Shock spacers are changed when tuning the suspension on a mountain bike. Shorter spacers reduce stiffness, or dampening, of a shock. Longer spacers increase the dampening. Shock spacers are specific to front shocks and rear mono-shocks. Unlike front shocks, a mono-shock is removed when changing spacers. The best approach is to remove the spacers, take them to a bike shop and get the size you need. Follow a procedure to access and change the front or rear shock spacers on your mountain bike.
Fork Shocks
Step 1
Relieve the compression on the fork shocks by first parking the mountain bike in a rear wheel rack. Elevate the front wheel so the shocks are fully extended using a wood block or buildup of blocks under the front of the lower frame tube.
Step 2
Reduce the dampening to the minimum setting on both shocks using the manufacturer's recommended tool, such as a dampener adjusting tool or Allen wrench.
Step 3
Loosen and remove both shock cap bolts counterclockwise using the appropriate Allen wrench. Lift the shock caps off by hand. Remove the circular bumpers from inside the shock tubes and lift the spacers out of each tube.
Step 4
Slide a new spacer into each shock tube. Reinstall the bumpers in each tube. Reattach the shock caps and tighten the cap bolts clockwise. Ride the bike and reset the dampeners to your liking.
Mono-Shock
Step 1
Remove the small protective cap from the air valve at the lower end of the shock tube. Most air valve caps pull off by hand. Bleed the air pressure out by depressing the valve stem with the tip of a small Allen wrench or a hex key. Skip this step when changing spacers on mechanical shocks.
Step 2
Secure the shock upright by inserting the lower shock mount in a soft-jaw vise. You can use thick rags within the jaws of a bench vise, if necessary.
Step 3
Insert the stem of a large screwdriver into the upper shock mount. Remove the upper mount counterclockwise using the screwdriver as a lever. Take the outer coil spring off. Unscrew the shock tube from the lower mount counterclockwise by hand and remove it.
Step 4
Remove the existing spacer atop the lower mount by sliding up and off the shock piston. Apply a coat of lithium grease to the bottom of the new spacer. Slide the spacer over the piston and against the lower bumper.
Step 5
Slide the shock tube over the piston and thread it clockwise into the lower mount. Tighten the tube by hand. Slide the coil spring over the tube and against the lower mount. Reattach the upper mount to the top of the shock tube using the screwdriver-lever to tighten the mount clockwise. Remove the shock from the vise.
Tips and Warnings
- Shock components and spacers vary. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when working on shocks. Re-pressurize an air shock before riding the bike.
Things You'll Need
- Dampener adjusting tool
- Allen wrench
- Clean cloth
- Soft-jaw vise
- Large screwdriver
- Lithium grease
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