How to properly lubricate a mountain bike? How to repair shock absorbers in a washing machine How much oil to fill

The most popular and cheapest shock absorber is spring-elastomer. This shock absorber is very simple in design: a polymer rod is inserted inside a steel spring, which dampens vibrations.

The second type is oil-spring, more modern and reliable. Due to its relative cheapness and simplicity of design, it has become one of the most common in cycling.

And the third type is oil-air. It uses a compressed air cylinder instead of a spring. Due to the complexity of the design, it is better to repair them in specialized workshops, where they know exactly how to lubricate shock absorbers on a bicycle.

Shock absorber lubrication

A poorly lubricated and out-of-adjustment mechanism can not only produce an unpleasant sound, but also make it difficult to control the bicycle, spoiling all the fun of sports. The ideal option is to clean the external parts of the bicycle fork after each ride, and at least once a season to lubricate the internal parts of the mechanism. The easiest way is to take the bike to a workshop whose master knows exactly what needs to be done, but experienced cyclists can try it themselves.

Spring and spring-elastomeric shock absorbers can be lubricated without disassembling the bicycle fork. To do this, lubricant is drawn into a syringe and poured under the boot. After this, the bike should be “rocked” and excess oil should be removed with a napkin. But! This is a fast, hiking option, used when it is not possible to disassemble the bike even partially. According to the rules, you should first unscrew the mounting bolts from the bottom, then unscrew the Preload bolt, remove the elastomer and spring, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the “pants,” that is, the part of the bicycle fork to which the wheel is attached. This is where the most dirt is found and this is the part that most often needs repairs. The anthers are taken out of the last part (they can be easily picked up with a screwdriver).

All parts must be cleaned of road dirt and oil residues. Experts recommend using exclusively branded lubricant or using universal Teflon lubricant. After this, you should lubricate the parts and assemble the fork back.

Maintenance of the oil-spring design is also simple. If the open oil bath method is used, then the oil can simply be drained and the parts cleaned. This system is perhaps the easiest to maintain, and inspection and minor repairs can be performed even at home. Things are a little more complicated with a closed oil bath. The oil in this design is in a capsule and changes along with the entire capsule. Unlike the first option, a closed oil bath often requires more maintenance.

The oil-air shock absorber is considered the most demanding to maintain. To clean and lubricate it, you need to:

Unscrew and wash the shock absorber. This will prevent debris from entering the air chamber;
Open the valves and release the pressure. If everything is done correctly, the mechanism will easily compress and unclench;
Next, the mounting parts are removed from the shock absorber, and the air chamber itself is disassembled;
Then you should remove the oil seal. If any parts are damaged, it’s time to replace them or make other repairs. If everything is intact, then old grease and mechanical impurities are removed, and you can begin assembling the bicycle fork;
Fork oil is poured onto the shock absorber body, placed vertically. Gaskets and seals are installed in place. The air chamber is pushed all the way so that no air escapes from it. It is better to add a little more oil, and only then screw it back to the shock absorber body;
Next, the shock absorber is inflated to the required pressure and installed in place.

Motorists have a saying: “The car loves affection, cleanliness and lubrication.” The same can be said for a bicycle, although it requires much less maintenance. If you know how to lubricate shock absorbers on a bicycle, then this procedure will not seem long or laborious at all, and the iron horse can run for many seasons without repair.

In the section on the question How to lubricate shock absorbers on a bicycle asked by the author Pr1vat the best answer is Regular shock absorber maintenance
The front shock absorber, regardless of its internal structure, requires regular maintenance. Clean the fork legs and boots of dirt regularly, after each ride. For minor dirt in dry weather - once a week as a preventive measure. To clean, use water, liquid soap and a brush. In some cases, you can use aerosol Teflon lubricant. When cleaning the fork boots, be careful not to damage the compression spring. After cleaning, thoroughly wipe the fork to remove any moisture or grease. Apply a small amount of Teflon grease to the fork legs near the seals, let the volatile component evaporate, lock the front brake and vigorously press the steering wheel several times so that the grease penetrates inside the boots. Then carefully remove any remaining grease. When operating in the off-season, it is recommended to use silicone lubricants or transparent greases.
(without *)
What oils should be used to lubricate a bicycle?
There are several types of oils.
According to experts, for an entry-level bicycle, lithium lubricants are the best choice, because these bicycles have few parts made of aluminum alloys, and such bicycles are usually used in fairly clean and dry conditions.
For owners of cheap bicycles, a very important criterion when choosing a lubricant is its price, which is unrivaled for lithium lubricants. LITOL-24, CIATIM-201 can be purchased at any auto parts store, where they are very inexpensive.
For expensive bicycles, it makes sense to use calcium oils because they do not react chemically with aluminum alloys and are not easily washed out by water.

