Suspension, Shocks, Springs etc
How To: Shock absorber basics and oil change
You know it’s time to change the oils in your shocks when you notice there isn’t enough oil or when you’re making changes to the damping setup or when the shocks are damaged and require taking apart. In any case, the shock oils should be changed 2–3 times during a season. The properties of the oils might fade or change over time. One problem is dirt and dust that gets into the shocks especially when driving in dusty conditions. When there’s dirt in the oils, the seals and other parts of the shocks will wear down faster compared to driving with clean oils.
When you’re changing the oils, start by removing the shock and cleaning it carefully. By cleaning the shock, you can make sure no sand grains or other particles will remain the shock that can damage it from the inside.
Do the following:
- Remove the shocks.
- Remove the spring from the shock to make handling easier.
- When cleaning the shock, also clean under the rubber boot on the shock shaft, if there is one.
Now, empty the shocks. You can use a single-use cup and place a paper towel in the bottom that will absorb the oil in itself. Remove the cap from the shock and place it on a paper towel. Now, pour the oil from the shock in the cup. Move the shock shaft up and down a couple of times to remove oil from under the piston. When most of the oil is removed, place the shock upside down on a paper towel so the remaining oil will come out. Do the same with the other shocks.
- If the oil that’s come out of the shock is dirty (dark and thick like jelly), remove and clean the seals at the bottom of the shock and rebuild the shock. By cleaning the seals, you can make sure the dirty oil containing sand and metal particles won’t wear down the shocks.
- If the oil that comes out of the shock is still “normal”, i.e. runny and transparent, it’ll be enough to clean the cylinder with a rolled-up piece of paper towel. Clean the cap as well and if you’re using caps with bladders, check the condition of the bladder and that it fits properly.
Now, you can add the oil. I’d recommend using a work stand to keep the shocks upright during the assembly.
- Pull the whole shock shaft out of the shock body before adding the oil.
- Fill the shock about halfway.
- Now, move the piston in the oil so that all the air gets out. Wait for a moment and move the piston again.
- Next, add more oil until it’s 1-2 mm from the top of the cylinder.
- Move the piston up and down and let them sit on the desk until all the air bubbles in the oil has disappeared.
The right way to proceed depends on the type of the shock. With all shock types, it’s essential that the shock is in an upright position so that the air bubbles can move right upwards.
There are several different cap types:
Emulsion shocks:
Air is allowed to mix with the oil. With this type of shocks, it’s particularly important to make sure there is no air in the shock when the shaft is pushed all the way up.
There are several types of caps for emulsion shocks
With the Bleeder type, the air is removed using the bleeding screw on the cap.
With the other cap types, the excess oil and air will come out through the threading on the cap.
Bleeder Cap on the left and without on the right
With both cap types, fill the shock cylinder up to the brim to make sure the space inside the cap will also fill up and any extra oil can come out.
- Fill the cylinder
- Prepare the caps: Remove the screw from the bleeder cap. Place seals
With bleeder screw. Screw in the cap. Screw in tightly using moderate force. Now, push in the shock shaft and the air and excess oil should come out of the bleeding screw hole. When you see that all excessive oil came out, you’ll know there’s only oil left in the shock. Screw the bleeding screw back in. Compress the shaft a few times. If there’s clear signs of air still in the shock, add more oil and try removing the air again.
If there’s no bleeding screw, fill the shock all the way up with oil. Before screwing on the cap, you can add a few drops of oil in the cap. Now screw in the cap loosely and carefully move the shaft all the way in. All excess oil and air should come out through the threading on the cap. Hold the shaft in and tighten the cap to get rid of the remaining excess oil. Now, compress the shock a couple of times and see if there is still air in the shaft.
There should be no rebound on an emulsion shock, i.e., when the piston is pushed all the way in it shouldn’t move outwards by itself once it’s released. It’s essential to have similar reaction in both shocks at one end (front/rear) of the car, so their functioning would be identical on both the left and right side.
Bladder shocks
If you’re using bladder caps, building the shock is similar to that in emulsion shocks without bleeder caps. Fill the cap with oil up to 1–2 mm from the brim, not all the way up because the bladder takes some space in the cap. With bladder caps you can adjust the rebound to make damping more progressive – the longer the shock travels, the stiffer it gets. A bladder will also keep the oil from foaming which makes the car move more smoothly during a longer drive.
When it comes to building, the only difference to emulsion shocks is that the rebound can be adjusted by how much of the piston shaft you push in before screwing the cap on.
- The farther you push the shaft in, the less you’ll have rebound.
- So, if you push the shaft all the way in, there’s no rebound and the shock works like an emulsion shock.
