X-challenge air shock failures

[Mtrain]

Just curious if any one has had one of the conti air shocks fail from causes other than rubbing on the mud flap.
I only know of one here in Oz. If so how old was it and any other details would be appreciated.
thanks

[gsd4me]

I know of two that have failed in Australia. Better off replacing it before it blows with a standard type shock. Hyperpro would be the strongest one on the market.

[Mtrain]

GSD4ME
The ones in Oz, does that include GSDanes cause thats the one I know of? Do you know any details about the other? How old or the cause of failure?

[Pejie]

I only know of GSDANES (Dorthe) but while on the subject, does squeaking mean they are on their way out or does it just mean they are squeaking & it doesn't matter?

[Mtrain]

Originally Posted by Pejie

I only know of GSDANES (Dorthe) but while on the subject, does squeaking mean they are on their way out or does it just mean they are squeaking & it doesn't matter?

I think they all squeak, mines been doing it for 40,000ks

[gsd4me]

I`m pretty sure that `Slowbike, smallpenis` blew one as well as GS Dane. Mine had some wear from the guard until I did the modification. As for the squeaking,`they all do that`.

[Pejie]

Thanks, hopefully starting back riding soon. Feel better now I know it is normal.

[Miss Jane]

To put some more context to this question, I wonder how many k's / miles have people done on an air shock with no problems?

[Timpo]

Originally Posted by GSD4ME

Hyperpro would be the strongest one on the market.

How do you know this, have you destructive tested each alternative available?

Timpo.

[The Jester]

I looked into this. Hyperpro have been well tested by various riders including Colebatch and, without exception, everyone seems to be very happy with them. Reports on Ohlins shocks have not been quite as positive with some riders suggesting that they needed revalving and a shorter rod to work properly. The difference here may be that Ohlins sell a shock off the shelf while it is possible to have a custom built shock from Hyperpro. I spoke to Baz and he was very helpful, making a number of suggestions on settings he would adjust for me. Unfortunately we then had problems with both cars which ate up the money I was going to spend on a shock so I can't speak from direct experience.

So, after 35k miles I am still on the airbag shock. The squeaking can be greatly reduced, or even eliminated, with some silicone lubricant spray. Put the bike on a stand, let all the air out of the shock then remove the valve - same as a tyre valve. Generously spray some lubricant down the valve stem and work the suspension up and down to spread it around. Next go to the base of the shock and slide the bottom of the airbag up the shaft. You will see a hole in the side of the hollow shaft. Insert the straw of the silicone spray into the hole pointing up the shaft and spray some up there too so it lubricates the lower chamber beneath the piston. Work the suspension some more, put the valve back in the top and pump it up. I had an immediate reduction in squeaking and over the next few weeks it disappeared altogether. I have done this twice now and have had no ill effects at all.

Important - Use silicone spray as it is very unlikely to cause deterioration in the internal rubber seals unlike oil based sprays.

[jtw000]

Originally Posted by Timpo

How do you know this, have you destructive tested each alternative available?

Timpo.

Some people, huh?

Wait... you weren't joking???