Like most work you might do on a mountain bike, installing front shocks is a matter of correct procedure. The few bolts and nuts involved are secured using typical bike tools. Front shocks are specific to a particular size of bike, such as 26-inch or 28-inch, as well as the geometry of the forks. Installing suspension components requires a degree of mechanical aptitude. Ask a bicycle mechanic to assist if this is your first attempt at mountain bike suspension. The correct shocks and attention to the procedure ensures a successful job.
Assembling the Shocks
Step 1
Place the front forks and shocks on a worktable. Identify the upper end of each shock by the ports for attachment bolts. The shock pistons extend from the lower end of each shock.
Step 2
Refer to the instructions and diagrams that came with the shocks and identify the rubber wipers, spacers, shock caps and boots for each shock. The attachment bolts are sized for the geometry of the front forks.
Step 3
Apply a thin coating of shock oil on each shock piston. Slide a spacer onto each shock piston. Slide a rubber wiper onto each piston, making sure the wide outer rim of the wipers are facing the spacers.
Step 4
Spread a thin coating of oil inside the tops of each fork tube. Insert the pistons into the tops of each fork tube and press the wipers into the tubes by hand so the rims sit against the tops of the tubes. Slide a shock boot onto each shock.
Step 5
Consult the instructions and put the shock caps on each shock. Rotate the caps to align the bolt ports on each with the corresponding inside faces of the fork shock mounts.
Step 6
Set up each attachment bolt with the provided crown washer or ring washer. Thread the attachment bolts into the outer ends of each mount by hand to make sure the threads are not crossed. Manipulate the shocks as needed to align the connections correctly. Tighten the bolts as far as possible by hand. Secure the attachments with an 8-mm Allen key.
Installing the Forks
Step 1
Support the bike upright on a repair stand. If a stand is not available, use wood blocks or a plastic crate under the lower frame tube and put the kickstand down. If necessary, ask an assistant to stabilize the bike upright.
Step 2
Slide the crown race onto the fork steering stem and push it firmly against the top of the shock mount. Apply a uniform coating of bearing grease onto the stem. Insert the steering stem into the underside of the steering headset on the bike. Grip the brake bridge at the upper end of the forks with one hand to hold the forks in place.
Step 3
Install the spacers into the top of the headset and put the ring washer atop the rim of the headset. Screw the steering stem cap onto the top of the headset by hand. Place a clean rag around the cap to prevent scratches as you tighten the cap with offset pliers.
Step 4
Mount the front brakes on the bike. Bolt a U-brake to the brake bridge. A disc brake caliper or cantilever brake bolts to both posts on the fork tube. Connect the front brake cable to the brake arm or disc brake caliper. Mount the front wheel in the forks and tighten the axle nuts.
Tips and Warnings
- Shocks and components vary. Always refer to the instructions as you go. Refer to the instructions or ask a bicycle mechanic for information on adjusting front shocks and tuning the suspension.
Things You'll Need
- Bike tools
- 8-mm Allen key
- Shock oil
- Bearing grease
- Clean rag
- Offset pliers
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