DT Swiss shock, minimal travel

Aux1
Aux1 Posts: 865
edited March 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Hello all!

I have a DT Swiss SSD 210L shock on a Bergwerk Faunus LSD frame which I bought used. So I guess it's a few years old, and recently I noticed that it makes only low travel. The frame is rated at 80mm rear travel, but it makes only about an inch or so when I put my full weight to the seat. I don't think the shock "piston" enters the body for more than 1/2in. I can only feel the shock working when riding fast over rock sections.

I borrowed a pump and tried lowering the pressure, from 7bar to 3 bar, but the result was almost the same, low travel.

I'm no expert into shocks so I don't know if you can tell from the symptoms if it just requires regular cleaning and lubrication (which I could try myself, following user manual). Or should it be best left for the repair shop?
http://tinyurl.com/357krj The mud hog

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    how much sag do you get?

    but if you have taken it down to 3 Bar (45psi) it does sound like there is something wrong with it.

    Service time.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Tank-slapper
    Tank-slapper Posts: 968
    I just had my DT Swiss Nude TC serviced. It was expensive and didn't make much difference to how it felt. Try taking it apart yourself and lubing it. If that doesn't work, either talk to the DT Swiss service centre nearest you (might be in Switzerland) or look to buy a new shock.
  • Aux1
    Aux1 Posts: 865
    Ok thanks, I'll consider some options...
    One question though. Does the rear triangle get overly stressed if you ride it with a stiff-ish shock?
    http://tinyurl.com/357krj The mud hog
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well you are more likely to trash the sock than the rear end.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Aux1
    Aux1 Posts: 865
    Cause I heard of a guy whose rear end cracked when he took his nice all mountain bike, locked out the rear shock, loaded it up with 50 pounds of baggage and went for a trekking ride. Guess the thing was engineered to be able to move and sag when under heavier loads.
    http://tinyurl.com/357krj The mud hog
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    An AM bike should be able to cope with a heavy rider doing repeated large drops and jumps. I wouldn't have thought that putting 50lb of 'cargo' on and riding with the wheels calmly on the ground would break it.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • Aux1
    Aux1 Posts: 865
    Yes I agree, the difference was that he locked out his rear suspension too.
    http://tinyurl.com/357krj The mud hog

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