Calling all Risse Air Shock Owners - HELP...

[Carbon_Kiwi]

hmm... ok, not sure about this one
just recently i've noticed that if i pick up the rear of my bike [like under the seat] my genesis drops a little, like there's a lack of oil of air pressure in it. in relation to that, it was on my bike rack the other day - hot sunny day and i noticed that there was a little stream of oil running down the swingarm. this only seems to happen if it's left in the hot sun - ie: it doesn't leak normally.
so i guess what i'm asking is this: does that sound normal? the wee leak thing, and the [for want of a better word] play in the shock?
should i top up the oil in it [or at least check it?].
i'm also thinking of putting some heavier weight [say 7wt] in it to atempt to slow the rebound a little.
sound like a go???
look forward to yr comments everyone  
cheers...

[Simon]

Haven't got a genisis but an astro5, basically the same shock, but there shouldn't be any oil seepage, no way,if still under warranty send it back, and while they sort it out get them to put some heavier weight oil in, this will slow the rebound as you require ,as for the shock dropping when lifting your bike try pumping it up some more then see if it still drops,but for an unweighted bike I'd say the shock shouldn't drop even at a lowish pressure,have you checked the bottom bush,mines worn out already (3 months use) so when I lift mine the s/arm drops a little also giving a little clonk,Simon

[Carbon_Kiwi]

hmm... bummer.
well i'm gonna try servicing it myself - it's riding season and i don't wanna send it all the way back to the states right about now [getting close to silly season and all]. if it all turns to custard then i still have my nr-2 so i can still ride...

[Simon]

Go for it,maybe stripping it out and thoroughly clean out the internals may just cure your leak,you may have a foreign object in a seal causing a leak,if the seal is undamaged you may be lucky,or if you find another problem you can get the parts shipped over and fit yourself,all good experiance in the end,good luck.Simon [smiley=nod.gif]

[Carbon_Kiwi]

yes indeedy - thanks for the feedback Simon  

[drtunit]

As to the leak, Risse may claim that it is not normal but from people I have talked to, it is normal. Some of it has to do with the amount of air pressure behind the seal and the finish on the shaft. Air pressure inside actually helps hold the lip seal tight to the shaft (also creating some stiction). If you run the shock a little soft to make it more plush, or if air leaks out (check the shrader valve for leak) it may leak more oil than you like. Also the finish on the shock shaft will abbrate against the seal and wear on the fine wiper surface-but this is usually after a long period of time. The bottom line, the air leak may have contributed to the oil leak but either way, a simple fix and something you want to do yourself.

[Simon]

Must admit not heard about a problem with risse units leaking oil/air(checked bikemagic reviews of risse units, no one mentioned having any leaks) but if they do and its due to the finish on the shaft then thats a manufacturing fault, if they leak at low pressure because they require pressure to seal the seal   then thats a design fault, both of which are unexceptable we don't pay hard earned money for high quality units to behave like that,if mine did, it would go back and I'd get another make, fortunatly mines been excellent, except for the bottom bush wearing out,Simon [smiley=nod.gif]