How to rebuild atv shock


Shock Rebuilding Process - UTV ATV Repair

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  • Clean shock assembly in solvent and then soapy water in a large plastic tub to make sure no damage to the shock absorber and blow off excess water.
  • Print out shock and spring chart for a complete write up on current shock and spring set up before and after includes measure springs and all collars etc.
  • Remove spring assemblies from the shock body.
  • Inspect complete shock assembly for physical problems and note.
  • Check nitrogen charge on all shocks and log on set up sheet.
  • Remove valve core or insert tool for releasing all nitrogen out of shock assembly.
  • Move nitrogen fill cap and remove retaining clip and then remove cap assembly.
  • Drain any oil out of nitrogen chamber.
  • Measure IFP valve and log spec on set up sheet.
  • Remove IFP valve assembly and drain all fluid out of shock reservoir piggyback or remote.
  • Remove cap assembly and retaining ring or nuts on shock body and remove piston shaft.
  • Remove nut, shims, and piston from shock shaft. Tie together all valve stack assemblies and clean the entire assembly.
  • Remove seals from all parts clean and replace with new seals.
  • Clean everything one more time and get ready for installation including clean and lube heims ends.
  • Build the shock shaft assembly parts back together for install.
  • Add Amsoil Shock Therapy Suspension* fluid to the body of shock and install IFP valve and cycle through to eliminate all air in the fluid reservoir, set IFP distance to factory setting.
  • Install shock shaft assembly and cycle to remove air in the shock body.
  • Install everything in the opposite order to complete shock rebuild.
  • Complete nitrogen recharge to factory settings these are different depending on the make of shock and UTV.
  • Measure spring rates with Longacre spring tool, note on set up sheet.
  • Install spring assemblies on shock and finish up assembly if dual-rate set shock spring collars for proper depth to make dual-rate work correctly.
  • Install on vehicle and set proper ride height.

* All trademarked names are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

Location

UTV Services
6596 S 1460 W
Taylorsville, Utah 84123

By Appointment Only

M-F 9 a. m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday appointment
Sunday Closed

Contact

Gary Madsen

Call:
801-410-0599

Email:
[email protected]

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Suspension Services – LaBaron's Power Sports

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  • Suspension Services

Suspension is a commonly over-looked part of any dirt bike, side by side, snowmobile, or ATV. At LaBaron's, our technicians are well versed in the repair, rebuilding, and modification of today's high-performance suspension components. Whether you need a snowmobile shock rebuild, or your dirt bike suspension completely re-valved and rebuilt on your motocross bike, we have the experience and know-how to make your ride as smooth and compliant as possible.

Work Order Form

Suspension Repair Cost

Dirt Bike Forks & Shocks

Forks (Pair Off Bike) $159.00 + Parts

Shock (Off Bike) $119.00 + Parts

Side by Side Shocks

Shock (Off Side by Side) $119.00 + Parts

ATV Shocks

Shock (Off ATV) $119.00 + Parts

Snowmobile Shocks

Standard Shock - FOX, ACT, HPG (Off Sled) $59.00 + Parts

Reservoir Shock (Off Sled) $119.00 + Parts

Fox Floats (Off Sled) $79.00 + Parts

Arctic Cat Quick Adjust (Off Sled) $119.00 + Parts

  

How Suspension will take you to the Next Level

Are your fork seals leaking? Does your suspension seem too stiff or too soft? Chances are you need your forks and/or shocks rebuilt. You also may need to have your forks and/or shocks custom tuned to your requirements. LaBaron's Power Sports has technicians trained to deliver the best possible suspension for the every-day rider or the seasoned pro. We offer custom gold valve kits and high quality springs and seals to build the best suspension for your riding demands. Whether your looking for suspension that will handle the most extreme motocross tracks, or a setup that will give you more control and comfort in the trails, our business can setup the suspension for your specific needs!

Stop in or call us and we can discuss the best motocross suspension service, suspension for ATV, UTV shock rebuild or snowmobile shock rebuilding services. We will factor in your riding ability, weight and budget to build you the best suspension for motocross, off road, or trail riding.

Brands We Service:

  • Honda
  • Yamaha
  • Kawasaki
  • Suzuki
  • Arctic Cat
  • Polaris
  • Ski Doo
  • KTM
  • Elka
  • PEP
  • Race Tech
  • Works Shocks
  • I-Shock
  • Ryde FX
  • KYB
  • Showa
  • WP
  • Fox
  • Ohlins
  • Marzocchi

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know I need my suspension rebuilt?

A: Are you bottoming out, seals leaking and/or feel out of control? If so, you need your suspension serviced.

