Rockshox rear shock rebuild
I have a question regarding the proper lubricants to rebuild a Rockshox Monarch RT3. I have found and read through the service manual from Sram, and need to verify some things.
In the required materials it lists 4 lubricants
- Rockshox 7 wt suspension fluid
- Suspension specific grease
- Parker O-lube
- Maxima Maxum4 Extra 15w 50
1: It is clear what the 7wt fluid is for, but I was unable to order the Rockshox brand oil (out of stock) so I will try to source it locally BUT can any quality suspension fluid be used in its place, ie. 7wt motorcycle fork oil?
2: Suspension specific grease VS O-lube. In reading the tech data on the O-lube, it is presented as a lubricant for o-rings and seals. Suspension specific grease is... As the name implies, but what is the difference? I have sourced the o-lube, but need to know if I need another different grease, and hopefully why? There were only 2 steps in the whole process I found that mentions "grease" and not specifically o-lube. One is in the damper body quote: "Use a pick to remove the seal head/air piston seal and glide rings. Apply a small amount of GREASE to the new seal head/ air piston seal and guide rings, and install them." the other is in the damper body service, quote: Remove the IFP o-ring. Spray the IFP with isopropyl alcohol and wipe it with a clean rag. Apply a small amount of GREASE to the new o-ring and install it." can and should I not use the o-lube here? Is the suspension specific grease used just for the bushings?
3: Maxima Maxum4 Extra 15w 50, is originally a motorcycle engine oil. Can this be substituted for another 15w 50 motorcycle engine oil that may already be on my shelf? I'm not trying to cheap out, but the required 0.2 mL seems excessive to purchase a quart!
Thanks!
Posted Jan 21, 2021, 10:17 PM UTC
Rockshox have stopped branding their own, it's been replaced by the Maxima stuff.
SRAM Butter is all you need.
Anything will work as long as it's slippy enough. The 7wt would work, I personally use Motorex Supergliss, the breakaway friction is insane. Just make sure you pop off your air can every 2 months or so to refresh it.
Awesome, thanks for the info!