Adjust the rebound the way you want and hold it against the desk while you screw the cap on so the shaft won’t move outwards. When both shocks are ready, pump the shocks a couple times. Do the same on both shocks and check that the shaft comes back out the same on both shocks. If the one of them comes out more, there’s too much oil in it. Or if it doesn’t come out enough, there’s too little oil in it.
Tip! You get a suitable amount of rebound for a basic setup when you leave about 1/3 of the shaft out. You can build the shock with the shaft pushed all the way up. Both will result in a smooth and neutral outcome.
Note! See, however, that the shock shaft doesn’t damage the bladder and the shaft doesn’t squeeze up the bladder.
- Product
- Qty in Cart
- Quantity
- Price
- Subtotal
-
RC Shock GREASE 5ml for Silicone O-rings STOPS leaking great addition to toolbox
rc Bitz Ltd
RRP £3.99RC Silicon O-Ring Grease - an alternative to Team Associated Green Slim With the use of this item leaking RC shocks are a thing of the past **** SPECIAL PRICE **** All that is required is to add a small amount of this grease to you O-rings during...RCBGRRP £3.99 -
SERVO Gear Grease 5ml metal or plastic waterproofing shaft help makes gears last
rc Bitz Ltd
RRP £3.99Servo Grease for Gears With the use of this item you can reduce wear on you gears **** SPECIAL PRICE **** A Simple way to look after you servos - simply add a small amount of this to the internal gears, (metal or plastic) and seal the...RCBservoGRRP £3.99 -
Ultimate Axle 4 Link Upper Suspension Mount K44 Trail Finder 2 TF2 Yota Z-S0133
RC4WD
MSRP: £34.49RRP £29.99Additional Information - Ultimate Axle 4 Link MountThis is the 4 Link Mount for the several Ultimate Scale Axles. This will allow you to turn many Axles from Leaf Spring setup to a 4 Link. Allowing your truck more articulation.Specifications:CNC...Z-S0133MSRP: £34.49RRP £29.99 -
Steely M3 Rod End HEIM JOINT Suspension SILVER RC4WD Z-S0424 Suspension Steering
RC4WD
RRP £5.49Additional Information - Steely M3 Rod End (Heim Joint) (10)Steely rod end is our 3rd generation full metal rod end. Not only it is extremly scale, it is also compact in size. Each Steely is super durable and machined out of billet stainless steel.Size...Z-S0424RRP £5.49 -
M3 Long Plastic BENT ROD END 20 Ends Suspension Steering RC4WD Metal Ball S0074
RC4WD
RRP £11.99Additional Information - M3 Plastic Bent Rod Ends (20) This rod end is an all new advanced plastic compound from RC4WD. These are a much better product than our previous material and will hold a great deal better. Specifications: Heavy Duty...Z-S0074RRP £11.99 -
The Ultimate Scale Shocks 80mm SILVER Shock Absorber RC4WD Z-D0005 rcBitz G2
RC4WD
MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99Additional Information - 2x The Ultimate Scale Shocks 80mm (Silver) At 9mm OD, this is the most scale and precision made suspension shocks available on the market. Along with our next gen fine tuned super soft internal springs. ...Z-D0005MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99 -
M4 20mm long threaded shaft set screws 10 Grub Screw Suspension Link RC Z-S0030
RC4WD
RRP £5.49Additional Information - M4 20mm long threaded shaft (set screws) (10) Works with any M4 solid Links What's Included: 10x M4 20mm long threaded shaft (set screws)Notes:Uses RC4WD 2.0mm Metric Hex Driver ToolZ-S0030RRP £5.49 -
10 Aluminum Black M3 Rod End w/ Steel Ball 28mm long RC4WD Z-S1420 Suspension
RC4WD
MSRP: £27.49RRP £22.99Additional Information - Aluminum Black M3 Rod End with Steel Ball (10)Superior in durability and shiny finish! Made with advanced manufacturing technology!Specifications:Manufactured & Engineered by RC4WD USAGeneration II Rod End technology28mm Long...Z-S1420MSRP: £27.49RRP £22.99 -
