Rear shock...Is this normal?

[ILikeCake]

Relatively new to mountain biking and during lockdown bought my first full sus bike.

I've noticed that there is always a misting of oil on the rear shock. Over a couple of rides it gums up like this:



Is that normal? If so how often will it need an oil top up?

[Scoobyshue]

I'd say that was probably OK. All the air shocks I have used weep a little oil. There are a few ml's of oil in the air can that will purge out over time. I've used both Rockshox and Fox shocks and they've both been the same.

Air can service interval is meant to be every 50 hours. It's a job you can do by yourself if you are reasonably confident with the spanners.

Edited by Scoobyshue on Tuesday 5th July 11:26

[GravelBen]

I've never had oil build up like that on a shock, but I usually wipe them down after a ride anyway.

[Bathroom_Security]

Wipe it down and keep an eye on it.

Should always leave trace amounts of oil as it cycles up and down but that's a lot. Could just be grease from the seals though maybe some idiot lathered it on during assembly

Rockshox air can services are straight forward (obviously I'm talking about removing the sleeve and performing a basic clean and oil) if you fancy doing it yourself. They should be performed regularly (every couple of months) with a full service by TFTuned or someone reputable every year

[ILikeCake]

Thanks for the advice. I had no idea they needed an interim service - especially every 50 hours!

So basically I'd need as seal kit and some specialist tools? As per this video?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ngdHH8Q2Zs4