The RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock is a high-performance shock designed for aggressive trail and enduro riders. Despite its reliability, even the best components can experience issues over time. This guide covers common problems with the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock and how to troubleshoot them to maintain peak performance.
1. Air Spring Pressure Problems
One of the most common issues riders face with the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock is incorrect air spring pressure. If the pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to poor performance and a harsh or saggy ride.
Symptoms:
- A harsh ride with minimal compliance
- Excessive bottom-out or harsh hits
- Too much sag or a feeling of floating on the bike
Troubleshooting:
- Check for Correct Air Pressure: Use a high-quality shock pump to check the air pressure in the shock. For the Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT, refer to the rider’s weight and recommended pressure chart provided by RockShox. Adjust the pressure to match your weight and riding style.
- Adjust Pressure Gradually: If you are new to setting air pressure, adjust it in small increments and test ride after each adjustment to ensure the correct balance between comfort and control.
2. Loss of Rebound Control
Rebound control helps determine how fast the shock returns to its normal position after compression. If the rebound is not functioning correctly, it can affect handling, particularly on rough terrain.
Symptoms:
- Shock feels too slow to return to the starting position after compression
- Overly fast rebound causing the shock to “bump” or become bouncy
- Inconsistent performance on varied terrain
Troubleshooting:
- Adjust Rebound Damping: The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT features an adjustable rebound knob. Turn the rebound dial clockwise for slower rebound and counterclockwise for faster rebound. If the shock is too slow to rebound, gradually increase the speed by turning the knob. If it’s too fast, reduce the rebound.
- Check for Internal Air Pressure Issues: Sometimes, improper air pressure can affect rebound performance. Verify that the air spring pressure is set correctly as mentioned in the first troubleshooting step.
3. Noisy Shock or Creaking Sounds
Noises such as creaking, squeaking, or a constant “clunking” sound while riding can be a sign of various issues with the rear shock.
Symptoms:
- Persistent squeaking or creaking noises from the rear shock
- Clunking noises when the shock compresses and rebounds
- Noise occurring only when the suspension is under load
Troubleshooting:
- Inspect Shock Mounts: Creaking noises are often caused by loose or dry shock mounts. Check the shock’s eyelets, mounting bolts, and bushings for signs of wear or loosening. Tighten or replace any parts that appear damaged.
- Lubricate Mounting Hardware: Apply a small amount of grease to the shock’s eyelet bushings to prevent squeaking. Be cautious not to over-grease, as excess lubrication can attract dirt and debris.
- Clean and Inspect the Shock: Dirt and debris buildup can lead to noise and decreased performance. Clean the shock thoroughly, paying attention to areas around the air sleeve and bushings.
4. Leaking Oil or Air
Leaking oil or air from the shock body is a clear sign of internal damage or wear. This issue can significantly affect shock performance and must be addressed immediately.
Symptoms:
- Visible oil residue around the shock body or air sleeve
- Loss of air pressure after adjusting
- Decreased damping performance
Troubleshooting:
- Check for External Leaks: Inspect the shock for visible signs of oil leakage. Common areas to check include the air canister, damper seals, and adjuster knobs. If oil is leaking from the shock, the seals may be damaged and need to be replaced.
- Monitor Air Pressure: If the shock is losing air pressure without external oil leakage, the internal seals or valve might be compromised. In this case, the shock will likely need to be serviced or rebuilt by a professional.
5. Poor Performance After Adjustment
After making adjustments to the rebound or compression settings, you might find that the shock does not perform as expected.
Symptoms:
- The shock feels too soft or too stiff despite adjustments
- The bike behaves unpredictably when hitting rough terrain
- Compression settings do not seem to affect ride quality
Troubleshooting:
- Double-Check Your Settings: Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook one or two settings on the shock. Review both the compression and rebound adjustments to ensure they align with your riding style and conditions.
- Verify Shock Integrity: If multiple adjustments are not yielding the expected results, the shock might have internal damage or wear that affects its performance. If this is the case, a full service or rebuild may be required.
6. Incorrect Compression Settings
The compression setting controls how the shock compresses under load, affecting how well the shock absorbs impacts and smooths out the ride.
Symptoms:
- The shock bottoms out too frequently on bigger hits
- The shock feels too stiff or harsh
- Lack of traction when descending
Troubleshooting:
- Adjust Low-Speed Compression: Use the low-speed compression dial to adjust the shock’s response. Turning it clockwise increases compression, making the shock stiffer and reducing bottom-out. Turning it counterclockwise makes the shock more sensitive, improving small-bump compliance.
- Check for Damping Setting: The Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT shock features separate high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments. If you are riding on rough, fast trails, adjust the high-speed compression setting to prevent the shock from bottoming out too easily.
7. Shock Overheating
Extended, aggressive riding, especially on steep descents, can lead to overheating of the shock’s internal components. When this occurs, the shock may lose its damping ability temporarily, affecting performance.
Symptoms:
- Noticeable reduction in shock performance after long descents
- Inconsistent damping feel during intense sections of the ride
- A decrease in responsiveness after the shock has been used for an extended period
Troubleshooting:
- Allow the Shock to Cool Down: If you notice a decrease in performance due to heat buildup, allow the shock to cool down before continuing. If overheating persists, consider reducing ride intensity or checking for issues like low oil levels or damaged internal parts.
- Service the Shock Regularly: Periodic servicing of the shock can help maintain the internal components and keep the shock from overheating. Regular oil changes and maintenance ensure that the shock performs at its best, even under demanding conditions.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve common issues with your RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT rear shock. Regular maintenance and adjustment will keep your shock performing at its best, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride on any terrain.