Q: Can you set my suspension up for my weight and riding ability?

A:Yes, we will determine which spring rate, oil weight, oil height, sag and valving is required for your situation.

Q: Why do some seals cost around $10 and others around $50? 

A: The cheaper seals are made in china, the quality is not as good and your seals will leak prematurely.

Repair of ATVs Novosibirsk

Just like any other equipment, ATVs need regular and high-quality maintenance in order to cope with their tasks for a long period of time and be in good technical condition.

ATV Engine Repair

Almost all ATV parts and components are subject to increased wear due to the fact that the engine endures constant variable loads and operates at high speeds, overcoming climbs and difficult sections of the road. As a result, there is a loss of engine power. nine0003

One of the most common causes of engine failure is water hammer, when the pressure in the under-piston space rises sharply. The cause is water that has entered the combustion chamber while the engine is running. It can come from the air filter or the exhaust pipe. This will repair the ATV's engine. To prevent this from happening, install the snorkel (clean air intake device, prevents water from entering the engine), this will allow the ATV to increase immersion in water. nine0003

Overheating of the motor can also lead to engine failure. In most cases, overcoming difficult sections of the road, the engine overheats and begins to boil. In order to avoid overheating, before operating the equipment, you should let it warm up normally, idle for several minutes.

Signs of ATV engine overheating:

. Loss of engine power

. Engine speed does not develop

. The maximum speed does not develop

. Extraneous noises and smells appeared

. High engine temperature.

Also, the repair of the ATV engine can lead to its banal wear.

Repair of ATV running gear

Shock absorbers and suspensions are the most vulnerable places in a walker. To avoid repair of the running gear of the ATV, it is necessary to regularly inspect it. If the rubber shock-absorbing seals are badly worn, they must be replaced. nine0003

If the hydraulic shock absorbers have ceased to perform their functions, and oil smudges are found on them, they must also be replaced.

To test the shock absorbers, press firmly on the fender of the machine and then release it sharply. The body of the ATV should return to its original position. If the body began to wiggle, then this is a clear sign of weakened shock absorbers.

ATV suspension repair is needed when it loses its damping properties and the machine loses its control and stability. nine0003

It is possible to repair an ATV on your own, but there is always a chance that due to the lack of proper experience, specialized equipment and tools, it will only make things worse. If you do not want to harm your equipment, then it is better to repair and maintain ATVs in specialized service centers.

Our company "QUALITET" offers its services for high-quality repair of ATVs of any model and configuration, as well as for their maintenance in Novosibirsk and the Novosibirsk region. We carry out diagnostics and troubleshooting on modern equipment, and immediately determine the exact terms of repair. Let us take care of the maintenance of your vehicle. nine0003

We employ only qualified specialists with experience in servicing ATVs. Our masters regularly improve their skills, developing existing skills and mastering modern technologies. Therefore, we guarantee the high quality of our work.

In our company "QUALITET" prices for the repair of ATVs and for their maintenance compare favorably with other service centers.

Once you contact us, you will never look for another ATV service center again. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with the quality of our service! nine0003

To make an appointment for an ATV repair in Novosibirsk or get expert advice, as well as find out prices and terms of service, call: +7 913 734 2055 or fill out the feedback form on the website. Our manager will advise on all your questions.

Call us, we are always glad to see you among our clients!

Drip shock absorber: is it possible to ride?

Dear readers! Our article is for informational purposes only, which does not imply the provision of the services described in the article! nine0003

Contents

  1. How does a shock absorber work?
  2. Why are shock absorbers leaking on cars?
  3. How to understand that shock absorbers are leaking?
  4. Is it possible to drive if the shock absorbers are leaking?
  5. Drip shock absorber: what to do

A modern car is made up of thousands of parts that define its functionality in different ways. Some of them directly affect the very possibility of driving a vehicle, others - on its safety and quality, and others - on the comfort of the driver and passengers. For example, broken optics do not allow driving at night, especially on a busy highway, so it needs to be replaced with high-quality factory headlights. And when shock absorbers flow - what to do? The car retains the ability to move. Do I need to repair this part or can I do without replacing it? nine0003

How does a shock absorber work?

