Maintaining your Storia V3 Trunnion [paid link] rear shock is essential for optimal performance and longevity. A key part of this maintenance is changing the shock oil. Over time, the oil can degrade due to heat, contaminants, and the constant pressure placed on the shock during rides. Regular oil changes can prevent unwanted stiffness, decrease performance, and ensure smooth and responsive suspension behavior. This guide will take you through the detailed steps to perform an oil change on your Storia V3 Trunnion [paid link] rear shock, helping to keep your bike in top condition.

Tools Required

• 5mm hex wrench
• 3mm hex wrench
• Torque wrench [paid link] (preferably with 1-10 Nm range)
• Oil syringe or shock oil pump
• Suspension fluid (recommended by EXT for the Storia V3 [paid link] Trunnion)
• Small funnel
• Clean rag or towel
• 10mm socket wrench
• 2.5mm hex wrench (for valve cap)
• O-ring kit (optional for sealing replacement)

Preparation and Safety

Before beginning the oil change, ensure the bike is in a stable position. It is essential to secure the bike, either on a bike stand [paid link] or by leaning it against a wall, to prevent movement while working. Also, place a clean towel or rag under the shock area to catch any spilt oil and avoid damage to the frame.

1. Remove the shock from the bike
   • Use a 5mm hex wrench to remove the bolts securing the shock to the bike. If your bike has a Trunnion mount, you may need to use a torque wrench [paid link] to avoid damaging the frame during the removal process.
   • Once the shock is detached, place it on a clean, stable surface, and be mindful of not damaging the shock’s eyelets.
2. Disassemble the shock components
   • Start by removing the air valve cap. You will need a 2.5mm hex wrench for this. Gently unscrew the valve cap to expose the air chamber.
   • Next, remove the rebound and compression dials using a 3mm hex wrench. These dials may vary slightly depending on your specific model, so be gentle to avoid stripping the bolts.
3. Remove the damper and disassemble the shock body
   • After removing the external components (dials, valve cap), use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the main body cap.
   • With the body cap removed, carefully extract the damper from the shock body. Be sure to handle the damper gently to avoid damaging the internal components.

Draining the Old Oil

Now that the shock is disassembled, it’s time to remove the old oil. This will help ensure no contaminants remain inside the shock when new oil is added.

1. Drain the oil
   • Hold the shock upright and carefully tilt it to drain out the old oil. Allow it to fully drain for a few minutes.
   • If you’re using a syringe or oil pump, use it to extract any remaining oil from the damper tube.
2. Clean the shock internals
   • Once the oil has been drained, use a clean rag to wipe down the internals of the shock body. It’s important to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have entered during the oil change process.
   • Be gentle to avoid damaging the shock’s seals or internal components.

Refilling with New Oil

Now that the shock is clean, it’s time to refill it with fresh suspension oil. This is the critical step that will ensure the shock performs smoothly.

1. Prepare the new oil
   • Use the recommended oil type from EXT for the Storia V3 [paid link] Trunnion. Make sure to verify the correct oil level and viscosity for your specific model. Follow EXT’s guidelines to avoid overfilling or underfilling the shock, both of which can affect performance.
   • Use an oil syringe or pump to carefully fill the shock body with the new oil. Slowly add oil, making sure the oil completely covers the internal components. Do this slowly to prevent air pockets.
2. Check the oil level
   • The correct oil level can be critical for performance. EXT recommends following their guidelines on oil level measurements.
   • Once the shock body is filled with oil, insert the damper back into the body to check if the oil level is correct. Make minor adjustments if necessary.
3. Reassemble the shock
   • With the shock body filled to the appropriate level, begin reassembling the shock. Carefully insert the damper into the shock body, making sure it is properly seated.
   • Replace the body cap using the 10mm socket wrench. Tighten it to the recommended torque (consult EXT for specific torque settings).
   • Reattach the rebound and compression dials using the 3mm hex wrench.

Reinstalling the Shock

With the oil change completed, you can now reinstall the shock onto your bike.

1. Reattach the shock
   • Line up the shock with the mounts on your frame and secure it using the 5mm hex wrench. Again, ensure you follow the proper torque specifications to avoid damaging the shock or the frame.
2. Reinstall the air valve cap
   • Use the 2.5mm hex wrench to reattach the air valve cap securely. Make sure the valve cap is tightened properly to prevent any air leakage.

Testing and Adjustment

After the oil change and reinstallation, it’s essential to perform a few tests and make necessary adjustments.

1. Check the shock’s performance
   • Once the shock is back on the bike, perform a few test compressions to ensure everything feels smooth. The shock should respond [paid link] to the compression and rebound adjustments as expected.
   • Check for any unusual noises or resistance, which may indicate an issue with the oil level or internal components.
2. Adjust the air pressure
   • Adjust the air pressure in the shock to suit your riding style and weight. This will depend on your preferred suspension setup and terrain.
   • Fine-tune the rebound and compression settings based on your riding preferences and the type of terrain you plan to tackle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the oil change process is straightforward, there are a few common issues riders might encounter:

• Shock feels too stiff or too soft:
  This can occur if the oil level is incorrect or if the wrong oil type was used. Double-check the oil specifications and level to ensure they match EXT’s recommendations.
• Noise or poor rebound:
  If the shock produces excessive noise or the rebound feels sluggish, the oil may have been contaminated or the air chamber may need to be bled. Ensure the air valve is fully tightened and that the shock is properly filled with oil.
• Leakage from the shock:
  Oil leakage may result from improperly tightened seals or bolts. Double-check all components for tightness, particularly the body cap and air valve cap.

Conclusion

Changing the oil on your Storia V3 Trunnion rear shock is a crucial part of regular maintenance that can significantly improve the performance and lifespan of your suspension. By following the steps in this guide, you ensure your shock stays in peak [paid link] condition and provides a smooth, responsive ride. Regular oil changes are vital to prevent wear and tear, ensuring your bike continues to perform at its best for years to come.