Monarch Plus RC3 User Manual
User Manual: Monarch Plus RC3 User Manual
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GEN.0000000004938 Rev B
© 2016 SRAM, LLC
Service Manual
Monarch Plus RC3/R
SRAM LLC WARRANTY
EXTENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY
Except as otherwise set forth herein, SRAM warrants its products to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years after
original purchase. This warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. Claims under this warranty must be made through the
retailer where the bicycle or the SRAM component was purchased. Original proof of purchase is required. Except as described herein, SRAM
makes no other warranties, guaranties, or representations of any type (express or implied), and all warranties (including any implied
warranties of reasonable care, merchantibility, or fitness for a particular purpose) are hereby disclaimed.
LOCAL LAW
This warranty statement gives the customer specic legal rights. The customer may also have other rights which vary from state to state (USA),
from province to province (Canada), and from country to country elsewhere in the world.
To the extent that this warranty statement is inconsistent with the local law, this warranty shall be deemed modied to be consistent with such law,
under such local law, certain disclaimers and limitations of this warranty statement may apply to the customer. For example, some states in the
United States of America, as well as some governments outside of the United States (including provinces in Canada) may:
a. Preclude the disclaimers and limitations of this warranty statement from limiting the statutory rights of the consumer
(e.g. United Kingdom).
b. Otherwise restrict the ability of a manufacturer to enforce such disclaimers or limitations.
For Australian customers:
This SRAM limited warranty is provided in Australia by SRAM LLC, 1333 North Kingsbury, 4th oor, Chicago, Illinois, 60642, USA. To make a
warranty claim please contact the retailer from whom you purchased this SRAM product. Alternatively, you may make a claim by contacting
SRAM Australia, 6 Marco Court, Rowville 3178, Australia. For valid claims SRAM will, at its option, either repair or replace your SRAM product.
Any expenses incurred in making the warranty claim are your responsibility. The benets given by this warranty are additional to other rights and
remedies that you may have under laws relating to our products. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian
Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or
damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount
to a major failure.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
To the extent allowed by local law, except for the obligations specically set forth in this warranty statement, in no event shall SRAM or its third party
suppliers be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
This warranty does not apply to products that have been incorrectly installed and/or adjusted according to the respective SRAM user manual. The
SRAM user manuals can be found online at sram.com, rockshox.com, avidbike.com, truvativ.com, or zipp.com.
This warranty does not apply to damage to the product caused by a crash, impact, abuse of the product, non-compliance with manufacturers
specications of usage or any other circumstances in which the product has been subjected to forces or loads beyond its design.
This warranty does not apply when the product has been modied, including, but not limited to any attempt to open or repair any electronic and
electronic related components, including the motor, controller, battery packs, wiring harnesses, switches, and chargers.
This warranty does not apply when the serial number or production code has been deliberately altered, defaced or removed.
This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear. Wear and tear parts are subject to damage as a result of normal use, failure to service
according to SRAM recommendations and/or riding or installation in conditions or applications other than recommended.
Wear and tear parts are identied as:
Notwithstanding anything else set forth herein, the battery pack and charger warranty does not include damage from power surges, use of
improper charger, improper maintenance, or such other misuse.
This warranty shall not cover damages caused by the use of parts of different manufacturers.
This warranty shall not cover damages caused by the use of parts that are not compatible, suitable and/or authorised by SRAM for use with SRAM
components.
This warranty shall not cover damages resulting from commercial (rental) use.
• Dust seals
• Bushings
• Air sealing o-rings
• Glide rings
• Rubber moving parts
• Foam rings
• Rear shock mounting hardware
and main seals
• Upper tubes (stanchions)
• Stripped threads/bolts (aluminium,
titanium, magnesium or steel)
• Brake sleeves
• Brake pads
• Chains
• Sprockets
• Cassettes
• Shifter and brake cables (inner
and outer)
• Handlebar grips
• Shifter grips
• Jockey wheels
• Disc brake rotors
• Wheel braking surfaces
• Bottomout pads
• Bearings
• Bearing races
• Pawls
• Transmission gears
• Spokes
• Free hubs
• Aero bar pads
• Corrosion
• Tools
• Motors
• Batteries
Table of Contents
Exploded View - Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Rear Shock ............................................................................................................ 4
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
RockShox Suspension Service .................................................................................................................................................6
Mounting Hardware and Bushing Service .............................................................................................................................. 6
Parts and Tools for Mounting and Bushing Service ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Mounting Hardware Removal ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Eyelet Bushing Replacement .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Mounting Hardware Installation........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Service .................................................................................................................................................12
Parts and Tools Needed For Service .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Air Can Removal ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Air Can Service ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Damper Body Service ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Piston Service ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
IFP Reservoir Service ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Reassembly and Bleed ............................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Air Can Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
SAFETY FIRST!
