Like any other mechanical component or part, suspension needs taken care of to keep functioning properly for its full lifespan. If you've ever owned a car, you'll know it doesn't drive too well when you don't give it any fresh oil... ever. 

So, what do you get in return? Servicing your suspension regularly makes your ride feel buttery smooth, means you're less likely to have to replace other internal components (which can get expensive, fast), and prevents downtime by making sure your shock doesn't go out with a bang in the middle of peak season. Because there's nothing worse than sitting on the couch watching your buddies have fun on Instagram while you wait for us to get a part into the shop - we get that. 

Depending on the suspension type, model, and wear of components, what we do during a service can vary. However; a few things remain pretty consistent.

A full service provides fresh oil, new internal seals, as well as a cartridge/damper inspection and cleaning from our techs. On top of this, shocks are vacuum bled with a specialized pump and tested on our dyno, and forks get an air spring service with some TLC around the wiper seals.

All suspension is set to the weight and specifications provided with the booking, and we can even help you with setup if you want something a little more personalized. And if you’re bringing us a job that might be atypical – just give us a call, and one of our techs will fill you in on exactly what we’re doing in there!

The short answer is: it depends.

Mountain Bike

Most brands recommend a full service for your fork and shock every 150-200 hours of ride time. If you want to do the math, feel free to bring it in at 149 hours, since you're counting. If not, once a season is great for most riders. And may we suggest fall or spring, so you don't miss any of that sweet summer ride time? Just a thought.

For air forks, a lowers service should also be performed at 50-hour intervals to keep everything running smoothly. Same for air can service on air shocks. This one you might be able to do at home (DIY kits are available), or we can handle everything in the shop as well. Just fill out a booking form and we're all over it!

Motorsport

For snowmobile we recommend 1500-2000km service interval. Some brands do recommend sooner.

As for motorbike we recommend 40-60hr for off-road use and on road it depend on the application. Contact us for more info.

Truck

For performance truck suspension, most manufacturers recommend a full service after driving about 80,000kms (50,000 miles). That being said, road conditions, vehicle weight, and usage temperature will all affect this number. If you're pushing your truck to its limits, bring it in a bit early (just to be safe).

Think of the inside of your suspension like a fish tank (stay with me here). If you don't change the water and clean the tank every once in awhile, the liquid gets murky and the fish can hardly move around. Now, the filter on the tank is working overtime to clean it out, and it just doesn't look quite as fun as it usually does. It sucks.  

The same thing happens when the oil in your suspension gets dirty. The change in the density of the fluid causes it to struggle to circulate through ports in the shock, and it doesn't respond as consistently to the piston moving it around under compression. This puts strain on internal seals and other components, reducing the lifetime of the shock and increasing the chance of a more serious problem. Plus, you'll notice the difference in response when you ride - a shock with clean oil and components is much snappier and more supportive.

Just bring it in when you get a chance, so you avoid the headache of dealing with those nasty long-term effects. Book a service today!

First of all, go ahead and book a service. This lets us know what's coming and when, so we can fit you into our schedule.

Next, remove your suspension from your ride, and make sure to package it safely before shipping. We recommend bubble wrap, shredded cardboard, or any other packing material that protects suspension from impacts and prevents it from moving inside the box. Then, write the CID or RID number from your booking clearly on the outside of the package, and seal it up!

We accept packages sent via courier, Canada Post, or most international shipping carriers. Address your package to ION2 Progression Suspension, 1A - 1005 7th Avenue, Invermere BC, V0A 1K0 and you're good to go! We'll see your suspension soon!

Yes, ION2 ships both service and retail items to customers across the world. Just provide a valid adress, and your suspension, parts, or other goodies will come straight to your door!

Note that for purchases or services that don't qualify for free shipping, shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer, as well as any taxes and duties that may apply. Feel free to get in touch with any questions, and we'll help out as best we can!

When a shock makes a "squelch" sound under compression (think like a squeaky dog toy, or getting the water out of a really wet mop) then it is likely aerated, which can also be referred to as cavitated, or ‘blown’. This means a previously airtight seal within the suspension isn't quite doing its job, allowing air to get into the chamber containing oil in the shock. This creates air bubbles in the oil, which causes the suspension to feel inconsistent when it moves through its travel, and makes that squishing sound we all love so much! 

To fix this: it’s time for a service. Changing the oil and replacing the problem seal should do the trick, getting the suspension back in full working order and feeling as good as new. This swap is done in the standard full service procedure at ION2, so we’re happy to take care of it! 

Remember that under compression, a shock may make a little noise (that means it's working), but when it consistently sounds like it's gasping for air (even in the garage), we've got a problem. 

What's going on outside affects your suspension too! A few things could be going on here: 

Elevation: 

If you setup your rig perfectly at home, and then climbed high into the mountains to have some fun, of course your suspension is going to feel different! If you have air suspension, the increase in altitude also means an increase in the air pressure in your shock, causing the whole setup to feel stiffer when you initially hop on. Some brands offer altitude bleed ports to release trapped pressure, and coil shocks don't suffer the same changes when it comes to dealing with altitude. So, if you're in for an 1200m vertical day, those could be a good option! However, shocks do their best to compensate for this pressure change, and you'll most likely feel comfortable again a few minutes into the ride. Just be patient! 

Temperature: 

Maybe you usually ride in 16C, and today it's 33C! Get yourself a cool glass of lemonade, and also remember that your suspension might feel a little different...  

Most suspension has an internal piston which moves through a chamber of oil, creating resistance to provide support, control compression, and cause rebound. When the external temperature is high, the oil in this chamber heats up faster when cycled through the suspension. Since hot oil flows considerably faster than cold oil, this can cause your suspension to feel a little more springy than normal. This can happen regardless of external temperatures if you're pushing your suspension to its limit. However, usually a simple rebound adjustment does the trick. Additionally, with every ION2 service, we use better than factory oil, which is less prone to heating up in these conditions, so you can ride hard and not think twice!