Rockshox Reverb full tear down with basic service kit...

Discussion in 'The Workshop' started by bing!, May 17, 2014.

  1. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    I just did a full rebuild of the IFP, remote bleed and installed a basic service kit on a Rockshox Reverb 2012.

    The issues leading to this rebuild is that there was a little play at the saddle and the post sags about half an inch when sat on.

    The following are notes on the basic service kit. It includes most o-rings and a lower bushing, and not the IFP orings and glide rings. One can actually resolve a sag issue with a full rebuild, effectively bleeding the IFP, but it would be a shame to do the work and find a sagging post 1 month down the road due to leaky seals.

    [​IMG]

    This is the lower bushing that was replaced. You'll see the wear mark which is that line there. What the camera doesnt show is that on one side of the wear mark, the bushing material is worn down. A half mil of wear translates to a slight but noticeable play at the saddle. On inspection, the top cap bushing was fine, which confirms my suspicion that changing the 40 dollar top cap was not necessary on this occasion.

    [​IMG]

    In the end, these are all parts taken out and replaced with the basic kit, plus a little extra meant for the black seal head (v2.0).

    [​IMG]

    Post is now solid as a rock and no more play. Sweet!

    Comments - Between the $8 basic kit and the $ 48 full service kit, the only parts that are included in the full kit, not part of the basic and not reusable from the post itself are the IFP piston and shaft o-rings and glide rings. That is about 11 pieces that couldn't cost more than a dollar. The dust wiper is also not in the basic kit but can be acquired in the separate top cap assembly should you need it. It's a shame RS did not expand the basic kit but instead offered a larger kit with mostly non-essential parts for 40 bucks more.

    If you're in West Los Angeles, I have a CL ad for mtb repairs.


    Basic Kit

    [​IMG]

    Full Service Kit

    [​IMG]
    When inspecting for saddle level play with the post, if the play is obvious at the dust seal, evidenced by the shaft moving the seal lip around, inspect the top cap bushing and bottom bushing by opening the post. Getting at them is step number 4 or so in the rebuild and is relatively accessible. If the play is mostly at the top of the saddle, the bottom bushing is most likely the culprit, which the basic kit will address.

    You can get to the top and bottom bushings without opening the IFP. This is important because with a 15 minute long inspection routine, you can determine if you need to order the top cap as well. Then put it back together and ride as you wait for your parts.

    Taking care of the bottom bushing will prolong top cap/bushing life.
     
  2. socal_rider

    socal_rider Member

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    Great info! Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
     
  3. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    I've since rebuilt 3 more Reverbs and have learned a few things.

    1) If the post has play allowing the saddle move left to right a little bit (less than 5 degrees each way), that's normal. Just have to live with it. Changing the pins inside will not address small play.
    2) A post that is stuck up and won't go down? Bleed the remote, release pressure, push down the post, and pump up again. That one had me going in circles for at least an hour. For some reason, some posts get stuck.
    3) With the post down, if you can pull and extend it, that is a sign that there is air in the post. You ability to pull a vacuum allows the post to extend. No need for a bleed yet. Wait for the time it starts to sag. That will come soon :)
    4) Those last 3 basic service kits I received didnt contain the same stuff. Some were more extensive, and one a lot more basic than the others :(
     
  4. dcrfx

    dcrfx Member

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    Thanks Bing, I have 2 reverbs both with #1 (not noticeable when riding anyway). Both also have #3 (which is no big deal to me) except one has developed #3a (5mm sag when sitting on it). Honestly that doesn't bother me that much, but know I'll be doing a full bleed and seal/lower bushing replacement soon. Man if you were in the neighborhood..... (I'm in South OC).
     
    herzalot likes this.
  5. launchpad

    launchpad Member

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    How much you charge to do this?
     
  6. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    pm sent.
     
  7. JBS

    JBS New Member

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    Ditto. Mine is bad too. It is sagging about an inch.
     
  8. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    Pm sent
     
  9. remlemasi

    remlemasi New Member

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    Hey bing! It's been a while, but can you send me a quote for the service?
     

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