We care about YOU. Please, always wear your safety glasses and
protective gloves when servicing RockShox products.
Protect yourself! Wear your safety gear!
4Exploded View - Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Rear Shock
Exploded View - Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Rear Shock
Shaft Eyelet
Rebound Adjuster
Compression Lever
Compression Needle
Shaft
Bottom Out Washer
and O-ring
Seal Head/
Air Piston
Main Piston
Damper Body
Compression Assembly
IFP Reservoir
IFP Bleed Screw
IFP Reservoir Cap
IFP Retaining Ring
IFP Reservoir
Air/Nitrogen Fill
Cap
Damper Body
Eyelet
Air Can
Damper Body
Bleed Screw
IFP
(Internal Floating
Piston)
Maintenance
To maintain the high performance, safety, and long life of your rear suspension, it is required that you periodically check the fastener torque values for compliance as well as
perform routine maintenance on your shock. If you ride in extreme conditions, torque compliance checks and maintenance should be performed more frequently.
WARNING
Before disassembly or service of any air system remove the air pressure from all air chambers and remove the air valve cores. For complete service instructions, visit
www.sram.com or www.rockshox.com.
If your shock will not return to full extension, do not attempt to service or disassemble your shock. Attempting to service a shock that will not return to full extension can
cause severe and/or fatal injuries.
MAINTENANCE INTERVAL (hours)
Refer to bicycle’s owner’s manual for correct mounting
hardware torque values*
8
Clean your shock with mild soap and a toothbrush 8
Keep mounting hardware clean and lubricated 8
Remove, clean, and grease mounting hardware 20
Inspect eyelet bushings and mounting hardware for wear
and play. Replace if necessary
100 or annually
Inspect shaft, reservoir, damper body and air can
for scratches or damage (if applicable). Replace if
necessary
100 or annually
Replace all seals 100 or annually
Replace damping uid (if applicable) 100 or annually
5Maintenance
RockShox Suspension Service
We recommend that you have your RockShox suspension serviced by a qualified bicycle mechanic. Servicing RockShox suspension
requires knowledge of suspension components as well as the special tools and fluids used for service.
For exploded diagram and part number information, please refer to the Spare Parts Catalog available on our web site at
www.sram.com/service.
For order information, please contact your local SRAM distributor or dealer.
Information contained in this publication is subject to change at any time without prior notice. For the latest technical information,
please visit our website at sram.com/service.
Your product‘s appearance may dier from the pictures/diagrams contained in this publication.
Mounting Hardware and Bushing Service
Prior to servicing the rear shock, remove it from the bicycle frame according to the bicycle manufacturer's instructions. Once the
shock is removed from the bicycle, remove the mounting hardware before performing any service.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the shock use aluminum soft jaws and position the eyelet in the vise so that the adjustment knobs
are clear of the vise jaws.
To ensure proper performance, always grease all o-rings before installation with RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease
Parts and Tools for Mounting and Bushing Service
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Apron
• Clean, lint-free rags
• Suspension specific grease
• Bench vise with aluminum soft jaws
• RockShox 1/2" x 1/2" rear shock bushing removal/installation tool
• 13 mm open end wrench
• Adjustable wrench
Mounting Hardware Removal
Some mounting hardware is easily removed using only your fingers.
Try to remove the end spacers with your fingernail, then push the
bushing pin out of the bushing. If this works, move on to the next
section, Eyelet Bushing Replacement.
If you are unable to remove the mounting hardware using your
fingers, use the RockShox rear shock bushing removal/installation
tool.
1 Thread the small end of the push pin onto the threaded rod
until the rod is flush or slightly protrudes from the hex-shaped
end of the push pin.
