How To Adjust Atv Shocks?
First, Why Adjust ATV Shocks?
Adjusting ATV shocks is important for several reasons:
- Comfort: Properly adjusted shocks provide a more comfortable ride by absorbing bumps and vibrations in the terrain.
- Stability: Adjusting the shocks can improve the stability of the ATV, especially when navigating rough terrain or cornering.
- Traction: Properly adjusted shocks ensure that the ATV tires stay in contact with the ground, which improves traction and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Durability: Regular maintenance of the shocks can extend their lifespan and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
To the good stuff now…
You need to make sure your tires are aired up to the proper pressure before you do anything else. If…Set Your Ride Height/Preload.
You can either add more spring pressure to stiffen up your suspension or back it off to get a plusher ride. Many shocks have a collar with several slots; turning it changes the spring pressure or amount of preload. Put the ATV on a stand so the wheels are off the ground. This allows the collars to turn more easily.
Adjusting ATV shocks involves adjusting the spring preload, rebound damping, and compression damping. Here are the steps to adjust ATV shocks:
- First, identify the type of shock absorber you have. There are two types of shocks: mono-tube shocks and twin-tube shocks. Mono-tube shocks have one tube while twin-tube shocks have two tubes.
- Next, locate the adjustment knob. This knob is located at the top of the shock absorber, and it is used to adjust the compression damping.
- Adjust the compression damping. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to increase compression damping and counterclockwise to decrease it. Adjust the compression damping to suit your riding style and the terrain you will be riding on.
- Adjust the rebound damping. Rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after being compressed. To adjust the rebound damping, locate the adjustment screw on the shock absorber. Turn the screw clockwise to increase rebound damping and counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Adjust the spring preload. Spring preload determines the amount of sag in the suspension when the rider is sitting on the ATV. To adjust the spring preload, use a spanner wrench to turn the preload collar on the shock absorber. Turn the collar clockwise to increase preload and counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Test the shock absorber. After adjusting the shocks, take the ATV for a ride on a rough terrain to test how the shock absorbers perform. If the ride feels too stiff, you may need to decrease the compression damping or increase the rebound damping. If the ride feels too soft, you may need to increase the compression damping or decrease the rebound damping.
- Fine-tune the adjustments. Continue fine-tuning the adjustments until you find the perfect setting for your ATV and your riding style.
Remember to consult your ATV owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations on how to adjust your ATV shocks. If you are not comfortable performing the adjustments yourself, consider taking your ATV to a professional mechanic for assistance.
What is the adjustment on shocks?
The adjustment found on most production shocks is a compression adjustment; it helps in the small bumps, G-outs and braking bumps but does not have a huge effect on big jumps. Most shocks use a needle valve. To find out if you have the needle type of adjuster, screw it all the way in until it stops.
What is preload on an ATV shock?
Preload, low-speed compression and rebound are the most commonly found on production ATV shocks. Preload. This is the spring-tension adjustment on most shocks. On utility vehicles’ shocks and even some sport quads’ front ends, this is your only means of compression adjustment.
Can shocks be added to shocks?
On utility vehicles’ shocks and even some sport quads’ front ends, this is your only means of compression adjustment. You can either add more spring pressure to stiffen up your suspension or back it off to get a plusher ride. Many shocks have a collar with several slots; turning it changes the spring pressure or amount of preload.
What are the parts of an ATV shock?
Preload, low-speed compression and rebound are the most commonly found on production ATV shocks. This is the spring-tension adjustment on most shocks. On utility vehicles’ shocks and even some sport quads’ front ends, this is your only means of compression adjustment.
Related Questions
Can you use a tire pump on a shock?
Adapters aside, using a tire pump on your shocks can simply damage them – the goal of a pump that’s made for inflating tires is to move a lot of air with little pressure, while shock pumps do so the other way around.
What does preload adjustment do?
Preload is used to adjust the shock or spring to the correct range of operation within the suspension’s travel-more preload will raise the bike up on its suspension, keeping you near the top of its travel. With less preload, the bike sits lower and closer to the bottom of its suspension travel.