It may seem strange, but many car owners have little idea of ​​the principle of operation of the shock absorber and its purpose. In mechanical engineering, various types of this device are used, but in most modern cars and trucks, telescopic hydraulic models are used, consisting of several elements: nine0070

  • Piston placed in the cylinder and connected by means of a rod to the carrier system of the car.
  • A shock absorber works by moving a piston inside a cylinder when a mechanical load is applied to it. The piston divides the body into 2 compartments and has small holes through which oil flows from one compartment to another. Due to the small size of these holes, a viscous liquid cannot flow quickly, which creates a certain delay in the movement of the rod and, accordingly, in the transfer of the applied force to them. nine0003

    To understand the purpose of a shock absorber, let's look at how it works within a vehicle's entire wheel suspension system. It allows the car to drive smoothly, not bounce on every obstacle and have a stable and tight connection with the road. To fulfill these functions, it consists of the following parts:

    1. Elastic element. Its role is played by a spring, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, a rubber block, a lever system, etc. The purpose of the elastic element is to perceive and transfer the vertical reaction forces of the wheel to the unevenness of the road surface. Today, the most common type of elastic element in cars and trucks is a spring, so we will use this term in the future. nine0070
    2. Guides. These elements set the optimal direction of movement of the suspension relative to the carrier system of the vehicle. They also correctly distribute and transmit both longitudinal and transverse forces acting on the wheel.
    3. Shock absorber. This suspension component reduces the shock loads acting on it due to both the road itself and the response of the elastic element. It also reduces vibrations that are transmitted to the vehicle's carrier system. nine0070

    Now let's look at how the entire suspension system works using the example of two common types of obstacles that a car encounters on the road:

    1. When hitting a bump. As soon as the wheel hits the rise of a bump and reaches its top, it moves up towards the hull. At this point, the spring, together with the shock absorber, dampen the energy of this displacement and prevent the wheel from hitting the body.
    2. When hitting a pit. nine0006 Crossing the edge of the recess, the wheel under the action of its weight and the expanding spring goes down to its bottom. At this point, the shock absorber, working with a delay, kind of holds it and prevents a rough blow. If the hole is not too big, the wheel with a working shock absorber simply flies over it.

    The shock absorber also helps to dampen the longitudinal and transverse inclinations of the vehicle's supporting system (frame or body) during sudden braking, starting or turning. Thus, this suspension element, on the one hand, protects the suspension and the wheel from damage when hitting obstacles, and on the other hand, compensates for vibrations transmitted by the suspension itself to the vehicle body. nine0003

    Why do car shock absorbers leak?

    The vast majority of modern cars and trucks use oil or gas/oil shock absorbers. The working fluid in them is a viscous liquid. In good condition, the cylindrical body of the shock absorber is completely sealed. At one end, it has a plug, and the hole through which the piston rod exits is closed with a gland seal (gland), which prevents oil from escaping. In other words, the rack becomes faulty if its tightness is broken. The immediate reasons why shock absorbers leak are:

    1. Natural wear. Stuffing boxes made of dense rubber or other elastic polymers are constantly under load from the friction of a moving rod against their inner side. As a result, even with careful driving, the sealing element is gradually destroyed, which causes leakage. In cold weather, seal wear occurs even faster, as the material from which it is made becomes less elastic due to the cold.
    2. Destruction of the hull. nine0006 The cause of oil leakage may be the tightness of the cylinder itself. This occurs, for example, due to damage during a strong impact or due to the abrasive action of solid dust particles caught between the piston and the housing.
    3. Excessive suspension loads. If the collision with an obstacle or the start of the car were too abrupt, the piston rod experiences an impact that exceeds the calculated one. Because of this, they begin to move sharply, and the viscous liquid under their pressure comes out at the weakest points of the shock absorber through the stuffing box. Especially often this situation occurs during the start at low temperatures. Unheated oil is too thick and cannot flow through the piston fast enough. nine0070

    In most cases, shock absorber leaks are due to careless driving and the driver's lack of experience in properly overcoming obstacles or uneven surfaces. Car owners also often forget that the car's shock absorber system must be allowed to warm up before starting, and immediately subject it to excessive loads, picking up high speed from a standstill.

    How can you tell if the shock absorbers are leaking?

    Regardless of what caused the failure of the shock absorbers, it is manifested by the leakage of hydraulic oil from the body. You can determine this by examining the bottom of the car's suspension. However, in some machines, the shock-absorbing elements are hidden from external observation due to their design. Then you can find out about the breakdown by the following signs:
    1. continuous and intense vibrations of the car body when driving on the road, even on a flat one;
    2. a distinct knock of the wheels when the vehicle moves through the unevenness of the roadway;
    3. impacts to the steering wheel due to excessive impact on the suspension system of the car;
    4. Excessive body roll during hard starts, braking or heavy maneuvering.

    In general, shock absorber failure is manifested by a deterioration in vehicle handling even with a non-aggressive driving style. Also noticeably increases the braking distance and fuel consumption. nine0003

    Is it possible to drive if the shock absorbers are leaking?