Threaded rod
Push pin
Catcher
Rear shock bushing installation/removal tool
6RockShox Suspension Service
2 Insert the threaded rod through the shaft eyelet until the push
pin rests against the bushing pin.
Thread the large, open end of the catcher along the rod until it
rests on the end spacer.
3 Clamp the catcher in a vise or hold it secure with a 13 mm
open end or adjustable wrench.
Use a second 13 mm wrench to thread the push pin along the
rod until it stops against the end spacer.
Unthread the push pin from the threaded rod and remove the
end spacer from that side.
NOTICE
Do not scratch the air can as you turn the wrench.
4 Reinsert the threaded rod and push pin through the shaft
eyelet.
Thread the large, open end of the catcher along the rod until it
rests against the shaft eyelet.
Use a 13 mm wrench to thread the push pin along the rod until
it stops against the end spacer.
5 Unthread the catcher from the threaded rod.
Remove the end spacer and bushing pin from the tool.
Set the mounting hardware aside until you have finished
servicing your shock.
Repeat for the body eyelet.
13 mm 13 mm
13 mm 13 mm
7Mounting Hardware Removal
Eyelet Bushing Replacement
To replace damaged or worn out bushings, use the RockShox rear shock bushing removal/installation tool.
1 Insert the threaded rod through the shaft eyelet until the base
of the push pin rests against the bushing.
Thread the large, open end of the catcher onto the rod until it
rests on the eyelet.
2 Clamp the catcher in a vise or hold it secure with a 13 mm
wrench.
Use a second 13 mm wrench to thread the push pin along the
rod until the push pin pushes the eyelet bushing out of the
eyelet.
3 Unthread the catcher from the threaded rod. Remove the tool
from the shaft eyelet and discard the old bushing.
Repeat steps 1-3 for the other eyelet.
4 Apply a small amount of grease to the outside of the new
bushing.
13 mm 13 mm
8Eyelet Bushing Replacement
5 Position the shaft eyelet and eyelet bushing between the soft
jaws of a vise. Slowly turn the vise handle to begin pressing
the eyelet bushing into the shaft eyelet.
Check the alignment of the bushing as it enters the eyelet. If
the bushing starts to enter the eyelet at an angle, remove the
bushing from the eyelet, regrease the bushing, and repeat
this step until the bushing enters the eyelet straight.
6 Continue to press the eyelet bushing until it is seated in the
shaft eyelet.
Remove the shock from the vise and repeat the installation
process for the other bushing and eyelet.
9Eyelet Bushing Replacement
Mounting Hardware Installation
Some mounting hardware is easily installed using only your fingers. Press the bushing pin into the shock eyelet bushing until the pin
protrudes from both sides of the eyelet an equal amount. Next, press an end spacer, large diameter side first, onto each end of the
bushing pin. If this works, you have completed mounting hardware and bushing service.
If you are unable to install your mounting hardware using your fingers, use the RockShox rear shock bushing removal/installation
tool.
1 Thread the small end of the push pin onto the threaded rod
until the push pin is flush or slightly protrudes from the
hex-shaped end of the push pin.
2 Insert the threaded rod through the bushing pin then through
the shaft eyelet so that the bushing pin is positioned between
the push pin and the eyelet.
3 Thread the large, open end of the catcher onto the rod until it
rests on the eyelet.
10 Mounting Hardware Installation
4 Clamp the catcher in a vise or hold it secure with a 13 mm
wrench.
Use a second 13 mm wrench to thread the push pin along
the rod until it pushes the bushing pin into the shock eyelet
bushing.
Continue to thread the push pin until the bushing pin
protrudes from both sides of the eyelet an equal amount.
You may need to unthread the catcher slightly to check the
bushing pin spacing.
5 Unthread the catcher from the threaded rod and remove the
tool from the shaft eyelet.
6 Press an end spacer, large diameter side first, onto each end of
the bushing pin.
13 mm
11 Mounting Hardware Installation
Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Service
Prior to servicing your rear shock, remove it from the bicycle frame according to the bicycle manufacturer's instructions. Once the
shock is removed from the bicycle, remove the mounting hardware before performing any service (see the Mounting Hardware And
Bushing Service section).