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 listen carefully to the sounds, not forgetting to examine the frame itself for defects. As a rule, squeaks occur due to the lack of lubricant in the problem area due to its drying out. In addition, a malfunction may occur due to the installation of non-original parts, loose fastenings, or deposits of dust and dirt.

The rear shock absorber on a bicycle creaks: what to do?

This complex part includes a lot of different elements. The first thing to do when extraneous noise appears is to disassemble the assembly and check for the presence of lubricant. If it dries, a new layer must be applied. Before doing this, be sure to rinse and dry all parts. Then the rear shock absorber for the bicycle is assembled in reverse order. This procedure allows you to improve the smooth interaction of elements, extending their service life. Universal Teflon lubricant is suitable for all types of bikes. Also, if you notice squeaks, have the fork inspected, as this is often the problem.

The majority of shock absorbers have settings, the correct adjustment of which makes it possible to better control control and speed when driving. In addition, wear on the unit is reduced. Let's consider the sequence and features of this operation.

How to adjust the rear shock absorber on a bicycle?

This process requires consideration of three primary controls. The first of these is preload. This parameter represents the resistance received by the fork under the weight of the rider. Accordingly, the greater the mass, the higher the degree of preload should be. For elements with a spiral spring, this means an increase or decrease in elasticity, and for pneumatic analogues, more pressure.

The second point is the compression damping, which arises from the inside of the shock absorber, is responsible for regulating the flow of lubricant through special holes. This indicator affects the assembly during compression without affecting the preload. The more pressure applied, the more difficult it will be to control the bike.

Finally, there is recoil damping (similar to an internal compression system). This moment affects the rear shock absorber on the bicycle only during its return to the starting position. If this parameter is increased excessively, the fork will settle into its position more slowly. This solution is appropriate when the bike has significant resistance, especially on bumps and turns.

Setting the preload

It is best to carry out this work together, but it is quite possible for one person to do it. The first thing to measure is the internal part, which is a shiny element that moves in the middle of the body. Divide the resulting value by 4. For optimal functionality, a 25% sag is required. On downhill mountain bikes 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 that serves to control subsidence. If there is no such element, you can tie an elastic band. It is not recommended to use a cable for this, which collects dirt and scratches the surface. As a result, you may need not only repairs, but also replacement of the rear shock absorber on your bicycle. The compression damping switch is set to descent mode, the ring is removed, and the bike is carefully placed on a flat surface. After this, you should take the riding position. To correctly select a constant weight, try not to shake the bike during the procedure.

Peculiarities

Carefully check the degree of subsidence by observing the distance the ring moves. If the reading is more or less than a quarter length, start adjusting the psi. Typically on air shocks, 25% sag will produce 150-200 psi.

On the helical counterparts, minor adjustments are made using preload discs. Depending on the weight of the rider, correct adjustment may require a coil with a higher or lower elasticity index. They are available to purchase in specialized stores.

Compression and Damping

The rear shock absorber for a bicycle, depending on the modification, is equipped with a CTD type switch or suspension (damping) settings. In the first case, it is enough to adjust the element according to the surrounding landscape.

If there are settings, proceed as follows:

Pay attention to the number of adjustment range modes. To do this, scroll the disk forward and backward, counting the clicks made.
If you don't want to experiment with finding the optimal value, set the dial to the average value.
Extreme parameters are very rarely suitable for athletes.
When driving, remember the route and the required settings to determine how the suspension functions.

Lubrication

How to lubricate the rear shock absorber on a bicycle? There are no particular difficulties in this process. Oil is poured into the fork, and liquid lubricant is placed directly into the shock-absorbing element. The shock absorber is first disassembled, all parts are washed and thoroughly dried. A layer of suitable lubricant is then applied, after which the assembly is assembled.

If the problem is squeaking in the fork, disassemble the part as follows:

The element is cleaned and the wheel is dismantled.
Unscrew the bolts holding the fork in the rods and remove the regulator.
Next, remove the brake system.
The remains of the old lubricant are removed from the rods.
Dismantle the stuffing box rings.
The internal cavities of the fork are thoroughly wiped.
Thick lubricant is applied to the oil seals, and oil is poured into the element pants.
Reassemble the unit in the reverse order.

