Mountain Bike Rear Shock Service Intervals
Learn the 50-hour air can service and 200-hour full rebuild intervals for your MTB rear shock.
Before you start
An air-can service cleans and lubricates the outer air sleeve; a full shock rebuild includes damper work and often requires specialist equipment. Use the exact current manual for your shock.
Rear shocks can contain high air pressure and nitrogen-charged dampers. Do not open a damper body or disturb a nitrogen system at home.
What you'll need
The only reliable source for your exact shock procedure.
For recording and restoring air pressure.
View on AmazonMust match the shock model and generation.
For shock mounting hardware and service parts.
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Recommended interval
Mileage and time are useful reminders, but inspect sooner after wet, dusty, or especially hard riding.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Record setup and inspect the shock
Write down air pressure, sag, rebound, compression settings, and volume spacers if known. Clean the shock, then inspect the shaft for damage and check for air loss, oil leaks, side play, or a sticky stroke.
- 2
Check the frame hardware too
With the bike supported, move the rear triangle through its travel. Play can come from pivot or mounting hardware rather than the shock. Do not diagnose a frame bearing problem as a shock problem.
- 3
Decide whether an air-can service is appropriate
A routine air-can service is only suitable when the shock is otherwise functioning normally and the manufacturer provides a procedure for it. Leaks, weak damping, or long service intervals point to a professional full service.
- 4
Follow the model-specific air-can procedure
The general process is to release all air, remove the outer sleeve, clean it, replace and grease the specified seals, reassemble, and re-inflate. Use only the specified grease and torque values; the details differ significantly among shocks.
- 5
Restore setup and test gently
Reinstall the shock with mounting hardware torqued to the frame maker’s specification. Set sag and damping back to your notes, cycle the suspension, and test for leaks before trail riding.
When to use a professional
Stop the DIY work and book a qualified mechanic if any of these apply.
- The shock has damper oil leakage, weak damping, or needs 200-hour service.
- The shock uses a complex air sleeve, proprietary hardware, or a nitrogen damper.
- You find frame-pivot play, damaged shaft coating, or cannot restore pressure.
Find a qualified local bike shop
This service benefits from the right tools, torque specifications, and an experienced inspection. Search nearby shops that can help with rear shock air-can service or full rebuild.
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