[Happymtb.fr]

I promised to help a friend with servicing his RS Deluxe shock and I have some difficulty removing the white nylon compression ball from the bleed port.

RS recommend pushing from the oil side with a 1,5mm Allen key which didn't worked at all...

It's the first time the shock is open and the ball seems to be heavily compressed.

I even removed the IFP, install the seal head / air piston into the damper body and then pressurised it as high as 450psi. Nothing moved and the it was airtight.

In suggestions?

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Picture for added clarity

 

[FarkinRyan]

Take the sealhead off the shaft, turn it upside down in a vice and punch the ball out from the oil side with your 1.5mm allen key and a hammer. If you have one to sacrifice cut the short end off it to make it a better punch.

 

[tacubaya]

Yeah those can get stuck really good in there. I second Ryan; try to punch it out from the oil side, just be careful.

 

[kidwoo]

Gimme that thing, I can probably suck the anodizing off too in the process.

They called me the vacuum in college. Take the paint right off a buick

 

[jstuhlman]

#kidhoover

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Thanks guys, I will try that!

 

[Happymtb.fr]

It worked like a charm, thanks @FarkinRyan and @tacubaya !

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Another question: my friend's shock had gone roughly 100h and the oil was already black so that I will change it. I don't plan on changing the seals (maybe dum?) but I need to change at least the nylon ball. RS sells packs of 20 balls which are sold out here in Sweden and should be back in stock in 4 weeks...
I found 3mm nylon balls from another none bike industry related supplier, would they do the job?

 

[Udi]

I found 3mm nylon balls from another none bike industry related supplier, would they do the job?

As long as they fit similarly tightly I don't see a problem, nylon in general is supposed to be largely oil resistant.

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Thanks @Udi ! The thing is that the actual ball is so deformed that I cannot measure it... 3mm is what I guess will fit the hole.

Maybe someone can measure the real thing.

 

[tacubaya]

Might be too late but anyways...

Correct size is 1/8" nylon ball, 3mm will probably do the trick.

 

[Happymtb.fr]

Many thanks! @tacubaya

 

[jonKranked]

Correct size is 1/8" nylon ball, 3mm will probably do the trick.