Changing the oil in your ElevenSix Trunnion [paid link] rear shock is a crucial maintenance task that helps maintain optimal performance, smoothness, and longevity of the shock. Push Industries’ ElevenSix Trunnion [paid link] shock offers exceptional damping performance, and regular oil changes are essential to keep the shock functioning at its best. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of changing the oil in your ElevenSix Trunnion, from preparing your tools to troubleshooting common issues.

Tools Required

• Torque wrench [paid link]
• 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• 10mm socket wrench
• Small bowl or container for draining old oil
• Soft cloth or rag for cleaning
• Suspension oil (Push Industries recommended)
• Oil syringe or similar tool for refilling oil
• Shock pump (if required for setup)
• Latex gloves (for cleanliness)
• Clean workspace

Preparing for the Oil Change

Before starting the oil change, it’s important to ensure that your shock is clean and your workspace is prepared. This will make the process smoother and minimize the chances of dirt contaminating the internal parts of the shock.

• Place the bike securely: Secure your bike in a bike stand [paid link], ensuring it’s stable and accessible.
• Clean the shock: Wipe down the exterior of the ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
• Set up your tools: Gather all necessary tools and lay them out for easy access during the oil change.

Removing the Shock from the Bike

Before you can access the shock internals, you need to remove the shock from the bike frame. This requires detaching the shock mounts.

• Loosen the bolts: Using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link], remove the bolts securing the shock to the bike frame. Be sure to keep these bolts in a safe place, as you will need them later.
• Take out the shock: Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the shock from the frame. Place it on a clean surface in your workspace.

Draining the Old Oil

With the shock removed, you now need to drain the existing oil to prepare the shock for refilling.

• Position the shock: Place the shock in a container to catch the old oil.
• Loosen the reservoir cap: Using your 10mm socket wrench, gently unscrew the reservoir cap. Be cautious as some oil might still be inside, depending on the shock’s orientation when you removed it.
• Drain the oil: Allow the oil to fully drain into the container. It’s important to remove as much of the old oil as possible to ensure the shock is refreshed with clean, new oil.

Cleaning the Shock Internals

Before adding new oil, clean the internal parts of the shock to ensure no contaminants remain. This will help prevent any issues with performance once the new oil is added.

• Wipe the interior components: Using a soft rag, carefully clean the inner workings of the shock, including the damper piston and any other accessible components.
• Inspect for damage: While cleaning, check for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks in the seals or piston. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to replace the damaged parts before proceeding with the oil change.

Refilling with New Oil

Now that the shock internals are clean and free of old oil, it’s time to refill the shock with fresh suspension oil. It’s essential to use the oil type recommended by Push Industries for optimal performance.

• Prepare the oil syringe: Fill the syringe with the recommended oil from Push Industries. Ensure that the oil is clean and free from any debris.
• Add the oil: Slowly and carefully refill the shock reservoir with the new oil. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct volume of oil to be added. Overfilling can lead to excessive pressure, while underfilling may result in reduced damping performance.
• Check the oil level: Once you’ve added the oil, check the oil level by using the syringe to pull back a small amount of oil. The correct level can usually be found in the shock’s manual or maintenance instructions.

Reassembling the Shock

Once the shock has been refilled with oil, it’s time to reassemble it and prepare it for reinstallation on the bike.

• Replace the reservoir cap: Tighten the reservoir cap using the 10mm socket wrench. Be careful not to overtighten it, as this could damage the cap or cause it to become stuck.
• Inspect the seals: Before reassembling the shock, inspect the seals to ensure they are intact and properly positioned. Damaged or improperly seated seals can lead to oil leaks and performance issues.
• Check for smooth movement: Manually compress and rebound the shock to ensure the internals are moving smoothly. This will confirm that the oil is circulating correctly and there are no blockages.

Reinstalling the Shock on the Bike

With the shock fully reassembled, it’s time to reinstall it on the bike frame.

• Align the shock mounts: Position the shock back onto the bike frame, aligning the mounting points with the shock’s eyelets.
• Reinstall the mounting bolts: Use the 5mm Allen wrench to tighten the shock mounting bolts. Be sure to tighten them to the recommended torque specifications, which can be found in the shock’s manual. Over-tightening or under-tightening the bolts can lead to poor performance or damage.
• Check shock alignment: Ensure that the shock is aligned correctly and that no parts are rubbing against the frame or other components.

Testing the Shock Performance

Once the shock is back on the bike, it’s time to perform a thorough test to make sure it’s functioning properly.

• Check for air leaks: Use a shock pump to check for any air leaks in the shock. If you find any, the seals may need to be replaced.
• Adjust the damping: If your ElevenSix Trunnion features adjustable damping, fine-tune the settings to your preferences. Test the rebound and compression adjustments and make sure they respond [paid link] as expected.
• Ride test: Take the bike for a short ride to ensure the shock feels responsive and performs as expected. Pay attention to how the shock absorbs bumps and returns to its original position.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, some issues can arise after an oil change. Here are a few common problems you may encounter and how to address them:

• Shock feels too soft or too firm: If the shock feels either too soft or too firm after the oil change, double-check the oil volume and adjust the damping settings. Incorrect oil levels or improper damping adjustments can affect the shock’s performance.
• Leaks from the seals: If you notice oil leaking from the shock, inspect the seals for damage or improper installation. Replacing the seals may be necessary if they are worn or damaged.
• Unresponsive damping: If the shock feels unresponsive during compression or rebound, there may be air bubbles trapped in the oil. Try cycling the shock a few times to allow the oil to settle. If the problem persists, consider disassembling the shock and performing a deeper inspection.

Conclusion

Regular oil changes are essential to keeping your ElevenSix Trunnion rear shock performing at its peak [paid link]. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth, responsive ride and extend the lifespan of your shock. Always use the recommended suspension oil and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil levels and torque settings. With proper care and maintenance, your ElevenSix Trunnion will provide excellent performance for many rides to come.