Servicing Your Mara Inline Trunnion Rear Shock: Tools and Tips

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The Mara Inline Trunnion [paid link] rear shock from Manitou is a high-performance component designed for aggressive mountain bikers who demand both durability and responsiveness. With its advanced features, such as the adjustable damping and lightweight design, the Mara Inline Trunnion [paid link] rear shock requires proper maintenance to maintain its optimal performance. This guide will provide an expert-level overview on how to service the Mara Inline [paid link] Trunnion, including installation, adjustment, troubleshooting, and tips for customization and optimization.

Tools Required

To properly service the Mara Inline [paid link] Trunnion rear shock, the following tools will be required:

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches
  • Shock pump
  • 10mm spanner wrench
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Manitou air can tool or a suitable air can tool (for service)
  • Isopropyl alcohol and clean rags
  • Teflon tape or thread sealant (for reassembly)
  • Shock oil (Manitou recommended type)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Oil syringe or grease gun (optional for certain models)

Installing the Mara Inline Trunnion Rear Shock

Proper installation of the Mara Inline Trunnion rear shock is essential to ensure smooth performance and longevity. Follow these steps to install the shock onto your bike frame:

  1. Prepare the Frame: Make sure the mounting points on your bike frame are clean and free of debris. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the areas around the shock mounting locations.
  2. Mount the Shock: Position the shock in the frame’s rear shock mounting points. Align the trunnion mount on the shock with the frame’s corresponding mounting hardware. Ensure the orientation is correct, with the rebound adjuster facing outward for easy access.
  3. Insert the Bolts: Insert the bolts through the trunnion mount, securing them into the frame. Be sure to apply a small amount of thread sealant or Teflon tape to prevent any potential loosening during rides.
  4. Torque the Bolts: Using the appropriate torque wrench [paid link], tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Typically, for the Mara Inline Trunnion, this is around 6–8 Nm, but always refer to your user manual for precise values.
  5. Install the Air Sleeve: Attach the air can to the shock’s body, ensuring it is securely threaded. The air can should be sealed properly to prevent any air leaks.
  6. Set the Pressure: Before riding, use a shock pump to inflate the shock to your preferred air pressure. For the Mara Inline Trunnion, pressure settings should be adjusted based on rider weight and intended riding style.

Adjusting the Mara Inline Trunnion Rear Shock

The Mara Inline Trunnion rear shock is equipped with several adjustable features to fine-tune your ride. These include rebound, compression, and air pressure. Here’s how to adjust them for optimal performance:

Rebound Adjustment

  • Function: Rebound controls how quickly the shock extends after compressing. A fast rebound can make the bike feel bouncy, while a slow rebound may cause it to feel sluggish.
  • Adjustment: Locate the rebound knob at the bottom of the shock body. Turn it clockwise to slow the rebound and counterclockwise to increase the rebound speed. Start with a middle setting and adjust to suit your riding style.

Compression Adjustment

  • Function: Compression damping affects the shock’s responsiveness to impacts. It helps control the shock’s compression when hitting bumps or obstacles.
  • Adjustment: The Mara Inline Trunnion features a low-speed compression adjuster. This is typically found on the shock’s reservoir. Turning the adjuster clockwise increases compression, offering more support for aggressive riding, while counterclockwise softens the shock for smoother rides.

Air Pressure Adjustment

  • Function: The air pressure in the shock determines its sag and overall firmness.
  • Adjustment: Using a shock pump, inflate the shock to a level that suits your weight and riding conditions. Typically, set the sag to around 25-30% of the shock’s total travel. This allows the shock to function optimally without bottoming out on larger impacts.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

While the Mara Inline Trunnion is built for high performance, occasional setup issues can arise. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Shock Not Rebounding Properly

  • Issue: The shock rebounds too quickly or too slowly.
  • Solution: Adjust the rebound setting to ensure the shock returns at a rate that suits your riding style. If the shock feels sluggish even at fast rebound settings, check for air pressure issues or internal oil contamination.

2. Loss of Air Pressure

  • Issue: If the air pressure drops quickly, the shock may be losing air.
  • Solution: Inspect the air can and valves for leaks. If necessary, remove and reseal the air can, ensuring proper installation. Use a drop of soapy water around the valve to check for leaks.

3. Excessive Bottoming Out

  • Issue: The shock bottoms out too easily on big hits.
  • Solution: Increase the air pressure to stiffen the shock or adjust the compression damping to provide more resistance. You can also consider using a larger volume air can to improve bottom-out resistance.

Customizing and Optimizing Performance

The Mara Inline Trunnion offers a range of adjustments that can be customized for different riding styles and terrain. Here are some tips for optimizing its performance:

Increase Low-Speed Compression for Aggressive Riding

If you ride aggressively, consider increasing the low-speed compression to better support your riding style. This adjustment will reduce excessive shock movement on rough terrain and give you more control during high-speed descents.

Fine-Tune Rebound Based on Terrain

For smoother terrain, you can opt for faster rebound to keep the shock responsive. However, on rougher trails with more hits, a slower rebound will prevent the shock from overstretching and offer better control.

Adjust Air Pressure for Comfort

Air pressure should be adjusted to maintain an optimal balance between comfort and support. A slightly lower pressure is ideal for absorbing smaller bumps, while higher pressure is better for more aggressive riding with higher impacts.

Comparison with Similar Models

When choosing a rear shock, the Mara Inline Trunnion competes with other high-performance models like the RockShox Monarch Plus and the Fox Float DPS.

  • Mara Inline Trunnion vs. RockShox Monarch Plus: The Mara Inline offers more adjustability with its separate compression and rebound settings, whereas the Monarch Plus is simpler to use but may not provide the same level of fine-tuned control.
  • Mara Inline Trunnion vs. Fox Float DPS: Both shocks provide excellent performance for aggressive riders, but the Fox Float DPS is lighter. However, the Mara Inline Trunnion’s unique Trunnion mounting system provides more consistent damping performance over time.

Understanding Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Mara Inline Trunnion rear shock is compatible with a wide range of mountain bike frames that use the trunnion mount system. It is essential to ensure the shock is properly matched with the frame’s geometry for optimal performance. Some frames with advanced suspension systems may offer integrated setups that work seamlessly with the Mara Inline Trunnion, but always double-check compatibility for your specific model before purchase.