Stanchion wear is a frequent issue in both forks and rear shocks, especially for those who ride significant distances annually.
While many service shops suggest that coating wear is the culprit due to lack of maintenance or faulty O-rings/ wippers, this is often a misconception. The real problem lies in bushings, pivot stiffness or lack pivot/linkage bearings, and the flex of the lowers relative to the fixed uppers in forks.
For shocks, poorly maintained linkages, bearings, and end-point bushings are common culprits.
DT Swiss: A Solution
DT Swiss offers a solution for rear shocks with spherical ball joint bushings. This design allows the shock to move independently from the frame and pivots/links, adapting to the frame's movements. This approach is quite common in the motorcycle world.
The thickness of coatings varies between brands, often measured in microns. Black and gold coatings are particularly popular, with Fox's Kashima coating being well-known and they are maded mostly from aluminum material because of the every gram counting.
A recent trend at service shops and social media is bushing expansion.
Specialized tools are available to widen bushings, allowing stanchions to slide through more easily and reduce friction. While this can temporarily improve performance, it can also lead to long-term issues like flex, accelerated coating wear, and oil leakage.
Our previous article on bushing expansion highlighted the true causes of poor front suspension performance: imprecise axle alignment, overtightened wheel bolts, and other factors.
Rear Shock Issues
In rear shocks, worn coatings can be more pronounced due to frame kinematics and poor linkage maintenance. The damping shaft often suffers from excessive friction and flex, leading to wear and even breakage. Trunnion shocks, often found on Scott bikes, are particularly susceptible to these issues if we talk about air loses. Most frequent damping shaft wear in our service we can se at Orbea Oiz frames.
Air Can Pressure Loss
Trunnion shocks can also experience air can pressure loss due to frame movement. This can damage the air can threads, leading to incorrect diagnoses by mechanics.
Suspension problems are often more complex than they seem. While oil, lubricant selection, and maintenance are important, addressing all components is crucial. Material wear is normal, and expecting components to last longer with normal maintenance is unrealistic. Regular servicing diagnosis is key to maximizing performance and longevity. Sooner or later wear will be visible on some parts because suspension parts nowadays are much lighter but less durable!