Any owner of a two-wheeled bike, sooner or later, is faced with the fact that the rear shock absorber for a bicycle begins to creak. This problem can occur for various reasons. To identify the exact location of the noise, you should carefully listen to the sounds, not forgetting to examine the frame itself for defects. As a rule, squeaks occur due to the lack of lubrication in a problem place due to its drying. In addition, a malfunction may occur due to the installation of non-native parts, loosening of fastening, deposits of dust and dirt.
The rear shock absorbs on a bicycle creaks: what to do?
This complex part includes a lot of various elements. The first thing to do when extraneous noise appears is to disassemble the unit and check for grease. If it dries, a new coat must be applied. Before doing this, be sure to rinse and dry all the parts. Then the rear shock absorber for the bike is assembled in the reverse order. Such a procedure can improve the smoothness of the interaction of elements, prolonging their service life. Universal teflon grease is suitable for all types of bikes. In addition, when creaks appear, inspect the plug, as often a malfunction is associated with it.
The predominant part of the shock absorbers has tuning parameters, the correct adjustment of which makes it possible to better control the control and speed during movement. In addition, the wear of the assembly is reduced. Consider the sequence and features of this operation.
How to set up the rear shock on a bicycle?
This process requires consideration of three basic controls. The first of these is preload. This parameter is the resistance obtained by the fork under the weight of the rider. Accordingly, the larger the mass, the higher the degree of preload. For elements with a spiral spring, this means an increase or decrease in elasticity, and for pneumatic analogs, a higher pressure.
The second point - compression damping, which arises from the inside of the shock absorber, is responsible for adjusting the flow of lubricant through special holes. This metric affects the node during compression without affecting the preload. The more pressure is applied, the more difficult it will be to control the bike.
Finally, recoil damping (an analog of the internal compression system). This moment affects the rear shock on the bike only when it returns to its original position. If this parameter is excessively amplified, the plug will sit slower in its position. This solution is appropriate for significant resistance to the bike, especially on bumps and bends.
We set the preload
It is best to carry out such work together, but one can cope quite well. The first step is to measure the inside, which is a shiny element that moves in the middle of the case. Divide the resulting value by 4. For optimal functionality, a subsidence of 25% is required. On mountain bikes for downhill, this parameter can be 30%.
Almost any modern rear shock absorber for a bicycle is equipped with a small inflatable ring or a special stopper used to control subsidence. If there is no such element, you can tie an elastic band. It is not recommended for this to use a cable that collects dirt and scratches the surface. As a result, you may need to not only repair, but also replace the rear shock absorber on a bicycle. The compression damping switch is set to descent mode, the ring is removed, the bike is neatly placed on a flat surface. After that, you should take a ride position. To choose the right constant weight, try not to shake the bike during the procedure.
Features
Carefully check the degree of subsidence, observing the distance of movement of the ring. If the metric is greater than or less than a quarter of the length, get to the psi setting. Typically on air shock absorbers, 25% of the subsidence gives 150-200 pounds per square inch.
On spiral counterparts, minor adjustments are made using preload disks. Depending on the mass of the rider, a spiral with a greater or lesser rate of elasticity may be required for proper adjustment. They are available at specialized stores.
Compression and Damping
The rear shock absorber for a bicycle, depending on the version, is equipped with a CTD switch or suspension settings (damping). In the first case, it is enough to adjust the element according to the surrounding landscape.
If you have the settings, proceed as follows:
- Pay attention to the number of adjustment range modes. To do this, scroll the disc back and forth, counting the clicks produced.
- If you do not want to experiment with finding the optimal value, set the disk to medium.
- Extreme parameters are rarely suitable for athletes.
- When driving, remember the route and the necessary settings to determine the process of suspension functioning.
Grease
How to lubricate the rear shock on a bicycle? There are no particular difficulties in this process. Oil is poured into the plug, and liquid lubricant is placed directly in the shock-absorbing element. The shock absorber is previously disassembled, all parts are washed and thoroughly dried. Then a layer of suitable lubricant is applied, after which the assembly of the assembly is carried out.
If there is a creak in the plug, disassemble the part as follows:
- The element is cleaned, the wheel is dismantled.
- The bolts holding the plug in the rods are unscrewed, the regulator is removed.
- Next, remove the brake system.
- Remains of old grease are removed from the rods.
- Remove the packing rings.
- The internal cavity of the fork is thoroughly wiped.
- Grease is applied to the seals, oil is poured into the pants of the element.
- Assemble the assembly in the reverse order.
As experts recommend, to maintain the bike machine in optimal condition, it is advisable to lubricate the shock absorbers every day when riding in the rain and once a week if the weather is sunny. As processing materials, use special aerosol sprays, oil recommended by the manufacturer or universal Teflon grease.
Finally
Above, we examined why the rear shock absorbs on a bicycle creaking and how to solve this problem. Timely lubrication will extend the life of parts, improve ride comfort and eliminate extraneous noise. Following these recommendations, it is also easy to make the correct adjustment of the shock absorber, which optimizes the movement process, depending on the mass of the cyclist and the features of the road used.