Super Scale Shock Boots YELLOW 4 RUBBER Absorber Covers ARB EMU RC4WD Z-S0962
RC4WD
RRP £11.99Additional Information - Super Scale Shock Boot (Yellow)Shock Boots protect exposed shock absorber shafts against flying rocks, dirt, and mud, while enhancing the appearance of your suspension.Specification: Quality Rubber...Z-S0962RRP £11.99 -
Super Soft Flex Leaf Springs TF2 4 Z-S1815 RC4WD Direct fit Trail finder MWB LWB
RC4WD
MSRP: £40.99RRP £35.49Additional Information - Super Soft Flex Leaf Springs for TF2 (4)Specifications: Super Durable Steel Leaf Springs Stiff Spring Increases Payload Capacity Simple Installation, No Modifications Required Total Length: 4.94in / 125.5mmTotal Weight: 1.5oz...Z-S1815MSRP: £40.99RRP £35.49 -
80mm 3.15" Threaded Aluminum Link SILVER 4 Steering suspension Z-S1405 RC4WD
RC4WD
RRP £14.49Additional Information - Thread depth 15mm80mm (3.15") Internally Threaded Aluminum Link (Silver) (4)Photo shows various sizes available (you only get the size listed)Specifications: Smooth Anodized Coating Laser Etched sizes on the Link 3mm Female...Z-S1405RRP £14.49 -
RC4WD 110mm King Off Road Scale Shock Spring Rates Shocks Tuner Springs Z-S1115
RC4WD
MSRP: £18.49RRP £16.47Additional Information - 110mm King Scale Shock Spring AssortmentOptional spring rates for King 110mm shocks. Allow you to adjust your dampening for many applications. Specifications:Direct fit for King 110mm ShockEnough for One Pair Length: 1.56in / 39...Z-S1115MSRP: £18.49RRP £16.47 -
RC4WD Rock Krawler Extended Length Aluminum Links Axial Wraith +19mm Z-S0770
RC4WD
MSRP: £20.99RRP £17.99Additional Information - RC4WD Rock Krawler Extended Length Aluminum Links for Axial Wraith Specifications: Smooth Anodized Coating Laser Etched Logo on Each Link 3mm Female Threading 6mm Outside Diameter Uses Plastic Rod End Z-S0833 Extends Wheel...Z-S0770MSRP: £20.99RRP £17.99 -
M3 Short Bent Plastic Rod End 20 RC4WD Z-S0402 Suspension Steering Metal Ball
RC4WD
RRP £11.99Additional Information - M3 Short Bent Plastic Rod End (20x)This rod end is an all new advanced plastic compound from RC4WD. These are a much better product than our previous material and will hold a great deal better. Specifications:Length :21mm / 0...Z-S0402RRP £11.99 -
20mm 0.78" Internally Threaded Aluminum Link BLACK 4 RC4WD Suspension Z-S1457
RC4WD
RRP £13.9920mm (0.78") Internally Threaded Aluminum Link (Black) (4)Specifications:Smooth Anodized Coating 3mm Female Threading 6mm Outside Diameter 20mm (0.78") End to EndLaser Etched Size Listed on LinkWhat's Included:4x 20mm (0.78") Internally...Z-S1457RRP £13.99 -
90mm Rock Krawler RRD Shock Tuner Spring 4 rate Assortment RC4WD Z-S1189 Black RC
RC4WD
RRP £18.49Additional Information - RC4WD 90mm Rock Krawler Shock Spring AssortmentSpecifications:Direct fit for Rock Krawler 90mm ShocksEnough for One PairLength: 1.29in / 34mmRate "Blue" OD: 0.59in / 15.2mmRate "Red" OD: 0.57in / 14.6mmRate "White" OD: 0.56in /...Z-S1189RRP £18.49 -
RC4WD Superlift SUPERIDE 100MM SCALE SHOCK Absorbers Shocks WHITE Z-D0032
RC4WD
MSRP: £44.99RRP £40.49Additional Information - RC4WD Superlift Superide 100mm Scale Shock Absorbers This is the all new Licensed Scale Shock to hit the market. Licensed from Superlift Suspension Systems. These new shocks feature a complete new design from the ground up and...Z-D0032MSRP: £44.99RRP £40.49 -
Element RC Shock Springs, Blue, 2.09 lb/in, L63 mm EL42090 Enduro Spring
Element RC
MSRP: £8.49RRP £6.29Additional Information - Element RC Shock Springs, Blue, 2.09 Lb/In, L63 Mm EL42090 Packet contains just two springs, one pair.EL42090MSRP: £8.49RRP £6.29 -
73mm 2.87" Aluminum Link for Gelande 2 Z-S0805 RC4WD G2 BLACK
RC4WD
MSRP: £5.49RRP £3.99Additional Information - 73mm (2.87") Aluminum Link for Gelande 2Specifications: Length: 2.87in / 73mmDiameter: 0.23in / 6mmScrew Holes: M3Each Weight: 0.17oz / 5g What's Included:1x 73mm (2.87") Aluminum Link for...Z-S0805MSRP: £5.49RRP £3.99 -
