- Hold the Shaft Gently
You’ve seen different methods of holding shock shafts while attaching rod ends. We’ve got a great
method for you that are better than any you've ever seen. Place a small piece - about half an inch is
all you need - of silicone fuel tubing over both noses of your needle-nose pliers. Once the tubing is in
place, use the pliers to hold the shock shaft firmly while screwing on the rod end.
- Graphite What?
Want your suspension to work a little bit smoother? Who doesn't? The next time you build or rebuild
your vehicle's suspension, pick up some powdered graphite dry lube from your local hobby shop. It's
used for many things including pine wood derby cars. Put a small amount of dry lube between your
hinge pins and the parts they are going through. You can also put a small amount inside your ball
cups before you snap them in place. Unlike oil or grease, the dry graphite doesn't attract dirt or dust
and will keep your suspension working smoothly. Graphite lube is available through Pinecar and is
called Hob-E-Lube (P358). If your local hobby shop doesn't carry it, ask them to order it for you. If
you can't find powdered graphite in your area, you can also try using baby powder.
- Work Those Shocks
Before a race, it's important to pump your vehicle's shocks. This will help to release any air that may
be in the shocks. If you listen closely when you do this, you can hear the shock oil smooth out as you
pump the shocks. You will notice that your vehicle's suspension is more consistent through the first
few laps of the race.
- Shock Piston
Before inserting oil into the shock, always check if the piston moves smoothly.
- Shock Stopper
To use as a stopper, cut a small piece of silicone tube and insert it in the piston. (on the outside
portion!)
- Shock Bubbles
Always overfill the shocks with oil. Then move up and down the piston to remove air bubbles. Be
patient! Wait until all bubbles are removed.
- Clean Shocks
ALWAYS clean your shocks before each refill and ALWAYS check again if the piston moves freely.
- KIT BUILDING - Suspension
Suspension - When you are threading the plastic pivot joint onto a shock shaft put a piece of silicon
fuel tubing over the pliers so you don’t scratch the shock shafts.
