SHOCK ABSORBERS OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of these shock absorbers and thank you for choosing Elka Suspension. This owner’s manual is your complete guide to install, adjust and fine-tune your shock absorbers to get the maximum performance out of your purchase. It also offers important information about maintenance, warranty and servicing of these products. Carefully read this manual before installing your new shock absorbers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLATION AND RIDING IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Shock absorbers are an important component that can noticeably alter the handling of your vehicle, and this owner's manual explains how to use and adjust them properly. If you are uncomfortable installing your shock absorbers or are unsure of the method, have a qualified mechanic install them for you. Improper installation and adjustment could potentially lead to injuries, death and/or damage to your vehicle or other vehicles.
LOCATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS AND COMPONENTS 23 1 2 23 24 24 23 24 3 4 21 17 26 5 (Stage 5 models shown above) 6 18 19 7 27 20 8 9 10 Factory Shock shown above) 11 16 9 18 25 12 19 13 14 (Stage 4 model shown) 15 4 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. 21 (Stage 3 model shown) 22 Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.
LOCATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS AND COMPONENTS 1. Top mounting eyelet, featuring spherical bearing 2. Head of the shock absorber 3. PRELOAD adjustment ring (see p.10 for adjustment procedures) 4. Self-sagging spring (no-preload), will normally compress from the weight of the vehicle 5. Top crossover spacer, prevents coil binding of the self-sagging spring 6. Middle spring, vehicle-specific to control body roll 7. CROSSOVER SPACER, controls the initial firmness or softness 8. Body of the shock absorber 9.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES RIDE HEIGHT - SPORTS & RACING ATV MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE) The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider sitting on the vehicle in riding position. The ride height is measured in inches, the front and rear measurements being taken according to the following procedures: Have the rider sit on the bike in a racing position.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES RIDE HEIGHT - SPORTS-UTILITY QUAD MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE) The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider sitting on the vehicle in riding position. The ride height is measured in inches, the front and rear measurements being taken according to the following procedures: Have the rider sit on the bike in a racing position.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES RIDE HEIGHT - SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE) The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider sitting on the vehicle in riding position.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES RIDE HEIGHT - SNOWMOBILE MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE) The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider sitting on the vehicle in riding position.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES SPRING PRELOAD ABOUT SPRING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock (see p.4-5 for location). This ring is used to increase or decrease the initial tension on the spring and therefore, the ride-height of the vehicle, also referred to as frame clearance. Frame clearance is the distance between the ground and the chassis.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES COMPRESSION (STAGE 3 MODELS) ABOUT THE COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT The black knob located on the remote reservoir is the compression adjustment. This adjustment controls the hydraulic resistance to high-speed impacts. A harder compression damping will offer more resistance to impacts but will provide a stiffer rider. A softer compression damping will provide a smoother ride but less resistance on impacts. If the compression adjustment is correct, the wheels can achieve maximum travel.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION (STAGE 4, STAGE 5 AND FACTORY MODELS) ABOUT LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT The dual compression knobs located on the reservoir controls the high- and low-speed damping of the shock absorber. Functioning independently, the small red-coloured knob controls the low-speed setting, which is when the shaft’s movement is normal to slower like on g-outs, over small undulations, when cornering and accelerating, etc.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES HIGH-SPEED COMPRESSION (STAGE 4, STAGE 5 AND FACTORY MODELS) ABOUT HIGH-SPEED COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT The dual compression knobs located on the reservoir controls the high- and low-speed damping of the shock absorber. Functioning independently, the larger black knob controls the high-speed setting (when the shaft’s movement is faster like when landing jumps, holes, etc.).
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES REBOUND (STAGE 1+, 2+, 3, 4, 5 AND FACTORY MODELS) ABOUT REBOUND ADJUSTMENT The rebound adjustment is located at the bottom of the shock absorber (see page 4-5). This adustment controls the speed the shock will return to its initial extended state after being compressed from an impact. When the rebound adjustment is set properly, the rear wheel should keep maximum traction by tracking the ground without catapulting the rider off the bike.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES TRACK SYSTEM™ (FACTORY SHOCK MODELS ONLY) ABOUT THE PATENTED TRACK SYSTEM™ The purpose of the TRACK System™ is to increase shock performance over high-speed square edge bumps. It increases traction and control, by ensuring constant contact between the tire rubber and the track surface. It also reduces feedback through the handlebars, reducing the dreaded “arm-pump” and increases rider endurance.
MAINTENANCE CLEANING PROCEDURES GENERAL MAINTENANCE A well-maintained shock absorber will last longer and perform better. The best way to protect your shock absorbers from the elements is to use Elka Suspension shock absorber protectors. For cleaning, use a gentle detergent and pay particular attention to areas where debris can become lodged. Do not use any abrasive cleaning products.
MAINTENANCE CARE & SERVICING SCHEDULE OPERATION AFTER EACH USE END OF EACH SEASON ANNUALLY Clean under the bottom-out bumper Yes Yes Yes Clean shock absorber’s exterior Yes Yes Yes Check the hoses for leaks or loosening Inspect Inspect Inspect Check the shaft for damage or rust Inspect Inspect Inspect Check the seal head for leaks or loosening Inspect Inspect / Replace Inspect / Replace Check all mounting nuts for loosening Inspect Inspect Inspect Check spherical bearings Inspe
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE & SERVICING LOGBOOK USE THE FOLLOWING SPACE TO LOG THE MAINTENANCE MADE TO YOUR SHOCK ABSORBERS DATE MAINTENANCE OPERATION 18 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.
MAINTENANCE RETURN PROCEDURES FOR SERVICE WORK OR WARRANTY HOW TO PROCEED To ship your shock absorbers to our Factory Service Department for servicing or warranty issues, simply follow these easy steps: 1. Call our Customer Service Department to get a Return Goods Authorization Number (RGA Number) at 1-800-557-0552 or 450-655-4855. This RGA number is mandatory for all incoming packages. Without this return number, the service can be delayed. 2.
SERVICE WORK ORDER IMPORTANT! READ FIRST: SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS 1) Call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-557-0552 or 450-655-4855 to get a Returned Goods Authorization number (RGA#). 2) Clean your shocks thoroughly. Use gentle detergent and pay attention to areas where debris can become lodged. 3) Wrap each shock individually before placing them in a box to avoid damage during shipping. Any damage during shipping is your responsability.
ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM The front of the vehicle dives when cornering and braking POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE MEASURES 1. The auxialiary spring has too much stroke. 1. Change crossover length (call for instructions) or contact Elka for substitute parts. 2. Not enough low-speed compression damping. 2. Increase the low-speed compression damping (see p.12) 3. Close TRACK System™ if such equipped The front of the vehicle is stiff.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE MEASURES 1. Too much rebound damping. 1. Reduce the rebound damping (see The compression accumulates and p.14). prevents the shock absorber from returning to proper extension before hitting the next bump. The vehicle shoots up and dances about when going over a series of small bumps. 2. Too much compression damping. The shock absorber is not using its full stroke (travel). 2. Reduce the compression damping (see p.11). 3.
PART # OWNERS MANUAL 1585-M De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Phone: 1-800-557-0552 or +1-450-655-4855 www.elkasuspension.
