DBcoil IL (Standard Mount) Complete 100 Hour Service Instructions (Part 4 of 4)
Mar 2022 orig., Jun 2024 rev.
Table of Contents
Recommendations and Warnings
Cane Creek recommends only trained suspension technicians perform service on all suspension, using all required tools and following all proper procedures. Anyone without access to the proper equipment or with any concerns on the procedures should defer to an authorized Cane Creek service center for service. Improper service can result in loss of performance or suspension failure. All Cane Creek shocks have pressurized nitrogen and oil, even coil shocks. Follow the service procedures exactly as written to avoid possible injury or harm to the suspension. Always wear eye protection while performing suspension service.
Please dispose of all waste products and materials through proper channels to avoid contamination of the environment.
Any damage or issues resulting from improper service will not be covered by warranty. If you have a shock still in its original warranty period and do not wish to void your warranty, please contact an authorized Cane Creek service center.
These service instructions cover the basic service procedures using standard service kits. If your suspension requires parts beyond standard replacement parts – shaft, damper tubes, end eyes – please consult your authorized Cane Creek service center or contact us at our Cane Creek Support Center.
Service Notes
The Air IL and Coil IL as well as the Standard and Trunnion variants of both share many service steps. Some images in these instructions may not be identical to the valve body or outer damper tube on the Air IL Standard, but that is only when the process is the same for the shock in the image and the shock on your bench.
Service Kits
BAD2370 – DBcoil IL Rebuild Kit (standard)
Required Cane Creek Tools
AAD1101-01 – Keith Cradle (for standard valve body)
BAD1032 – Gland Nut Wrench
BAD1174 – Oil Seal Head Pin Spanner Wrench
BAD1268 – Inline – Oil Fill Needle Adaptor
DBT016 – DB Gas Fill Needle
AAD0555 – 8mm & 9.5mm Shaft Clamp
BAD1273 – Inner Damper Tube Install Tool (required for Trunnion service, optional for standard service)
Additional Tools & Supplies
Allen wrenches – 1.5, 3 & 4mm
Torx wrenches – T10, T15 & T25
1/2″ crowfoot wrench
Torque wrenches
Pick
Suspension Grease
Motorex 4wt Racing Fork Oil
Vacuum Oil Fill Machine
Nitrogen Fill System
Torque, Loctite, Oil & Nitrogen Specs
Torque & Loctite Chart
| Part | Torque Spec | Loctite Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Bolt | 5 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
| TSN | 0.6 Nm | 668 (Green) |
| Spool Valve | 0.16 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
| Inner Damper Tube | 17 Nm | 263 (Red) |
| Oil Seal Head | 15 Nm | None |
| Gland Nut | 52 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
| Climb Switch Screw | 0.16 Nm | 243 (Blue) |
| End Eye | 8 Nm | 263 (Red) |
Oil Chart
| Oil Location | Oil Type | Oil Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Damper Fill | Motorex 4wt Racing Fork Oil | Fill to 3 Bars |
Nitrogen Chart
| Nitrogen Location | Nitrogen Pressure |
|---|---|
| Valve Body | 11 - 12 Bars |
Damper Fill
Step 1 – Prepping Shock for Fill
Install new o-ring (AAD0532) on fill plug screw. Temporarily install end eye on shaft. Secure shock in horizontal position with fill port facing up. Back all adjusters to fully open and open Climb Switch. Thread Inline oil fill adaptor (BAD1268) into fill port. Fully compress damper. Attach oil fill machine per your manufacturer’s instructions.
Damper Fill Prep
New O-Ring on Fill Screw
Valve Body Secured
Fill Adapter Attached
Shaft Compressed
Attached to Fill Machine
Step 2 – Vacuum and Oil Fill Process
Vacuum system to (4) mbar. Pressure with Oil to (3) bar. Slowly cycle shaft finishing with shaft fully out. Cut fill and equalize pressure. Vacuum system to (4) mbar, leaving shaft out. Pressure again with Oil to (3) bar. Slowly cycle shaft finishing with shaft fully out. Cut fill.
Vacuum System to (4) mbar
Cycling Shock
Oil Pre-Fill
Oil Fill to (3) bar
Step 3 – Valve Body Closure
Leaving horizontal, disconnect fill machine. Unthread fill needle. Drip some oil on to top of fill. Install oil fill screw with T15. Insert new gas fill plug (.DB11115) leading with beveled edge. Thread gas fill plug screw in, leaving 2 threads exposed outside of the end eye.
Disconnecting Fill Machine
Oil Overflow from Port
Installing Oil Fill Screw (Standard)
Oil Fill Screw Installed (Standard)
Install Gas Fill Plug (Standard)
Threading Gas Fill Plug Screw (Standard)
Step 4 – Nitrogen Fill
Insert gas fill needle (DBT016) and pressurize to 11-12 bars of nitrogen. Gently seat gas fill plug screw until plug starts to squeeze through access hole. Compress shaft and ensure proper gas by observing shaft return to full extension.
Insert Nitrogen Fill Needle (Standard)
Connect to Nitrogen Hose
Nitrogen Filled to Pressure
Seating Fill Plug Screw (Standard)
Compression Test
Step 5 – Leak Test & CS Install
Submerge valve body in water to check for gas leaks. Rotate spool valve to down position. Reinstall oil fill cover. Apply a drop of blue Loctite (243) to Climb Switch set screw. Install Climb Switch on spool valve and install set screw. Torque to .16 Nm with 1.5mm Allen.
If mechanical dyno equipment is available, run shock on dyno at this point.
Checking for Gas Leak
Spool Valve Orientation for Cover Install
Fill Cover Install
Loctite on CS Set Screw
CS Install
Final Testing and Set Up
Step 1 – Dyno Test
Set adjusters to factory neutral: HSC & HSR 2.5 turns from full bottom (or 2 turns from full open); LSC 11 clicks from full bottom; LSR 13 from full bottom. Using hand dyno, test shock for function. Ensure Climb Switch engages and operates properly. Turn individual adjusters to test each one. Set back to original tune if desired.
If mechanical dyno equipment is available, run shock on dyno at this point.
Setting HSC
Setting LSC
Setting LSR
Setting HSR
Shock on Hand Dyno
Testing Adjusters
Step 2 – Spring Reinstall
Reinstall any stroke reducer clips as needed below bottom out bumper. Reinstall spring and spring clip. Install all necessary bushings and hardware.
Ready for Spring Install
Stroke Reduction Clip Installed
Preload Collar Backed Out
Spring on Damper
Spring Clip Installed
Preload Collar Engaged