RS Monarch R HV issues

[Alouette3]

So climb on the bike this morning only to find problems. Sit on the bike and I'm on about 60% instead of 30-35%, checked the pressure and it's still happy at 125psi where I always ride it. Pump up to 190psi and I get 35% sag.

 

Went for a short ride, probably shouldn't have, though the bike behaved with the extra pressure.

Afterwards I removed all the pressure, shock contracted completely, unscrewed the aircan, with a big pop and return to full extension.

 

Any opinions on where my problem might lie? An I looking at a Damper/ Piston service?

 

I've got spare quad ring seals and a bunch of o-rings, though not sure what size o-rings I need, and the service kit probably has a couple other things I need.

Got all the essential service travel paperwork to get places, but no place to get the shock serviced or my hands on the parts and the odd adapters I need to do full breakdown!

[BaGearA]

Stuck air in negative, usually presents with the shock being slightly sucked in (how much depends on the pressure difference)

 

If it has been popped and pumped up again with proper equalization (cycle it gently every 30or 40 psi) then you should be fine

 

If it happens again it might be a seal that's kicked the can

 

That issue doesn't come up often if there are issues with the damper

 

 

If you feel inconsistencies in the stroke or loud squalchy noises then the damper is usually toast

 

Hope this helps

[Alouette3]

Wiped it all down and back together again and it looks all back to normal!   Now just to get my Sram Butter and oil back from @Porqui to put it back together properly so I can ride again.

[droo]

Stuck down - air has got past the main piston seal which means the shock can't return to full extension.

 

The fix, as you've found, is to pull the air sleeve off, but you should tie a rag in a big knot through the damper body eyelet so the can doesn't introduce itself to the opposite wall - there can be quite a lot of pressure in there.

 

Once it's off check for scratches on the sealing surfaces and seals - if all is good, regrease, reassemble, reinflate, refit and if it happens again replace the seals. Seal damage can be difficult or impossible to see.

[Alouette3]

Great, thanks for the input BaGearA and Droo. Glad to hear it's not terminal. All surfaces are in good condition, no scratches or damage. I'll change the quad rings anyway as I have a couple.

[Alouette3]

Thankfully I knew the rag in the eyelet trick

[Alouette3]

Shock didn't want to hold air after putting it back together.

 

Found the 3 replacement sleeve and air can o-rings I didn't have at a local hydraulics place. Seems to be sorted now!

[droo]

Probably pinched the outer eyelet seal when you put it back together, it's easy to do.

 

Glad it's sorted now though.