    Breakdown of these parts of the suspension system can occur at any time when hitting an obstacle, which is often found on the roads. Is it possible to continue the journey and drive on your own at least to the nearest service center for repairs? In theory, yes, you can - shock-absorbing elements do not directly affect the ability of the vehicle to move. However, if the shock absorbers are leaking, the consequences of driving such a car can be deplorable:

    1. Suspension failure. Shock absorbers protect the wheels and suspension system of the car from excessive loads. If they do not work, all suspension elements (steering tips, ball joints, seals, etc.) wear out quickly and become completely out of order.
    2. Failure of other systems. The shock loads experienced with a failed radiator affect more than just the suspension. In particular, lighting devices and other electrics made of relatively fragile materials may suffer from them. When hitting a large obstacle, the impact from the rack is distributed throughout the body, and it is quite possible that you will have to buy new car optics. nine0070
    3. Poor handling. A car with inoperative suspension struts sways strongly even when hitting small obstacles, and the wheels are less able to restore contact with the roadway. On the road, this can lead to a complete loss of control and create an emergency, especially in heavy traffic.
    4. Increased stopping distance. At a speed of 80 km/h with non-working shock absorbers, the car, after activating the brakes, travels 15% more than with serviceable struts. Obviously, this is an average value, and you cannot predict exactly where exactly your car will stop. Therefore, conditions are again created for an emergency on the road. nine0070

    How far can you drive if the shock absorber leaks? It all depends on the nature and extent of the damage. If a new shock absorber leaked and the leakage occurred due to a one-time excessive load that did not lead to depressurization of the cylinder or destruction of the oil seal, then the car's handling will deteriorate slightly. It will be possible to drive to the nearest service center to solve the problem. If the depreciation drains have become completely out of order, it becomes difficult to drive such a vehicle, and it is better not to drive it onto the road, creating a danger to yourself and other road users. nine0003

    Drip shock absorber: what to do?

    There are 2 ways to deal with this problem - restoration (repair) and replacement. The first option will require more time and special skills, therefore it is used only by experienced car owners who are well versed in the car's structure. In general, the repair of a leaking shock absorber includes the following steps:

    1. Dismantling. The shock absorber must be removed from the vehicle's suspension before rebuilding. The complexity of dismantling depends on the specific make and model of the machine - in some racks are placed openly and there is free access to them, in others they are "hidden" behind other suspension elements, which greatly complicates the work. After dismantling, the shock absorber is completely disassembled - all seals and plugs are removed, the rod with the piston is removed. nine0070
    2. Cleaning. The old oil from the disassembled shock absorber must be completely drained (if any). The cylinder and piston rod are thoroughly cleaned with a brush not only from the oil itself, but also from solid particles - debris, dust, metal micro-chips, etc. This will reduce the abrasive effect on them and extend the life of the rack in the future.
    3. Replacement of seals. No matter how good the piston o-rings and stuffing box look, they should be replaced with new ones. The fact is that in appearance it is impossible to judge the real state of rubber or other polymer seals. Considering them serviceable, you can very quickly encounter a new shock absorber leak. nine0070
    4. Oil filling and assembly. The cleaned cylinder is filled with new hydraulic fluid. Then a piston is inserted into it, which needs to be moved several times to remove air bubbles from the oil. At the final stage, the hole through which the rod exits is closed with an oil seal, the shock absorber is pumped again to completely remove air and is installed on the car.

    The expediency of repairing a defective shock absorber is determined by the following factors:

    1. The nature of the breakdown - if the cylinder itself, and not the sealing elements, gave a leak, it will be impossible to completely restore such a rack;
    2. Shock absorber resource - the average "life expectancy" of oil shock absorbers in Russia is 60-70 thousand km, and if a breakdown occurred at the end of this resource, it makes no sense to waste time and energy on restoring the part.

    It is also worth remembering that a remanufactured shock absorber, by definition, lasts less than a completely new similar model. The only exceptions are those cases when the old shock-absorbing element is replaced with a cheaper one from a third-party manufacturer. In such situations, it is quite possible that a new non-original shock absorber will last less than an old remanufactured one - it all depends on the quality of workmanship. nine0003

    If a shock absorber leaks and you have access to modern parts and a quality car service, then the best option for troubleshooting is to completely replace the element with a new one of the same model or a third-party analogue of the same quality. This will help extend the life of the vehicle's suspension system, and save you the need to waste your time and effort. In addition, this option is more economical than repair, since the restored shock absorber will in any case have to be changed after its service life has been exhausted.


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