As experts recommend, to maintain the bike 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 looked at why the rear shock absorber on a bicycle creaks 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 moving process, depending on the weight of the cyclist and the characteristics of the road being used.

Proper operation of shock absorbers is the key to a comfortable and safer ride. If there is a lack of oil in this suspension part, the braking distance becomes longer and repairs are required more often. Which oil to choose for shock absorbers?

Why do you need to change shock absorber oil?

The main function of shock absorbers is to dampen vibrations while driving. If you change the oil in the suspension parts in a timely manner, the movement of the car will be softer and smoother. When cornering, the car will also be more stable, and the grip of the tires on the road will be better.

If the shock absorber malfunctions, the hubs and bearings are partially destroyed, and the tires wear unevenly. Sometimes the tires completely lose traction, which can lead to an accident.
The performance of shock absorbers is greatly influenced by the consistency of the fluid and its quantity. Parts with and without a membrane require different amounts of mixture. A suspension element with a membrane separates air and oil with a rubber diaphragm. If the liquid is filled excessively, there is no air space left in the part. As a result, the shock-absorbing element is unstable.
Parts without a membrane do not have an air layer, so the oxygen for the full stroke of the rod is in the mass of oily liquid. As the rod enters, the viscosity of the oil decreases. With a lack or excess of oil, the operation of the shock absorber will be unstable.

How to pour lubricant into the device that is responsible for damping vibrations while driving?

If fluid leaks from this suspension element, the part most likely needs to be replaced. While driving, you can hear a knocking noise characteristic of this part. This may also indicate problems with the shock absorber due to lack of oil, but more often the problem lies in aggressive driving.

What kind of oil should I pour into the shock absorber?

Knowing what problems can arise if the fluid in the shock absorber is not replaced in a timely manner, drivers think about which product to buy.

Many auto stores sell special fluids for car shock absorbers, however, some drivers prefer to fill in ATF. The degree of viscosity of the liquid is the main characteristic of the oil for this suspension part. The thicker the liquid, the more difficult it is for the piston to move. Too liquid a mass also has a negative effect on the shock absorber - it wears out faster.

Manufacturers of lubricant mixtures indicate the degree of viscosity on product packaging. The buyer should focus on these indicators, since each region has individual temperature and weather conditions.

Also, when choosing a lubricant, be sure to take into account that the thick mixture is ideal for roads without significant damage. The car loses maneuverability when driving on roads with a large number of potholes and uneven asphalt.

Oily consistency

The viscous fluid in the shock absorbers allows for excellent vehicle control at speed. The vehicle may be more stable when making sharp turns during normal driving.

Liquid oil has a number of the following features:

when driving aggressively and quickly, a car with thin oil is less stable in turns than with thick oil;
Due to the accelerated operation of the suspension, traction on the road is improved;
a car with this type of oil for suspension parts is more maneuverable and controllable;
the effect of the oil mixture on the shock absorber allows you to move the weight of the car faster;
The liquid consistency is suitable for driving on uneven roads, so it is recommended for SUVs.

Some drivers use waste fluid from the transmission. Temporarily such a replacement may help. However, experts recommend using new ATF, GRZh-12, MGP-12 or other shock absorber fluid. If the region is characterized by frost, transmission fluid with a viscosity of 75W is ideal for the suspension part.

Some shock absorber oil mixtures contain silicone. The viscosity of such fluids is somewhat different from ATF. It is measured in cPs. This figure is approximately equal to cSt and almost 10 times less than the generally accepted WT. So 250 cPs=23.5 wt, and 350 cPs=30 wt.

Active oil additives can soften the gum. Therefore, oils containing large amounts of additives are not suitable for shock absorbers.
After purchasing the appropriate oil, when filling a given suspension element, people make the main mistake: entering the wrong amount of fluid. How much is required?

How much oil do you fill?

For most parts without anti-breakdown, high precision when filling with oil is not required. However, too little mixture results in very deep IFP. This creates knocking and damage to the shock absorber. When the part was overfilled with liquid, in some cases the cap of the expansion tank was knocked off for drivers.

Parts with anti-breakdown require high precision when pouring liquid. Moreover, the more positions the shock absorber has against breakdowns, the more important the accuracy. If there is not enough oil, the anti-breakdown may stop functioning, and too much oil leads to complete failure of the part.