Parts and Tools Needed For Service
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Apron
• Clean, lint-free rags
• Oil pan
• Isopropyl alcohol
• RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease
• Suspension specific grease
• Maxima® Maxum4 Extra 15w50 lube
• RockShox 3wt suspension fluid
• Bench vise with aluminum soft jaws
• RockShox Rear Shock Vise Block
• Monarch air fill adapter
• Torque wrench
• 12 mm socket wrench
• 13, 17, and 27 mm open end wrench
• 13, 17, and 27 mm crowfoot wrench
• 1.5 and 2 mm hex wrenches
• T10 TORX® wrench and bit socket
• 5 inch socket extension
• Schrader valve core tool
• Strap wrench
• Pick
• Shock pump
• Metric caliper or small metric ruler
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when working with suspension fluid.
Place an oil pan on the floor underneath the area where you will be working on the shock.
NOTICE
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing o-rings, use your
fingers or a pick to remove the o-ring. Clean the o-ring groove and apply grease to the new o-ring.
To prevent damage to the shock use aluminum soft jaws and position the eyelet in the vise so that the adjustment knobs are clear
of the vise jaws.
Your product's appearance may dier from the pictures/diagrams contained in this publication.
Air Can Removal
1 To record your adjustment settings, turn the rebound adjuster
knob counter-clockwise (toward the rabbit) until it stops, while
counting the number of detent clicks. This will assist you with
post-service set up.
Monarch Plus RC3 Only: Turn the compression lever to the
unlocked (min) position.
12 Monarch Plus™ RC3/R Service
2 Record your air pressure setting to assist with post-service set
up. Remove the air valve cap by hand. Use a small hex wrench
to depress the Schrader valve and release all air pressure from
the air can. Use a Schrader valve tool to remove and replace
the valve core from the valve body.
CAUTION- EYE HAZARD
Do not disassemble a pressurized shock, this can cause
suspension fluid or debris to forcefully eject from the shock.
Wear
safety glasses.
3 Clamp the shaft eyelet into a vise, with the shock
positioned horizontally.
4 If the shock is collapsed so that a minimal amount of damper
body is visible, there is still air pressure in the air can.
Insert a rag through the damper body eyelet. This will prevent
the air can from forcefully ejecting from the shock upon
disassembly.
CAUTION- EYE HAZARD
Do not disassemble a pressurized shock, this can cause
suspension fluid or debris to forcefully eject from the shock.
Wear safety glasses.
13 Air Can Removal
5 Use a strap wrench to remove the air can. Wrap the strap
around the section of the air can furthest from the shaft
eyelet. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to unthread the air
can.
Once it is completely unthreaded, slowly pull the air can
along the damper body to remove it.
Do not place the strap wrench on the air can decal.
High Volume Air Cans: Grip the lower portion of the can;
otherwise, the high volume sleeve will rotate independent of
the air can.
DebonAirTM Air Cans: Remove the sleeve retaining o-ring
and the outer sleeve. Clean the air can sleeve. Place a strap
wrench on the air can. Turn the strap wrench counter-
clockwise to remove the
air can.
Be careful not to damage seal glands with the strap wrench.
Vacuum pressure will increase as you pull the air can along
the damper body, then suddenly release as the end of the can
comes over the damper body eyelet.
14 Air Can Removal
Air Can Service
NOTICE
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing seals and o-rings,
use your fingers or a pick to remove the seal or o-ring. Clean the groove and apply RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease to the new
seal or o-ring.
1 Use a pick to pierce and remove the air can dust wiper seal
located in the top groove.
Use a pick to pierce and remove the quad seal located
between the two backup rings in the second deepest groove.
2 Use a pick to remove the two backup rings from the second
deepest groove inside the air can.
3 Spray isopropyl alcohol inside the air can and clean it with a
rag. Remove a glove and use your finger to inspect the inside
and outside of the air can for scratches, dents, or other
surface deformations. Replace the air can if it is scratched or
damaged.
All air cans have a small dimple, as seen from the exterior of
the can, and high volume air cans have a small port inside the
high volume sleeve that you should feel.
4 Install the first backup ring by inserting one end into the air
can, then push the remainder of the ring into the can, so that
it rests on the bottom of the second deepest groove.
15 Air Can Service
5 Apply a small amount of RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease to
the new quad seal and install it above the backup ring in the
second deepest groove.