How do you pump up a rear shock?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to: spadoutDOTcom
How do you adjust shock height?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to:
DriveItRyan
How do I make my ATV smoother?
– Use Better Fuel.
– Upgraded Air Filter.
– Adjust The Throttle Limiter Screw.
– Change Tire Size, Weight, And Pressure.
– Add A Nitrous Kit.
– Upgrade The Exhaust.
– Change The Gear Ratio.
– Install A Big Bore Kit.
How much psi should I put in my bike shock?
Air Pressure Guide For All Air Front Suspension Forks
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Rider Weight
<140 lbs.
140-160 lbs.
160-180 lbs.
How do you adjust coilover height?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to: Engineering Explained
How do I pump up my bike shocks?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to:
Pro Bike Tool
How much preload is too much?
A good indication that you’re relying on preload too much is if the bike has no sag at all under its own weight (with you NOT on the bike). Ideally, the bike will sag a small amount without you on it (5% or so) and then reach the desired 25-30% sag with you on the bike in normal riding position.
What is the smoothest riding ATV?
Polaris
How can I improve my ATV performance?
– Upgrade Your Gas. Car, dirt bike, lawn mower or ATV. …
– Lighter Wheels. If you’re still riding on stock wheels or somewhere along the way added on steel wheels you can save some serious weight by replacing what you have with aluminum wheels. …
– New Grips. …
– Add a Slip On. …
– Wider Stance. …
– Tire Pressure. …
– Physical Fitness. …
– New Spark Plug.
How do you ride a quad like a pro?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to: HondaVideo
How much pressure should I put in my rear shock?
For the rear shock, start at about half of your rider weight for air pressure. You will have to adjust from here, but you will want to achieve the proper SAG for your frame, as recommended by your frame manufacturer. Typically this is somewhere between 30-40% of overall travel.
How do you adjust adjustable shock absorbers?
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to: KONI Shocks Automotive
How do you inflate a rear shock?
– Add Zip Tie. Fit a zip tie around the shaft of the rear shock. …
– Extend The Shock. Fully extend the rear shock and measure the distance between the lip seal and the oil ring to get the figure for the shock’s total travel. …
– Add Air. Re-spring the shock. …
– Know Your Numbers. …
– Add Air. …
– Understand Sag. …
– Check Sag Level. …
– Adjust Sag Level.
How do you adjust rear shocks?
To adjust the preload on your bike’s rear shock, you will need a C-spanner to loosen the top locking ring and spin it up the shock to gain access to the adjuster ring. If you want to increase preload so the spring has less travel and to make the bike feel stiffer, turn the adjuster ring clockwise.
What is the best all around ATV?
Best All-Around ATV – Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS For the best all-around ATV, the battle rages between the Suzuki King Quad 750 AXi and the Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS. These two remain the contenders not for being the most powerful, but for being the most powerful while also weighing 100 lbs.
How does spring preload affect handling?
Spring preload pushes the tire down and makes the suspension work. On big bumps at speed the spring preload pushes the tires down to better follow the terrain and make a smoother, more controlled ride. Under articulation the spring preload increases tire contract pressure improving traction.
Summary
Adjusting ATV shocks is an important maintenance task that should be performed regularly to ensure your ATV’s suspension system is functioning properly. The suspension system plays a critical role in providing a comfortable ride, improving stability, and keeping the ATV tires in contact with the ground.
Disclaimer
It is always recommended to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust ATV shocks. The owner’s manual will provide detailed information on the type of shocks and the specific adjustment procedures for your ATV model.
The owner’s manual will also provide important safety information and precautions that should be followed when performing any maintenance tasks on your ATV. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid any accidents or damage to your ATV.
If you are unsure about how to adjust your ATV shocks, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or authorized dealer who can provide guidance and assistance. They can ensure that the adjustments are made correctly and safely, and can also help identify any other issues with your ATV’s suspension system.