RC4WD Super Scale Shock Boot BLUE Z-S0961 4 Boots ARB Superlift Emu Shocks Rubber
RC4WD
RRP £11.99Additional Information - Super Scale Shock Boot (Blue)Shock Boots protect exposed shock absorber shafts against flying rocks, dirt, and mud, while enhancing the appearance of your suspension.Specifications: Quality Rubber...Z-S0961RRP £11.99 -
Axial RTR Alluminium Steering Link Upgrade Kit for the Axial AX10 SCX10 Add strength
Axial
RRP £24.99Axial RTR Steering Upgrade Kit for the Axial AX10 & SCX10 This kit has all you need to replaces stock plastic steering links included on the Axial AX10 RTC's and SCX10 RTR's, with grey aluminium links. Adding this kit will...AX30426RRP £24.99 -
The Ultimate Scale Shocks 90mm SILVER RC4WD Z-D0001 Scaler absorber 90mm TF2
RC4WD
MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99Additional Information - 2x The Ultimate Scale Shocks 90mm (Silver)At 9mm OD, this is the most Scale and precision made Suspension Shocks Available on the market. Along with our next gen fine tuned super soft internal Springs.Specifications:CNC...Z-D0001MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99 -
M3 HD Plastic Rod Ends for Trailing Arms Larger & stronger than normal x5 SSD00050
SSD
RRP £2.99Additional Information - DESCRIPTION Part No. SSD00050 M3 HD Plastic Rod Ends for Trailing Arms FEATURES ...SSD00050RRP £2.99 -
Axial SCX10 OPTIONAL SPRINGS Fine tune your Trucks ride, will Fit ProLine Shocks[Large Long 40mm x 12.5mm,Super Soft (Re
Axial
RRP £8.99Axial Springs Short or Long (2pc) also fit ProLine Power Stroke Shocks These are the tuning Springs for Axial - SCX10, Honcho, Dingo, CF100. These will aslo fit the ProLine Power Stroke Scaler Shocks 6060-00 and Axial alli shocks...AX30205RRP £8.99 -
Element RC Enduro Shock Mounts, HARD EL42013 Stiff less flex upgrade mount
Element RC
RRP £12.49Additional Information - Element RC Enduro Shock Mounts, Hard EL42013. Upgrade to standard parts, they are stiffer giving less flex.EL42013RRP £12.49 -
M3 Medium Straight Plastic Rod Ends w/ Axial Width Metal Balls 20 RC4WD Z-S0947
RC4WD
MSRP: £11.99RRP £10.49M3 Medium Straight Plastic Rod Ends w/ Axial Width Balls (20x)This rod end is an all new advanced plastic compound from RC4WD. These are a much better product than our previous material and will hold a great deal better. Specifications:Length: 24mm...Z-S0947MSRP: £11.99RRP £10.49 -
10mm 0.39" Internally Threaded Aluminum Link BLACK 4 Z-S1453 RC4WD Suspension
RC4WD
RRP £13.99Additional Information - 10mm (0.39") Internally Threaded Aluminum Link (Black) (4)Specifications: Smooth Anodized Coating 3mm Female Threading 6mm Outside Diameter 10mm (0.39") End to End Laser Etched Size Listed on Link What's Included: 4x 10mm (0...Z-S1453RRP £13.99 -
100mm King Off-Road Scale Shock Spring Assortment Rates Shocks Tuner Z-S1117
RC4WD
RRP £18.49Additional Information - 100mm King Scale Shock Spring AssortmentOptional spring rates for King 100mm shocks. Allow you to adjust your dampening for many applications. Specifications: Direct fit for King 100mm Shock Enough for One Pair Length: 1.39in /...Z-S1117RRP £18.49 -
RC4WD 45mm 1.77" Internally Threaded Aluminum Suspension Link Rod BLACK Z-S0879
RC4WD
RRP £5.25Additional Information - 45mm (1.77") Internally Threaded Aluminum Link (Black) These are not hollow all the way through but to a depth of about 12mm and this is threaded with M3 thread. Walls are about 1.8mm thick. Specifications: Smooth Anodized...Z-S0879RRP £5.25 -
Element RC Enduro Pivot Balls Steel EL42054 suspension ball Enduro Sendero (10)
Element RC
MSRP: £18.49RRP £17.00Additional Information - Element RC Enduro Pivot Balls, Steel EL42054. Replacement picot suspension balls in silver supplied as a packet of 10.EL42054MSRP: £18.49RRP £17.00 -