6 Install the second backup ring by inserting one end into the air
can, then push the remainder of the ring into the can, so that
it rests on the quad seal at the top of the second deepest
groove.
7 Orient the new dust wiper seal step side up. Install it into the
dust wiper seal groove at the top of the air can.
8 Spray isopropyl alcohol on the air can threads and eyelet body
threads and clean them with a rag.
Apply a small amount of RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease to
the quad seal, backup rings, and dust wiper seal. Set the air
can aside.
16 Air Can Service
9 High Volume Air Cans: Remove the retention o-ring from the
high volume sleeve. Firmly grip the high volume sleeve and
slide it o of the air can.
10 High Volume Air Cans: Use your fingers to remove and
replace the high volume sleeve o-rings.
DebonAirTM Air Cans: Use your fingers to remove and replace
the three o-rings.
Spray isopropyl alcohol inside the high volume sleeve and
clean it with a rag.
11 High Volume Air Cans: Apply a small amount of suspension
specific grease to the inside of the sleeve. This stops the
o-rings from rolling as the sleeve slides over them.
Slide the sleeve onto the air can.
Install the high volume sleeve retention o-ring into the groove
outside of the air can.
DebonAirTM Air Cans: Leave the sleeve o until after the air
can has been installed and torqued.
DebonAir
17 Air Can Service
Damper Body Service
NOTICE
Use aluminum soft jaws to protect the damper body eyelet when clamped.
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing seals and o-rings,
use your fingers or a pick to remove the seal or o-ring. Clean the groove and apply grease to the new seal or o-ring.
1 Use a Schrader valve tool to remove the IFP reservoir valve
cap. Use a small hex wrench or pick to depress the Schrader
valve and release all air pressure from the IFP reservoir.
Once the pressure has been released, depress the Schrader
valve a second time. If the Schrader valve is able to move, the
shock has been completely depressurized.
If the Schrader valve does not move at all, the shock is still
pressurized and will need to be sent to an authorized Rock-
Shox service center for further service.
CAUTION - EYE HAZARD
Verify all pressure is removed from the shock before
proceeding. Failure to do so can cause the damper body to
separate from the shaft eyelet at a high velocity. Wear safety
glasses.
Do not remove the damper body bleed screw from the
damper body eyelet until instructed to do so. Removing the
damper body bleed screw while the shock is pressurized will
result in fluid being forcefully ejected from the bleed port.
Wear safety glasses.
2 Remove and replace the top out bumper on the damper body.
3 Use a 17 mm open end wrench to loosen the seal head/air
piston assembly from the damper body. Use your hand to
remove the assembly.
Fluid will spill from the assembly.
17 mm
18 Damper Body Service
4 Remove the damper body from the vise and pour the fluid
into an oil pan.
19 Damper Body Service
Piston Service
NOTICE
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing seals and o-rings,
use your fingers or a pick to remove the seal or o-ring. Clean the groove and apply RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease to the new
seal or o-ring.
1 Spray isopropyl alcohol on the shaft assembly and clean it
with a rag.
2 Slide the seal head/air piston toward the shaft eyelet until it
stops.
3 Use the RockShox Rear Shock Vise Block to clamp the
damper shaft into a vise.
Do not remove the damper shaft from the eyelet.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the seal head/air piston, position the
damper shaft in the vise so that the piston and IFP reservoir
are clear of the vise jaws.
4 Use a 12 mm socket wrench to remove the main piston nut.
space between steps
space between frames
12 mm
20 Piston Service
5 Use a small wrench or pick to slide the main piston assembly
o the damper shaft and onto the tool.
Keep all the parts together and set them aside.
NOTICE
If the shims are not in the correct order, the shock will not
perform properly.
6 Remove the seal head/air piston from the damper shaft.
7 Use a pick to remove and replace the internal seal o-ring
located in the internal seal gland.
8 Use a pick to remove and replace the inner o-ring, located at
the base of the threads in the seal head/air piston.
space between steps
space between frames
21 Piston Service
9 Remove and replace the bottom out washer and o-ring from
the damper shaft.
10 Use your fingers to remove and replace the o-ring located
inside the shaft eyelet threads.
11 Install the seal head/air piston onto the damper shaft.
22 Piston Service
12 Use your fingers to remove and replace the seal head/air
piston seal and glide rings.
