Epic rear shock issues

[Chainyank]

My fox brain rear shock had a full service in November last year. On return it constantly leaked oil which didn’t seam to concern local specialized agent when I emailed photos.
 

Now the brain isn’t activating so I’m peddling a water bed. 
 

Anyone else have a similar issue and whats the likelihood Specialized offering to redo the service at their cost. 
 

also, has anyone successfully found and installed a non brain rear shock to their 2014 epic? 

[droo]

How much riding have you done since November? If you're riding more than twice a week it's highly likely you've exceeded your interval.

As for the oil leaking - post the photos. A certain amount of oil seepage is normal after servicing.

[Chainyank]

Hi Droo. Thanks for the reply. Bike did about 110 hours since the service and the start of the squelching and brain issue. Isn’t the expected service internal 200hours?

 

here’s a pic of the leaking oil 

 

[Cyclosport]

Had the same issue on my 2020 Spez Epic but with Rockshox rear Brain. The Brain fade failed after 45 hours of riding taking into account lockdown since March 2020. The shock wouldn't "lockout" in its firm setting. Luckily bike comes with 2 free shock services within a 2 year period or serviced every 6 months of extensive use or 200 hours of use.

Recieved shock back last week and all is well but riding on eggs with each bump that I experience.

If you have a look on the web you will find a number of Spez owners having the same issues.

I'm personally quite speculative on the reliability of this proprietary part and the fact that it could fail without warning.

[Chainyank]

Yeah that’s my gripe is that only specialized are able to work on their proprietary parts at their set price with no competition  

how do I know the technician did make an error  

And I’ve heard rumours that they swap around parts from different bikes

[Schnavel]

Have you spoken to Specialized about your concern?

[DieselnDust]

Looks like too much grease in the air can but the brain also not working could mean an internal seal is leaking into the air chamber.

Did you get your own shcok back or did they do the swap out thing?

[Chainyank]

@Schnavel who do I talk to at specialized? The workshop guys at the store? They’re just following policy. 
 

Take this for example. I had a dropper serviced by them in August and it leaked air by December. I took it back and they said it’s unfixable. I argued with the workshop about warranty on a service but they shrug you off and just say what the main Stellenbosch head workshop guy told them. Buy a new one. 
 

@DieselnDust I have no idea. I didn’t think to check before I sent it in. Will do this time. 

[droo]

4 hours ago, Chainyank said:

Hi Droo. Thanks for the reply. Bike did about 110 hours since the service and the start of the squelching and brain issue. Isn’t the expected service internal 200hours?

 

here’s a pic of the leaking oil 

 

That's not excessive. 

Damper popping after 110h is a bit offsides though. Havea chat with them and see what they say.

[Mook]

4 hours ago, Chainyank said:

Yeah that’s my gripe is that only specialized are able to work on their proprietary parts at their set price with no competition  

how do I know the technician did make an error  

And I’ve heard rumours that they swap around parts from different bikes

Had my 2013 Epic rear suspension serviced by Spez Cape Town. It is a known fact that, if serviceable, they swap out your Shock+Brain with another unit that has been serviced already - and charge you R1.5k. They do not replace your original components, hence you could end up with a rear setup that's had 1000hr's of hammering compared to your 150hr TLC babe.

For what it's worth

[Chainyank]

Thanks @Mookconfirms the rumour. 
 

Anyone know if there is a non brain shock that could fit a 2014 specialized?

[Stephen Colton]

What is the distance from eye to eye and travel.

[Knersboy]

I too had a 2014 Epic, only replaced her late last year, put many many kms in on that bike. I had a similar issue once, in fact in my first year of owning the bike, but I had been a touch past the recommended full service interval.

Unfortunately it failed the day before the Sani Dragon, so I rode up Sani pass bobbing like a pimps car on the strip, coming down was also interesting.

Sent it in for service, they did the usual swap out at the usual price, issue had nothing to do with the brain, sometimes we think the problem must be with what is different. 
 

I actually like the spez brain shock service practice of swap out. In my experience no matter how buggered the shock is, you always pay the same, and I did at least 7 rear shock services with that bike with them. The cost was also always comparable or less than my fork service.

I did however get a nasty surprise and bill from Rockshox for the fork service once because they had to replace the damper. Spez brain service was also always faster, usually had it back in a week vs two weeks for the fork.

Must admit at first I didn’t like the swap out at all, it just felt wrong, but after doing it multiple times and seeing the benefit I changed my mind on that.

 

[Schnavel]

Maybe try a different spez shop OP - I see there is now one in Paarl.

I had endless issues with a shop in Joburg, and then went to the Spez shop in Pretoria - totally different attitudes! My rear shock damper blew out a week before Berg & Bush, and Spez gave me a loan unit so that I could still race. Best part of it, they didn't charge me for the loan unit.

[Bundu Ric]

3 minutes ago, Schnavel said:

Maybe try a different spez shop OP - I see there is now one in Paarl.

I had endless issues with a shop in Joburg, and then went to the Spez shop in Pretoria - totally different attitudes! My rear shock damper blew out a week before Berg & Bush, and Spez gave me a loan unit so that I could still race. Best part of it, they didn't charge me for the loan unit.

Would love to know which shop the Jhb one is you referring to, as I had a similar experience that led me to sell my Specialised and buy another bike.

[osiris]

I had the same issue once, my rear brain not engaging after one ride

Went back to the shop, shock was sent back to Stellenbosch and a loan put on my bike, hardly an issue. Stuff like this happens, go to another shop where you will be taken seriously

also the oil is of no concern, looks normal to me