Rebuilding a QA1 Circle Track Monotube Shock

Rebuilding QA1 Monotube Shocks

Rebuilding your QA1 monotube shocks is a manageable DIY project, although it requires a few specialized tools. This guide walks you through the process.

Tools Required

You'll need a nitrogen tank and QA1 fill tool for charging the shocks, a shock vise for secure holding, and common hand tools.

Disassembly

1. Secure the shock in the vise with the body facing up and the shock fully extended.
2. Remove the Hyperscrew to release the nitrogen, then compress the shock to ensure complete gas removal. Extend the shock again.
3. Flip the shock in the vise so the body faces down.
4. Remove the snap ring near the shaft to free the gland retaining ring (a steel washer). A binder clip can be helpful to hold the washer out of the way.
5. Carefully remove the Hyperscrew in the gland. Be prepared for potential oil spray if the floating piston O-ring has failed.
6. Push the gland into the shock body about ½” and remove the gland snap ring.
7. With firm pressure, pull the piston rod assembly out of the shock body while rocking it back and forth.
8. Now you can replace valving, seals, or perform other upgrades. Discard the old oil and use fresh oil for reassembly.

Assembly

1. Reset the floating piston by pushing down on it inside the shock body with a pipe section or hammer handle. You'll hear air escaping as it moves about an inch.
2. Add the correct amount of new oil. Use 320ml for 7" shocks and 400ml for 9" shocks. Refer to the TK08 monotube tuning guide and tech manual for other sizes.
3. Submerge the piston assembly into the oil in the shock body.
4. Slide the gland assembly into the body until it's about ⅜” below the large snap ring groove.
5. Push the piston down until oil reaches the small snap ring groove on the gland. Install the screw in the gland body.
6. Tip the shock over and drain any excess oil above the gland.
7. Replace the gland retaining ring and secure it with the snap ring.
8. Flip the shock and reinstall the bottom Hyperscrew, tightening it fully and then backing it out two turns.
9. Use the QA1 refill tool to charge the shock with nitrogen. This tool allows simultaneous filling and screw tightening. Slide it onto the bearing mount, press it over the Hyperscrew, slightly loosen the screw, fill with nitrogen, and then tighten the screw before removing the tool.
10. Test the rebuild by sliding the travel indicator up and compressing the shock. It should fully extend on its own.
11. If the shock doesn't compress fully, adjust the oil level. Bleed some oil out through the gland Hyperscrew if there's too much, or restart the reassembly process (including resetting the floating piston) if there's too little.

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