How do I change elastomers on my REDSHIFT Shockstop Pro Suspension Seatpost RT?

[VonKinsley]

Changing the elastomers on your REDSHIFT Shockstop Pro Suspension Seatpost RT is a straightforward process. Here are the steps, based on the instruction manual:

Removing the Rebound Elastomer:

1. Use a 2.5mm hex wrench to tighten the rebound elastomer set by turning it clockwise until the suspension mechanism moves enough for the rebound elastomer to spin freely.
2. Rotate the rebound elastomer until the open end is visible from the side.
3. Press sideways on the rebound elastomer from the open end to pop it off the set and out of the linkage. Be careful not to lose it. You might need a small hex wrench or similar tool.
4. Once removed, loosen the rebound elastomer set by turning it counter-clockwise until it's no longer visible between the linkages. If the suspension mechanism can be pushed up until the linkages touch, you've loosened the set enough.

Removing the Front Lower Shaft:

1. Use a 2.5mm hex wrench to loosen the lower front shaft set by turning it counter-clockwise at least two full turns. You might need to push the suspension mechanism down for better access.
2. Press the lower front shaft out. A thin tool like a pen can help. You might need to remove the saddle depending on its size and position.

Removing the Internals:

1. Pull upwards on the ball and socket joint. The elastomers might come out with it, but if not, turn the seatpost upside down and lightly tap it to shake them out. Note that the grease might make the elastomer end caps stick.
2. Ensure no dirt or grit gets into the seatpost. Clean and re-grease the inside if needed.

Reinstalling the Internals:

1. If not already greased, apply grease to all elastomer surfaces, including the top and bottom end caps.
2. Install the elastomers. If using two different durometer elastomers, put the softer one in first, then the stiffer one. Both must be installed for proper function.
3. Clean and re-grease the bottom and outer diameter of the socket joint.
4. Install the ball and socket joint so the half-round cutout engages with the lower linkage bushing.
5. Rotate the mechanism until the lower linkage shaft hole aligns with the post's holes.
6. Ensure the half-round cutout on top of the ball and socket joint is engaged with the bushing at the bottom of the lower linkage.
7. Reinstall the lower front pivot shaft with light hand pressure.
8. Tighten the lower front shaft set and torque it to 4Nm.

Reinstalling the Rebound Elastomer:

1. Tighten the rebound elastomer set until the linkages are separated enough to easily install the rebound elastomer.
2. Install the rebound elastomer over the set. Slightly bending the elastomer can help.
3. Loosen the rebound elastomer set until it no longer moves the suspension mechanism. When looking at the front of the linkage, the top of the set should be just one or two turns below the face of the linkage.

For more details, please consult the REDSHIFT Shockstop Pro Suspension Seatpost RT instruction manual.