13 Use the RockShox Rear Shock Vise Block to clamp the damper
shaft into a vise.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the seal head/air piston, position the
shaft in the vise so that the piston and IFP reservoir are clear
of the
vise jaws.
23 Piston Service
14 Install the main piston assembly that was removed in step 5
onto the damper shaft. To ensure the delta shim is centered,
use your fingers to squeeze the shims and center the shim
stack on top the main piston.
Be sure to keep the main piston assembly parts in the
same order.
NOTICE
If the shims are not centered and in the correct order, the
shock will not perform properly.
15 Apply 242® Blue Loctite® only on the threads of the nut, then
thread the nut onto the damper shaft. Use a torque wrench
with a 12 mm socket to tighten the main piston nut to
4.5 Nm (40 in-lb).
Remove the assembly from the vise.
12 mm 4.5 N·m (40 in-lb)
24 Piston Service
IFP Reservoir Service
NOTICE
Use aluminum soft jaws to protect the damper body eyelet when clamped.
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing seals and o-rings,
use your fingers or a pick to remove the seal or o-ring. Clean the groove and apply grease to the new seal or o-ring.
1 Clamp the shaft eyelet into the vise.
Use your thumb to push the IFP reservoir cap into the
reservoir until it stops.
2 Use a pick to remove the retention clip from the IFP reservoir.
CAUTION - EYE HAZARD
The retention clip can eject rapidly as it is removed.
Wear safety glasses.
Do not scratch the inside of the IFP reservoir with the pick.
3 Thread the Monarch™ air valve adapter tool into a shock
pump. Thread the pump and adapter into the IFP reservoir
cap. Pull up on the pump and rock it side to side to remove
the IFP reservoir cap from the IFP reservoir.
Remove the IFP reservoir cap assembly from the pump/
adapter.
Inspect the IFP reservoir cap for damage. If it is damaged, it
will need to be replaced.
space between steps
space between frames
25 IFP Reservoir Service
4 Remove and replace the IFP reservoir cap o-ring.
5 Use a 27 mm open end wrench at the base of the IFP reservoir
to loosen it from the eyelet.
Remove the shock from the vise, hold it over an oil pan, and
turn the shock over to remove the IFP reservoir by hand.
Fluid will spill from the IFP reservoir when it is removed. Pour
the fluid into an oil pan.
6 Monarch Plus™ RC3 Only: Use your fingers to remove the
compression assembly from the IFP reservoir or eyelet.
If the compression assembly is still installed in the eyelet, pull
on the piston nut while rocking it from side to side to remove
the compression assembly.
7 Monarch Plus RC3 Only: Remove and replace the compression
assembly o-rings.
27 mm
26 IFP Reservoir Service
8 Use your fingers to remove and replace the o-ring located
inside the eyelet threads.
9 Use your finger to push the IFP out of the IFP reservoir.
10 Use a T10 TORX® wrench to remove the IFP bleed screw.
Replace the o-ring on the IFP bleed screw.
Set the bleed screw aside.
11 Remove and replace the IFP o-ring.
T10
27 IFP Reservoir Service
12 Install the IFP, flat side up, into the IFP reservoir. Use a metric
caliper or ruler to push the IFP into the reservoir to a depth
of 35 mm.
13 Monarch Plus™ RC3 Only: Install the compression assembly,
nut side first, into the threaded side of the IFP reservoir. Push
the compression assembly into the reservoir until it stops.
Check that the compression lever is still in the unlocked
(min) position and the compression needle is sticking up.
14 Thread the IFP reservoir onto the eyelet by hand. Use a torque
wrench with 27 mm crowfoot to tighten the IFP reservoir to
8.4 N·m (75 in-lb).
Install the crowfoot onto the torque wrench at a 90° angle to
the handle to ensure an accurate torque reading.
35 mm
27 mm 8.4 N·m (75 in-lb)
28 IFP Reservoir Service
Reassembly and Bleed
NOTICE
Use aluminum soft jaws to protect the damper body eyelet when clamped.
Do not scratch any sealing surfaces when servicing your suspension. Scratches can cause leaks. When replacing seals and o-rings,
use your fingers or a pick to remove the seal or o-ring. Clean the groove and apply grease to the new seal or o-ring.
