Rear shock leaking oil

TheJackal

An admission!

I don't know how my rear suspension is meant to feel.

What I have noticed in one year of weekend warrior use, is that...

i) The shock always "bottoms out".
ii) It often makes a whooshing noise and more to the point...
iii) There is often an oily residue at the bottom of the shock around the rubber ring which itself is often found dangling off the shock at the bottom.

The shock is a Specialized AFR Shock w/ remote Trail Tune inertia valve, adj rebound and Brain Fade, 7.25x1.75" fitted to a 2008 Spesh Stumpy Expert.

I only do XC, no jumps but the again, nothing too tame.

I did top it up with my Fox shock pump from 120psi to about 150psi but not exactly knowing how it's supposed to feel, I'm a bit at a loss to try and diagnose a "fecked" shock.

Any help or tips, please?

supersonic

All sounds normal to be honest.

What sag are you getting from the shock?

Wooshing noises is the damping working. Damping is a good.

The rubber ring is a travel guise. Use it to set sag. A bit of oil is normal. The sg when you are stood on the bike in a normal riding position should be about 25% of the travel of the shock, That ring will help you set that, Adjust pressure until you get it.

If you keep bottoming out, run less sag.

cavegiant

I must admit that I know nothing about the spesh shock.

However if an RP23 gets a whoosing sound it tends to mean that you have leaked oil from the dampener causing air to be sucked through the circuit.

It has been ridden for a year, due for a service.

TheJackal

Thanks both.

Points taken.

The sag was set up by my LBS when I got it last June.

Less sag and a service, me thinks.

nicklouse

TheJackal


sag should be checked before every ride. as air can and does leak.