Usually no more than a quarter liter of liquid is poured into this part. Only 100 ml is poured into the parts of some models. It all depends on:

Rod diameter. To determine it, you should use a compass to measure the thickness and diameter of the part.
The stroke of the rod is measured in mm. It is determined by measuring the length of the part protruding from the shock absorber body.
IFP diameter. It is equal to the internal diameter of the expansion tank. Accordingly, to determine the IFP diameter, some drivers measure the inside of the tank.
Areas of the rod and piston.
The amount of movement of the IFP during shock absorber operation.
IFP depths. The deeper it is, the less filled the shock absorber is.

Knowing all these factors, you can easily determine exactly how much lubricant should be poured into the suspension part.

For shock absorbers, oil is selected depending on the degree of viscosity of the fluid, operating conditions and characteristics of the part.
Only with the right choice of fluid will driving be more comfortable and safe, and the suspension will not require frequent repairs and replacement of parts.

How to properly pour lubricant into a shock-absorbing device?

And a little about the author’s secrets

My life is not only connected with cars, but with repairs and maintenance. But I also have hobbies like all men. My hobby is fishing.

I started a personal blog in which I share my experience. I try a lot of things, different methods and methods to increase my catch. If interested, you can read it. Nothing extra, just my personal experience.

Attention, TODAY only!

Fans of safe driving know well that this very safety is largely ensured by nothing more than excellent shock-absorbing devices. But for them to work properly, you need to know what oil to pour into the shock absorbers, how to do it and in what volume. After all, if there is not enough lubricant, the car’s braking distance begins to increase. It will have to be repaired much more often.

What happens if you do not change the lubricant in the shock absorber?

The main function of these devices is to dampen vibrations that occur when the vehicle moves. If the lubricant is replaced in a timely manner, the movement of the machine will be softer and it will gain good stability when entering a turn. The tires will have much more grip on the road.

When the shock absorber is faulty, the following fail:

Hubs;
Bearings;
Tire wear becomes uneven.

In some cases, tires simply lose traction. As a result, an accident occurs. The correct operation of the device depends on two main factors:

Oil volume;
Its consistency.

Shock absorbers are available with or without a membrane. Each such part requires a certain amount of lubricating mixture.

Elements equipped with a membrane are equipped with a rubber diaphragm that separates air from the lubricant. If there is an excess of it, the air space will decrease and the damper will begin to work unstably.

In mechanisms where there is no membrane, there is no air gap. Oxygen, which ensures full movement of the rod, is located directly in the oil itself. When the rod begins to move inward, a decrease in viscosity occurs. Lack or excess of lubricant leads to malfunction of the part.

What kind of oil is poured into shock absorbers?

Today, in almost every car store you can easily purchase shock absorber fluid. ATF oil is considered the most popular. Its main feature is the viscosity coefficient.

If the composition is very thick, it will impede the movement of the piston. With a liquid consistency, the shock absorber wears out much faster. The manufacturer must indicate the viscosity level of the oil.

When purchasing lubricant, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the climatic zone of residence. For each region, a specific viscosity value is selected.

Good to know! Thick oil is poured into the shock absorber if the car is driven on good roads without damage. If there are too many uneven spots, potholes and potholes on the road, the car loses its ability to maneuver.

Grease consistency

When the shock absorber is filled with viscous fluid, the car can be easily controlled at high speed. It is much more stable during normal driving, as well as when making sharp turns.

The presence of a liquid consistency causes several characteristic differences:

At high speeds, the vehicle becomes unstable when entering a turn;
Improves tire adhesion to the road surface;
The car becomes easy to drive;
Due to the positive effect of lubricant on the shock absorber, the vehicle’s mass quickly moves;
Liquid lubricant is designed for driving on uneven roads, so it is used in shock-absorbing elements of SUVs.

Sometimes drivers fill the shock absorber with used oil from the gearbox. But such a replacement should be temporary. Experts recommend using original oils:

GRG-12;
IHL-12.

In regions where there is severe frost, you can use a transmission compound with a viscosity level of 75W.

It is prohibited to fill in lubricating mixtures containing aggressive additives among the components. They can destroy rubber seals.

How to determine the right amount of oil

When there is no anti-breakdown in the shock absorber, high accuracy may not be adhered to. But if you fill in little oil, IFP may become stuck, causing the shock absorber to start knocking and quickly fail. If there is a lot, sometimes it knocks out the plug of the expansion tank.

A shock absorber equipped with anti-breakdown should only be filled with a strictly measured amount of motor oil. If it is deficient, the anti-breakdown simply stops working. Excess will lead to failure of the damping element. Usually 250 ml of oil is poured into it. Sometimes this figure decreases to 100 ml.

Certain factors influence the calculation: