Shock absorbers

FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
Before fitting
Check :

 The good condition of the front axle and the steering.

 The good condition of the rubbers of the stabilizing rods.
 That there is no play in the ball-joints and coupling rods.
 The good condition of the shields, ball-bearings, bump stops and other
associated suspension elements surrounding the shock absorber.
 That the springs have not given in I.e not sagging.
 Tyre pressure and wheel balance.
 That the selected shock absorber part numbers are the right ones.

INSTALLATION
1. The shock absorber works only with rod and dust-cover upwards. 
2. An arrow points to the top. 
3. Hold the shock absorber in its normal position and make the oil circulate to prime
the damper. 
4. Use appropriate tooling during the fitting of the shocks on the vehicle.
CAUTION !

 It is strictly forbidden to hold the piston rod with pliers or mole grips. Avoid
any contact with tools (screwdrivers, spanners, hammers…). A dented rod puts
the seals out of order, causes an oil leakage and therefore damage to the shock
absorber.
 Replace any top bearing kits in bad condition : a blocked bearing or a worn-
out top plate set may lead to a snapping-off of the upper attachment.
 Replace any worn-out protection kits : this will prevent the piston rod chrome
from being corroded, and therefore the damper from leaking.
 Do not lock the attachments fully while the wheels are hanging. The final
locking must be carried out with the wheels on the ground, in the normal
functioning position of the suspension.
 Please install all the mounting components & parts in the correct order and in
the correct position, and please observe that the torque settings for the fixing
bolts and nuts are tightened in accordance to the vehicle manufacturer’s
specifications, to avoid any risks of knocking noise and any risks of breaking-off of
the attachment(s). 
The use of an air gun is not advisable.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages
Shock absorbers have several advantages: 
1. Longer machine life: Shock absorbers significantly reduce shock and vibration on
machinery. This decreases machinery damage, downtime, and maintenance cost. 
2. Higher operating speeds: Machines that use shock absorbers can be operated at
higher speeds because the shocks control or gently stop moving objects. Therefore,
production rates can be increased. 
3. Improved production quality: Harmful side effects of motion such as noise,
vibration, and damaging impacts, are moderated or eliminated so production quality
is improved. Tolerances and fits are also easier to maintain. 
4. Safer machinery operation: Shock absorbers protect machinery and operators by
providing predictable and controlled deceleration. Shocks can also be designed to
meet specified safety standards. 
5. Competitive advantage: Machines become more productive with longer lives,
lower maintenance, and safer operations.

Disadvantages
1. Heavier – of course, super-expensive, super-light suspension fork for example,
might be lighter than a cheap, steel rigid one, but it will be significantly heavier
than any decent quality rigid fork.
2. Higher price – for similar quality level, parts with suspension cost several times
more.
3. Requires regular maintenance – service includes oil change, replacement of
rubber seals, dust wipers etc. This costs time and money.
4. Slows the bike down on climbs – high quality suspension usually has a lock-out
option, when it doesn’t slow the bike down too much, but even when locked, it’s
not completely rigid, and it’s still heavier – which doesn’t help with riding up hills.