The ElevenSix Trunnion [paid link] rear shock from Push Industries is a high-performance component designed to offer cyclists exceptional control, durability, and comfort. Proper maintenance and care of this rear shock are essential for optimizing its lifespan and maintaining its performance. In this guide, we’ll walk through the necessary steps to install, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot common issues related to the ElevenSix Trunnion [paid link] rear shock.

Tools Required

Before beginning any maintenance or installation process, ensure you have the necessary tools for the job:

• Shock pump
• 5mm and 8mm hex wrenches
• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Needle nose pliers
• Clean rags
• Suspension oil (compatible with Push Industries products)
• Latex gloves
• Specialized shock seal grease
• Compression shim stack tools (if adjusting)
• Oil catch basin (for draining)
• Soft brush for cleaning
• Ruler or caliper for measuring sag

Installing the ElevenSix Trunnion Rear Shock

Installing the ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is critical for ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Bike: Start by ensuring your bike is in a stable position. Secure the frame in a work stand, and remove any components that may obstruct access to the rear shock mount.
2. Remove the Old Shock: Use the appropriate hex wrench to remove the bolts securing the old shock. Retain these bolts as you will need them to attach the ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock.
3. Install the ElevenSix Trunnion: Carefully align the shock with the trunnion mount and insert the bolts. Hand-tighten the bolts initially to ensure the shock is properly seated.
4. Torque the Bolts: Using a torque wrench [paid link], tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification (usually around 200-250 inch-pounds). Double-check the alignment of the shock to ensure it’s centered on the mount.
5. Set the Sag: Once the shock is securely installed, use a shock pump to adjust the air pressure and set the sag. The recommended sag for the ElevenSix Trunnion is typically between 25-30% of the total travel. Measure the sag using a ruler or caliper to ensure the proper setup.
6. Check for Free Movement: Before riding, compress the shock manually to check for smooth operation. Make sure there is no binding or resistance. If you notice any issues, double-check the shock installation and alignment.

Adjusting the ElevenSix Trunnion Rear Shock

The ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock comes with several adjustable features, including air spring pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping. Adjusting these settings will allow you to fine-tune the shock to match your riding style and trail conditions.

Adjusting the Air Spring Pressure

1. Use a Shock Pump: Attach a shock pump to the valve on the shock. Set the desired pressure based on your body weight and riding preferences. A general rule of thumb is to start with a pressure that provides around 25-30% sag.
2. Fine-Tune: After a test ride, make adjustments as necessary. If the shock feels too soft or too firm, adjust the pressure in small increments.

Adjusting Compression Damping

The compression damping controls how the shock reacts when it is compressed during impacts. The ElevenSix Trunnion offers external adjustment for low and high-speed compression damping.

1. Adjust Low-Speed Compression: Turn the low-speed compression knob to adjust the shock’s reaction to small bumps and chatter. Clockwise increases compression, making the shock stiffer, while counterclockwise decreases compression for a more supple feel.
2. Adjust High-Speed Compression: For more aggressive hits or large drops, the high-speed compression knob allows for control over how the shock responds to these forces. Adjust it to your preference based on the terrain you ride on.

Adjusting Rebound Damping

Rebound damping controls the speed at which the shock returns after being compressed. Proper rebound adjustment is critical for controlling the shock’s behavior over successive bumps.

1. Adjust the Rebound Knob: Turn the rebound knob to speed up or slow down the shock’s return. If the shock feels too “bouncy” after compression, reduce the rebound speed. If it feels too slow or sluggish, increase the rebound speed.

Maintenance of the ElevenSix Trunnion Rear Shock

Routine maintenance is necessary to keep the ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock performing at its best. Here’s how to maintain your shock over time:

Cleaning the Shock

• After Each Ride: Clean the shock using a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Be careful not to damage any seals or coatings. Use a clean, dry rag to wipe down the body of the shock and ensure no dirt is caught in the moving parts.
• Preventing Dirt Build-up: Pay special attention to the trunnion mount area, as dirt and grime can affect the performance of the shock. Regularly cleaning this area will prevent premature wear on the mount.

Replacing the Air Can Seal

The air can seal helps maintain air pressure inside the shock. Over time, it can wear out and lead to air loss.

1. Disassemble the Shock: Carefully remove the shock from the bike and use the appropriate tools to remove the air can from the shock body.
2. Replace the Seal: Clean the components thoroughly before installing a new air can seal. Lubricate the new seal with suspension-specific grease to ensure smooth installation.
3. Reassemble the Shock: Once the new seal is installed, reassemble the shock and check for proper function before reinstalling it on the bike.

Oil Change and Internal Service

It’s essential to periodically change the oil inside the shock to ensure it continues to operate smoothly. For this task, professional service may be required if you’re unfamiliar with shock servicing.

• Disassemble the Shock: Remove the shock from the bike and disassemble it to access the internal parts.
• Drain and Replace the Oil: Drain the old oil into an oil catch basin, clean the internals, and replace the suspension oil with fresh, high-quality fluid compatible with Push Industries products.
• Reassemble and Test: Once the oil change is complete, reassemble the shock, ensuring all seals are properly lubricated and there is no air or oil leakage. Test the shock before reinstalling it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock is built for durability, issues can arise. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

Shock Not Holding Air Pressure

• Cause: The most likely cause is a worn air seal or a damaged valve.
• Solution: Inspect the air valve for damage or leaks. If necessary, replace the air can seal or the valve core. Ensure the valve is fully tightened.

Unresponsive Shock

• Cause: This may occur if the compression or rebound adjustments are too extreme or the oil has degraded.
• Solution: Return the shock to its default settings (check the user manual for baseline settings), and perform a basic oil change to refresh the internals.

Noisy Shock

• Cause: Noise is often caused by dirt build-up or lack of lubrication.
• Solution: Clean the shock thoroughly and re-lubricate any moving parts or seals with shock-specific grease.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To extract the best performance from your ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock, consider customizing it for your riding style and specific terrain.

Tune the Compression Settings for Terrain

For aggressive downhill riding, adjust the compression to stiffer settings to prevent bottoming out during hard impacts. For cross-country riding, keep the compression settings softer for better trail feel and comfort.

Experiment with Air Pressure

Adjusting the air pressure based on the type of riding you do can drastically improve your comfort and performance. For aggressive riding or heavy riders, slightly higher pressures can prevent bottoming out, while lighter riders can benefit from lower pressures for a more supple feel.

Comparing the ElevenSix Trunnion to Other Models

When choosing a rear shock, the ElevenSix Trunnion stands out for its customizable settings and high-quality construction. Compared to other shocks in the same category, the ElevenSix offers superior tuning capabilities and robust performance in a variety of conditions. While other models may offer simpler setups or less adjustability, the ElevenSix provides an excellent balance between performance and ease of maintenance.

Understanding Compatibility

The ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock is designed for compatibility with frames that feature trunnion-style mounts. Ensure that your bike frame supports this type of shock mount before making a purchase. Additionally, the shock is compatible with a range of drivetrain components, but it’s important to confirm that your suspension setup matches the bike’s geometry for optimal performance.