RC4WD 73mm (2.87") Internally Threaded Titanium Link Z-S1329 G2 FRONT Bottom
RC4WD
RRP £5.99Additional Information - RC4WD 73mm (2.87") Internally Threaded Titanium LinkSpecifications:3mm Female ThreadingLaser Etched Size Listed on LinkLength: 2.87in / 73mmThread Length: 0.39in / 10mmOD: 0.21in / 6mm Weight: 0.32oz / 9gWhat's Included:1x RC4WD...Z-S1329RRP £5.99 -
RC4WD 59mm 2.32" Internally Threaded Titanium Link Z-S1323 Gelande II G2 3 link
RC4WD
MSRP: £7.49RRP £5.99RC4WD 59mm (2.32") Internally Threaded Titanium LinkSpecifications:3mm Female ThreadingLaser Etched Size Listed on LinkLength: 2.32in / 59mmThread Length: 0.39in / 10mmOD: 0.21in / 6mm Weight: 0.24oz / 7gWhat's Included:1x RC4WD 59mm (2.32") Internally...Z-S1323MSRP: £7.49RRP £5.99 -
Axial M3 x 16mm Set Grub Screw BLACK 10 Suspension Steering Links AXA186 RC
Axial
RRP £5.50Additional Information - Genuine Axial factory hardware is built to last. Comes with a precision hex head for the best fit which helps prevent stripping.• M3x16mm Set Screw (Black) (10pcs) • Precision hex head for the best fit which helps...AXA186RRP £5.50 -
RC4WD 70mm Ultimate Scale Shocks Internal Spring Assortment Rates Tuner Z-S1345
RC4WD
RRP £11.99Additional Information - 70mm Ultimate Scale Shocks Internal Spring AssortmentOptional internal springs for 70mm Ultimate Scale shocks. Allow you to adjust your dampening for many applications. Specifications:Surface Treatment: Black Enough for 4...Z-S1345RRP £11.99 -
Element RC FT Enduro Shock Bushings, Steel EL42055 Balls Enduro (4) bush
Element RC
RRP £7.49Additional Information - Element RC FT Enduro Shock Bushings, Steel EL42055. Silver steel shoccl bushes / balls, sold in a packet of 4. These are an Factory Team upgrade part.EL42055RRP £7.49 -
RC4WD Rancho RS9000 XL Shock Absorbers 90mm Z-D0078 TF2 G2 Suspension Shocks
RC4WD
MSRP: £47.49RRP £40.99Additional Information - RC4WD Rancho RS9000 XL Shock Absorbers 90mmThis is the all new Licensed Scale Shock to hit the market. Licensed from Rancho. These new shocks feature a complete new design from the ground up and are built and ready to handle the...Z-D0078MSRP: £47.49RRP £40.99 -
The Ultimate Scale Shocks 60mm BLACK Shock Absorber RC4WD Z-D0008 rcBitz scaler
RC4WD
MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99Additional Information - 2x The Ultimate Scale Shocks 60mm (Black)At 9mm OD, this is the most scale and precision made suspension shocks available on the market. Along with our next gen fine tuned super soft internal springs.Specifications:CNC Machined...Z-D0008MSRP: £40.99RRP £34.99 -
RC4WD 80mm King Off-Road Dual Spring Shocks Assortment Rate Tuner Z-S1285 MEDIUM OD
RC4WD
MSRP: £18.49RRP £15.99Additional Information - RC4WD 80mm King Off-Road Dual Spring Shocks Spring AssortmentOptional spring rates for King 80mm shocks. Allow you to adjust your dampening for many applications. Specifications:Direct fit for King Off-Road Dual 80mm Spring...Z-S1285MSRP: £18.49RRP £15.99 -
M3 X 10mm Set Screw 10 Grub Screws Suspension Link RC4WD Z-S0308 RC Links
RC4WD
MSRP: £5.49RRP £4.49Additional Information - M3 X 10mm Set Screw (10) Super strong steel construction! Specifications:Grade 2 Steel Direct fit for Punisher ShaftsDirect Fit for Trail Finder 2 What's Included: 10x M3 X 10mm Set Screws Notes:Uses RC4WD...Z-S0308MSRP: £5.49RRP £4.49 -
110mm Rock Krawler RRD Emulsion Shock Spring Assortment Rates RC4WD Z-S1185
RC4WD
MSRP: £18.49RRP £15.99Additional Information - RC4WD 110mm Rock Krawler Shock Spring AssortmentSpecifications:Direct fit for Rock Krawler 110mm ShockEnough for One PairLength: 1.73in / 44mmRate "Blue" OD: 0.59in / 15.2mmRate "Red" OD: 0.57in / 14.6mmRate "White" OD: 0.56in /...Z-S1185MSRP: £18.49RRP £15.99