Shocks

Rebuilding-Shock Disassembly

Rebuilding your shocks is a fairly simple task, that should be performed from time to time. If you notice your shocks are leaking at the lower part of the shock body, it's a good indication that it's time to rebuild them.

This part of the article focuses on rebuilding the stock Revo shocks. However the basic principle is the same with nearly every other shock. When you rebuild the shock you are disassembling it and inspecting the components for wear. Normally this will be the x-rings in the case of the Revo, but there could be other components that are worn as well. So even though you may have replaced the stock Revo shocks with aftermarket ones, you may still be able to apply much of this information to the aftermarket shocks as well.

The first step of rebuilding your stock shocks, is to remove your shocks from your Revo. You should end up with 4 shocks similar to the one shown below.

Next compress the spring towards the shock body with one hand. This will allow you to remove the lower spring retainer, which in turn allows the spring to be removed.

Next, using the large open-end wrench and plastic shock tool supplied by Traxxas, remove the shock cap and dump out any oil that is in the shock body.

Be sure not to lose the little diaphragm in the shock cap, as they can often be reused. It is often found lodged inside the cap. You can gently use a small screwdriver to remove it.

Now that the cap is removed, you'll want to remove the plastic shock end and the blue bump stop. To do this, I slide the blue bump stop away as needed. Then I can use wire cutters to hold the shock rod in place while I twist the shock rod end off. Make sure to place the wire cutters right beside the plastic rod end. This way if you scratch the rod end, it'll be close enough to the rod end that it doesn't pass through the silicone x-ring inside of the shock body.

Now, using the plastic shock tool provided by Traxxas, twist the lower shock cap off of the shock body.

With the lower cap removed, you should be able to easily see the silicone x-ring seal so that you can remove it. Be very careful when removeing this seal as sharp objects can easily nick or cut it, causing it to leak if it's reused. I usually use the backside of a hobby knife's blade.

Once the x-ring is removed, you can easily push the shock rod back up into the shock body and remove it from the top of the shock.

If you plan on removing the piston head, you'll need to enlist the help of your wire cutters again. Since the lower shock end is removed, I suggest clamping the wire cutters down between the threads where the plastic shock end was screwed on. Then use a 5.5mm hex driver, or wrench, to remove the nut on the end of the shock rod.

Here's what the shock rod looks like when it's completely disassembled.