Mountain biking - Front suspension question to do with air pressure

[Whitesupraboy2]

My suspension went flat a month ago so decided to do something about it.

So I have rockshox recon 351. which says its coil based + air based.

So i look up on internet and it says take off front left cap for valve, Well i cant see a valve. It says its a Schrader valve which i thought was a normal valve.

The pic below is what i get. Or did i need an adapter for it to screw into the silver bit in the middle? im really confused. Any help would be good, even if you say I need shock pump or something and that will just screw into the top. Either way ive managed to get myself very pissed off, also how much pressure should i go up to 250psi?

[Ewen]

So i look up on internet and it says take off front left cap for valve
That looks like the right cap ?

[Ewen]

:D If Im right, I'll p**s myself.

[Class One]

I run my front shocks at around 220psi.

[Whitesupraboy2]

Your wrong. :D

so you were going to piss yourself if right whats the party piece Ewen for being wrong. :D

[Whitesupraboy2]

I run my front shocks at around 220psi.

Is that the valve Doug? completely new to this bit so wasnt sure what im looking for. I thought a normal pump would attach but obviously not.

[heckler]

Is that the valve Doug? completely new to this bit so wasnt sure what im looking for. I thought a normal pump would attach but obviously not.

for air forks you need to use a shock pump due to the pressures involved. they should be a schrader valve, if not, when you got the bike/forks an adaptor should have been provided.

[Class One]

It's different to mine. Mine looks like a car tyre valve. You'll need a low pressure shock pump with a built in pressure guage.

[AndyT]

That is no normal Schraeder mate. Looks like an adapter is required.
However the 3 ball valves could just open under pressure and let air in then lock it off when pressure falls from the pump.
I'd have to be there. :D

[heckler]

http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/2007%20RockShox%20Technical%20Manual%20Rev%20B1.pdf

[Ewen]

Whats under the cap on the other side ?

[Whitesupraboy2]

nothing. So i then undid the big bolt on the shock. BOING that be the coil. 15 mins later its back in :D


Well i got this bike over 1yr and half a go. I guess going to a bike shop they may have valve. I hope!

[Ewen]

James, I'm pretty sure you have a Recon 351 coil U-Turn. This model is coil sprung / oil damped on left leg and oil damped on right leg. There is no air valve, just spring damping adjustment.
The Recon 351 Solo Air has the air dampened left leg.
If I'm right, the flat suspension must be due to either a duff spring, or, more likely no oil and or blown O rings.

[Whitesupraboy2]

balls. Yes i have the u turn feature and definitly the coil feature

Ok if its oil, how do i get the oil back in at pressure. I guess its a send off jobby. I bought a £700 bike expecting it to be good quality so far its been crap.

Suspension screwed, had to buy £55 crank. peice of crap!

[Ewen]

http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/2007%20RockShox%20Technical%20Manual%20Rev%20B1.pdf

balls. Yes i have the u turn feature and definitly the coil feature

Ok if its oil, how do i get the oil back in at pressure. I guess its a send off jobby. I bought a £700 bike expecting it to be good quality so far its been crap.

Suspension screwed, had to buy £55 crank. peice of crap!
The link Heckler posted shows you how to refill the oil and replace seals etc. The oil isn't put in under pressure, the oil is just poured in.

[heckler]

just ditch the rockshox and get some decent forks - marzocchi ;)

[Whitesupraboy2]

what a pain in the arse this has turned into.

Heckler....the pebbles I go over im amazed they need serving :D

Ive already upgraded the crank. Must resist more upgrades!