R/C Car/Truck Shock Maintenence

In this instructable i will show you how to do routine maintenance on your R/C car or trucks shock

The Stuff You Will Need:
-Shock oil ( I used 30wt)
-R/C Shocks (No duhhh =) )
-Paper Towels
-Pliers <-- hope i spelled it wright

Step 1: The fun begins

Remove the spring retainer from the piston. Then remove the spring from the shock.

Comments

[charles gray]

Shocks and springs are part of the suspension in RC vehicles. Oil-filled shocks give RC vehicles more stability over rough terrain. Without the oil the shocks compress and rebound too quickly and fail to absorb or dampen the bumps in the road. When you feel that your shock absorbers aren't performing properly you can check the fluid level and add more oil to the shocks.

[sharlston]

Great ible check out my rc ibles too :)

[Acepilot42]

i would do this, but my truck already has good handling, and it has 8 shocks, twice the work.

[looking4ideas]

I have a savage XL so it has 8 shocks also  but it is a good idea to change your shock oil from time to time because from time to time dirt can enter the shocks and as the piston goes up and down it may eat up the plastic on both the piston and the wall of the shocks as if there is sand paper in side it 

[chloride]

One question shouldn't there be a little rubber seal that fits onto the shock before the top cap is screwed on? Also you always want the oil to overflow a little when you put the cap back on. This is to ensure that there is no pocket of air in the shock.

[lemonie]

Nice clear steps - how often does this need to be done?

_{You did spell "pliers" correctly, but you've used the wrong "peace" (piece)}

L

[looking4ideas]

I do this every 10 or so tanks. Thanks for correcting the mistakes

[pyroten]

wow. what car is this? i don't think i'v needed to change shock oil ever =\

[looking4ideas]

I do this to see the condition of the shock then I re use the oil if there is no discoloration after I pass it through a coffee filter to get rid of any dirt or other contaminents. Then I re fill the shock and then top off any missing parts with some fresh shock oil.

[lemonie]

Thanks for the reply, I guess "tanks" means "of fuel". Are these just cheap, or is there something in the design that they are supposed to be serviced regularly? L

[looking4ideas]

Sometimes dirt gets in the shock that can cause the oil to leak out. By changing the shock oil you can get rid of the dirt and prolong your shocks life

[lemonie]

I see, do you have to replace the seals periodically too? L

[sharlston]

just a question,are you into rc?

[lemonie]

I'm generally interested in mechanical things.

L

[sharlston]

ah sorta like me but i enjoy driving them at the same time.

[lemonie]

Yes, that's true. I also like burning and exploding things...

L

[sharlston]

we share the same hobbies :)

[lemonie]

Yes, I made some good old-fastened bangers for Nov 5th.

L

[sharlston]

I sense a instrucable?

[lemonie]

I could, but hmmm, maybe.

L

[looking4ideas]

only if they are leaking