1 Clamp the damper body eyelet into the vise. Wrap a clean rag
around the damper body.
2 Pour new RockShox 3wt suspension fluid into the damper
body until it is level with the top.
3 Check that the rebound adjuster is set to the minimum setting
(toward the rabbit).
Monarch RC3 Only: Check that the compression lever is set to
the unlocked (min) position. Use a 1.5 mm hex wrench to push
the compression needle up. This will ensure that there is a
path for bleeding.
Slide the seal head/air piston until it stops at the end of the
damper shaft.
4 Use your hand to install the seal head/air piston onto the
damper body.
Do not hold on to the shaft eyelet or damper shaft while
inserting the seal head. It will move the piston/shaft
assembly, causing too much fluid to displace out of the
damper body.
space between steps
space between frames
3wt
1.5 mm RC3
29 Reassembly and Bleed
5 Use a torque wrench with a 17 mm crowfoot to tighten the
seal head/air piston to 28 N·m (248 in-lb).
Install the crowfoot onto the torque wrench at a 90° angle to
the handle to ensure an accurate torque reading.
6 Remove the shock from the vise. Turn the shock over and
clamp the shaft eyelet into the vise.
7 Slowly push the damper body downward. Fluid will begin to
fill the reservoir through the IFP bleed port. Continue to push
down until the damper body stops.
CAUTION- EYE HAZARD
Do not look directly into the reservoir as you push on the
damper body. Fluid may be ejected from the IFP reservoir if
you push the damper down to fast. Wear safety glasses.
8 Pour RockShox 3wt suspension fluid into the IFP reservoir
until it is level with the top of the reservoir.
9 Slowly pull up on the damper body until it stops. This will
cycle fluid from the reservoir back into the damper body and
purge air bubbles from the system.
Continue to pull up and push down on the damper body until
no more air bubbles emerge from the IFP bleed port.
17 mm 28 N·m (248 in-lb)
3wt
30 Reassembly and Bleed
10 Use a T10 TORX® wrench to install the IFP bleed screw into the
IFP. The bleed screw should be submerged in fluid.
11 Use a T10 TORX wrench to remove the damper body bleed
screw from the damper body eyelet.
12 Wrap a clean rag around the damper body. Slowly push down
on the damper body to purge the air bubbles from the bleed
port in the damper body eyelet.
Stop pushing on the damper body when there are no
more air bubbles.
13 If the damper body is all the way down and air bubbles are still
present, then reinstall the damper bleed screw, remove the IFP
bleed screw, and repeat steps 9-12 until no more
air bubbles are present.
T10
T10
31 Reassembly and Bleed
14 Replace the o-ring on the damper body bleed screw.
Use a T10 TORX® wrench to install the damper body bleed
screw into the damper body eyelet. Use a torque wrench with
a
T10 TORX bit socket to tighten the bleed screw to 1.1 N·m (10
in-lb).
To ensure a good bleed, fluid should be displaced out of
the bleed port.
Spray isopropyl alcohol on the damper body and clean it
with a rag.
15 Use a T10 TORX wrench to remove the IFP bleed screw
from the IFP.
16 Pour additional RockShox 3wt suspension fluid into the IFP
reservoir until it is level with the top of the reservoir.
T10
T10 1.1 N·m (10 in-lb)
T10
3wt
32 Reassembly and Bleed
17 Slowly pull up on the damper body until it stops.
18 Use a T10 TORX® wrench to install the IFP bleed screw into the
IFP. The bleed screw should be submerged in fluid.
19 Remove the shock from the vise. Pour the fluid out of the IFP
reservoir. Spray isopropyl alcohol in the IFP reservoir and
clean it with a rag.
Clamp the shaft eyelet into the vise so the shock is vertical.
20 Use the Schrader valve tool to install a new Schrader valve
into
the IFP reservoir cap.
T10
33 Reassembly and Bleed
21 Apply a small amount of grease to the IFP reservoir cap
o-ring. Push the IFP reservoir cap into the IFP reservoir until
the retaining ring groove is visible.
22 Push the new retaining ring into the groove until it is seated.
CAUTION- EYE HAZARD
The retention clip can eject rapidly as it is removed.
Wear safety glasses.
