Your Vivid Coil R2C Rear Shock Without a Mechanic

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Servicing your RockShox Vivid Coil R2C rear shock is a vital part of maintaining your bike’s performance. Over time, your shock will experience wear and tear, affecting its ability to absorb impacts and maintain smooth operation. Regular maintenance ensures that your shock stays in peak condition, improving comfort and performance on the trail. While servicing your shock might seem daunting, with the right tools and knowledge, you can handle the job without a mechanic.

Tools Required

  • Shock pump
  • 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm wrenches
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Clean, lint-free rags
  • RockShox suspension fluid (e.g., 0.2 or 0.5 weight)
  • RockShox Vivid service kit
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Seal grease
  • Cleaning solvent
  • Replacement seals (if needed)

Understanding the Vivid Coil R2C Rear Shock

The Vivid Coil R2C rear shock by RockShox is a high-performance shock, designed for aggressive riders who need a shock that can handle tough terrain while providing customizable control. The Vivid Coil R2C features adjustable rebound and compression damping, a coil spring, and a large negative spring to improve small-bump sensitivity. Understanding how each component of the shock functions is essential for effective servicing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Servicing Your Vivid Coil R2C Rear Shock

1. Remove the Shock from the Bike

Before beginning the service process, you’ll need to remove the rear shock from your bike. To do this:

  • Use a 5mm or 8mm wrench to remove the bolts that secure the shock to the bike frame.
  • Carefully slide the shock out from the frame, ensuring you don’t damage any mounting hardware. Place the shock on a clean, flat surface for the next steps.

2. Remove the Coil Spring

To gain access to the shock’s internals, the coil spring must be removed. This process requires:

  • Using an 8mm wrench to loosen the lock ring that holds the coil in place.
  • Slide the coil off the shock shaft, taking care not to damage the spring or shock body.
  • Clean the coil with a rag to remove dirt and debris, which can affect performance.

3. Disassemble the Shock

The next step involves disassembling the shock to inspect and service the internal components. To do this:

  • Use the 10mm wrench to remove the bottom eyelet bolt, then gently remove the air can or damper assembly.
  • Carefully inspect the shock’s internals for any signs of damage or wear. If the shock’s oil appears contaminated or has lost its viscosity, it will need to be replaced.

4. Clean the Components

Thorough cleaning of each part is necessary for effective servicing. Using a clean, lint-free rag:

  • Wipe down the body of the shock, removing any grime or old oil.
  • Use solvent to clean the internal parts, paying special attention to the damper and air can. This ensures the shock functions smoothly once reassembled.

5. Replace Seals and Oil

If the seals on your shock have worn out, now is the time to replace them. The RockShox Vivid service kit will have all the necessary seals for your shock. To replace the seals:

  • Remove the old seals from the damper body carefully with a set of needle-nose pliers.
  • Apply a light coat of seal grease to the new seals before installing them. This prevents dry seals and ensures smoother operation.
  • Replace the seals and ensure they are seated correctly.

Next, refill the shock with fresh oil. Follow the recommended oil volume from the service kit instructions. Be sure to use the correct suspension fluid, as specified by RockShox.

6. Reassemble the Shock

After cleaning and replacing any worn components, reassemble the shock:

  • Carefully insert the damper and air can back into the shock body.
  • Tighten the bottom eyelet bolt with a torque wrench [paid link] to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.

7. Reinstall the Coil Spring

Once the shock is reassembled, reinstall the coil spring:

  • Slide the coil spring back onto the shock shaft, ensuring it is properly seated.
  • Use the 8mm wrench to tighten the lock ring, ensuring the spring is secure but not over-tightened. You want the spring to be firmly in place without affecting its movement.

8. Reinstall the Shock on the Bike

With the shock fully serviced, it’s time to reinstall it on the bike:

  • Slide the shock back into its mounting position on the frame.
  • Use the 5mm or 8mm wrench to tighten the mounting bolts, making sure to follow the torque specifications recommended by RockShox.

9. Set Up the Shock

After installation, use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure in the shock to the recommended pressure based on your body weight and riding style. Make small adjustments to the rebound and compression settings to fine-tune the shock to your preferred ride feel.

Troubleshooting Common Vivid Coil R2C Shock Issues

1. Unresponsive Shock

If the shock feels unresponsive or lacks damping, this could be due to:

  • Low oil levels or contaminated oil. Ensure the oil is fresh and at the correct volume.
  • Damaged seals or worn internals. Replacing seals and performing a complete rebuild may be necessary.

2. Noisy Shock

A noisy shock can result from dirt or debris within the shock, or from worn-out seals. Regular cleaning and lubrication of seals will help maintain quiet operation.

3. Coil Spring Slipping or Loose

If the coil spring is slipping or feels loose during riding, it may not be installed correctly, or the lock ring might be loose. Make sure the spring is seated properly and the lock ring is tightened securely.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

Adjusting Compression and Rebound

The Vivid Coil R2C rear shock provides adjustable compression and rebound settings. Fine-tuning these settings allows you to optimize your ride for different trail conditions.

  • Compression: Adjusting the compression helps you control how quickly the shock compresses when it encounters obstacles. For technical, rocky trails, you may prefer a firmer setting, while smoother trails benefit from a softer setting.
  • Rebound: Adjust the rebound to control how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compressing. Faster rebound can be beneficial for fast, flowing trails, while slower rebound helps with absorbing bigger hits and maintaining stability.

Spring Rate Adjustment

The Vivid Coil R2C utilizes a coil spring, and selecting the correct spring rate is crucial for optimal performance. Too soft a spring rate may cause bottoming out, while too stiff can result in an uncomfortable ride. You can fine-tune this by swapping springs or adjusting preload.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Vivid Coil R2C rear shock is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of mountain bike frames and components. However, compatibility with other drivetrain components should be confirmed before installation. This includes ensuring your frame is compatible with the shock’s mount type and that it can support the shock’s travel range.

It’s also important to check the compatibility with your bike’s overall geometry, as the shock’s performance can be affected by the bike’s suspension design.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively service and maintain your RockShox Vivid Coil R2C rear shock, ensuring it continues to provide top-notch performance. Regular maintenance will help prolong the life of your shock and keep your ride smooth and controlled.