Rear shock not holding pressure.

[robc]

I have a RockShox SID XC on my bike (I think probably a 2002 model), and it doesn't hold negative air pressure very long. I would say less than a day and its pretty much dead. The positive pressure holds very well though.

I am wondering if there is any maintenance/overhaul procedures I can do myself to help the problem, or if I will have to be in the market for a new shock. The manual I downloaded has no information on overhauling the shock.

The guy at the bike shop said I would need to have the seals replaced or something, and quoted me a price that seems close enough to new-shock land that I would hesitate to waste that much money on the old shock.

If I did have to get a new shock, any recommendations for good bang-for-the-buck shocks? There seems to be a pretty huge price spread on rear shocks, and I don't know what to look for or stay away from.

Thanks for the info!
Rob

[Tetreves]

Replacing the seals sounds correct to me. These things wear out over time.

I'm willing to bet that it's not very user servicable.

Maybe check with Rock Shox?

I have a RockShox SID XC on my bike (I think probably a 2002 model), and it doesn't hold negative air pressure very long. I would say less than a day and its pretty much dead. The positive pressure holds very well though.

I am wondering if there is any maintenance/overhaul procedures I can do myself to help the problem, or if I will have to be in the market for a new shock. The manual I downloaded has no information on overhauling the shock.

The guy at the bike shop said I would need to have the seals replaced or something, and quoted me a price that seems close enough to new-shock land that I would hesitate to waste that much money on the old shock.

If I did have to get a new shock, any recommendations for good bang-for-the-buck shocks? There seems to be a pretty huge price spread on rear shocks, and I don't know what to look for or stay away from.

Thanks for the info!
Rob

[Palmer]

I would suggest heading to your LBS (or come see me @REI roseville) and having your shock sent in for an overhaul by QBP's shock doctor program. They do great work!!


The bike will be down for a week or so however...

Call me if ya want. I'm in after 2pm today..
651-635-0211 (ask for the shop)

[robc]

Yup, I figured I would have to have someone do the work on it. But can't handle a week without my bike right now. Guess I'll have to think about it this winter. Thanks for the info guys!

Rob

[Buck]

nah do none of the things said below...

go here, www.pushindustries.com (http://www.pushindustries.com) I have ridden multiple shocks re-built by this guy, he has worked for damn near every suspension company there is, and it shows in his outstanding work! I am saving my pennies to send my rear shock to him. Nothin' but good words about this company! good alternative to buying a new shock...or change the seals like suggester below.;)
L8R
Buck

[robc]

It looks like they only deal with FOX products. My shock is a RS SID.

[Buck]

It looks like they only deal with FOX products. My shock is a RS SID.

hmmm, I would have sworn they did all types, guess I was wrong! hahaha

L8R
Buck

[Tetreves]

hmmm, I would have sworn they did all types, guess I was wrong! hahaha

L8R
Buck

I was going to say PUSH at first, too. But then I remembered...

[Standard]

The SID rear shocks are actually very servicable.

If it's just not holding negative air, it may be as simple as replacing the schraeder valve core. Otherwise, if it's an internal leak, it usually means the positive air will also leak into the negative air chamber, and they usually end up equalizing, leaving the shock halfway compressed even with no weight on it.

A full set of seals *shouldn't* cost more than $50 or so, but I'd have to call Sram to get an exact price..

I've been factory trained by Rock Shox so feel free to ask about anything.

[dave t]

I've been factory trained by Rock Shox so feel free to ask about anything.

What is needed for tools to do an oil service on a SID? I have air in the damper and I have to pump it clear after it hangs in the garage for a few days. I would also like a bit thicker fluid or slight compression valving adjustment if that is an option.

I taught myself to do a complete overhaul on my old Fox ALPS shock when it blew its guts but haven't been forced to dive into the SID yet because it still works OK. Knowing what I would have to make or buy would be nice before tearing into the shock since it took a bunch of trial and error to get the oil level set in the ALPS.

Is it possible or practicle to service the SID at home?

[robc]

- Since my SID doesn't hold neg pressure very well, I am just wondering...can it damage the shock to run without negative pressure in it? Or will it just be too springy? If I go out for a long ride and can't repressurize the negative, I want to make sure I am not making things worse...

- Also, I have a general question about rear shock compatibility. I know zilch about these things, as this is my first FS bike. If I want to buy a replacement shock for my bike, how are they sized / speced? Will pretty much any shock work, or are they sized according to travel or frame size? What do I need to look for? Thanks!

Rob

[dave t]

- Will pretty much any shock work, or are they sized according to travel or frame size? What do I need to look for? Thanks!

Rob

the sizing is eye to eye spacing (on the centerline) and travel. there are also clearance issues to consider if you switch types (air to spring, or add a piggyback resevoir). You will also need to know the mounting collar widths and fastener diameters.

[Pete Hamer]

Rob, getting your sid rear shock serviced should be no big deal. I keep seal kits in stock and can usually do it in about 24hrs. The price of the seal kit is $24.99 and labor is $20. There is a specific lockring tool to get the canister open but from there it is a simple job. I am also a Rock Shox certified technician and I also spent some time working in Shock Treatment Center at QBP so I have serviced plenty of these rear shocks. I work at Penn Cycle in Eagan. Let me know if I can be of assistance in asny way. Thanks

Pete Hamer

Service Manager

Penn Cycle Eagan

[robc]

Thanks Pete, that sounds pretty reasonable. I will have to get it down there to you one of these days. Thanks for the info!

Rob

[Pete Hamer]

Dave, the early generation (99-02?)Sid Sl rear shocks had servicable dampers, newer Sid Sl rear shocks did not have servicable dampers. The Sid xc dampers were never servicable, they were roll crimped shut. To service the air canister requires a specific lockring tool to open up. After that you don't need much. Just be careful not to scratch anything when taking the old seals out.