23 Thread the pump and Monarch™ air valve adapter tool into the
IFP reservoir cap. Pull up on the pump to seat the reservoir
cap against the retaining ring.
34 Reassembly and Bleed
24 Use the pump to pressurize the IFP reservoir to 250 psi.
Once you have pressurized the reservoir, remove the Monarch
air valve adapter from the air fill port before removing it from
the shock pump.
Separating the pump from the adapter first will allow all of
the air to escape from the reservoir.
You may substitute nitrogen if you have the proper fill
equipment.
25 Remove and replace the IFP reservoir fill cap o-ring. Use a
Schrader valve tool to install the fill cap into the IFP reservoir
cap.
26 Spray the shock with isopropyl alcohol and clean it with a rag.
250 psi
35 Reassembly and Bleed
Air Can Installation
N O T I C E
Use aluminum soft jaws to protect the shaft eyelet when clamped.
1 Install the top out bumper onto the damper body. Apply
RockShox Dynamic Seal Grease to the seal head/air piston
seals.
Clamp the shaft eyelet in the vise with soft jaws.
2 Apply a small amount of grease to the air can threads. Inject
0.5 mL of Maxima® Maxum4 Extra 15w 50 into the air can
before installing the air can onto the damper. Firmly press the
air can down until the sealhead/air piston is inserted into the
air can.
DebonAirTM Air Cans: The high volume sleeve is not on the air
can at this time.
CAUTION- EYE HAZARD
Fluid will eject out of the holes as you install the air sleeve
onto the damper. Wear safety glasses.
3 Remove the shock from the vise, turn it over and clamp the
damper body eyelet in the soft jaws.
Inject another 0.5 mL of Maxima® Maxum4 Extra 15w 50
into the air can.
N O T I C E
Do not install bottomless rings within the boxed area as it will
reduce shock travel and performance.
15w 0.5 mL
15w 0.5 mL
36 Air Can Installation
4 Insert a 5 inch socket extension through the shaft eyelet. Push
down on the shaft eyelet while pulling the air can up until the
air can threads engage with the eyelet threads.
Turn the socket extension clockwise until the shaft eyelet
threads and air can threads are tight.
High volume air cans only: Grip the lower portion of the can;
otherwise, the high volume sleeve will rotate independent of
the air can.
5 Stabilize the air can with a strap wrench to prevent it from
rotating. Use a torque wrench with a 13 mm crowfoot socket
to tighten the air can to 4.5 Nm (40 in-lb).
DebonAirTM Air Cans only: Reinstall the high volume sleeve
so that the indentation on the sleeve aligns with the middle
o-ring gland on the air can.
6 Remove the shock from the vise. Spray isopropyl alcohol on
the shock and clean it with a rag.
7 Install the sag indicator o-ring.
13 mm 4.5 N∙m (40 in-lb)
37 Air Can Installation
8 Reinstall the shock mounting hardware (see the Mounting
Hardware And Bushing Service section).
9 Reinstall the shock to your bicycle frame according to the
bicycle manufacturer's instructions.
10 Use a shock pump to pressurize the shock to the desired air
pressure, then install the valve cap.
High Volume and DebonAirTM Air Cans: Align decal
orientation before pressurizing.
11 DebonAir TM Air Cans only: Use a shock pump to pressurize the shock to the desired air pressure. After adding air to the
shock, the pressure will need to be equalized between the shock chambers.
Record the air pressure value on the pump, then unthread it from the shock. Slowly but firmly press or sit on the saddle to
compress the shock until there is a hissing sound.
This sound indicates air transfer between chambers. Record the air pressure, then unthread it from the shock. Repeat this
process until you reach the desired amount of sag.
N O T I C E
When pressurizing the shock, do not exceed 275 psi.
The pump must be removed from the shock prior to checking sag to avoid damage to the pump.
This concludes the service for the Monarch Plus™ RC3/R rear shock.
38 Air Can Installation
This publication includes trademarks and registered trademarks of the following companies:
TORX® is a registered trademark of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC
Loctite® and 242® are registered trademarks of Henkel Corporation
Maxima® Maxum4 Extra 15w 50 is a registered trademark of Maxima Racing Oils
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-SRAM TechCom Vision Statement
www.sram.com
tmplt 6.1.2016
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