Shock advice please

[Pickle]

Call me dumb (well, don't, but you know what I mean!) but how do you know when your shocks are worn out or need a service?

What are their lifespan before they need a service?

I used to just used graphite grease on my Pro-Circuit units and these seemed to run ok, but I never kept a unit for anymore than about 1 year.

Are shock boots worth using (I always used to have them), as new forks these days dont come with them.

I am especially concerned/curious about the rear shock of my RTS, as its been untouched from new. How can I tell its condition? It hasnt had a hard life, as from approx 2001 to early 2007 it has been fairly unused. Can it be serviced? Does it need servicing? Whats the cost of a replacement?

And whats with these 'piggy back' Noleen RTS units?

Any advise welcome guys.

Sorry for all the questions!!

Cheers, Jon

 

[orange71]

I think piggy backs alllow compression damping (or was it rebound?). Shock will need servicing when seals blow, or no longer hold air, or are very stiff or no longer have any damping (pogo'ing). If yours seems all right then leave well alone

 

[Pickle]

If yours seems all right then leave well alone

All seems ok, on the RTS, so bouncing, pogoing etc so will leave alone.

Thanks Ed

 

[BikePimp]

Sometimes the shock will make a "gargling" sound on compression / rebound. Sometimes changing the oil helps.

As for coil shocks, remove the coil and compress the damper and make sure it's not shot. There should be a decent amount of resistance when you press the shaft in and out. I believe Noleen can still service their old shocks. I know Risse still does. As for Rock Shocks, try giving Hippie Tech in the US a try if Rock Shock doesn't....or just find another one on eBay. I usually keep spares, when I run one to the ground, it's sometimes cheaper to add another one than to service them...of course this depends on how common the shock is.

 

[orange71]

I think this is where you can get it serviced. Costs $100.

http://www.noleenj6.com/parts-store/mou ... e_735.html