 Building Losi Shocks
 Compared to Associated shocks, Losi shocks are a breeze. However, there are still a few things you can do to make sure they are performing at their best.
Items Needed
If your cartidges are in good shape, then you can re-use them. Otherwise it's a good idea to purchase new cartridges. If you are using your old cartridges, then all that is needed is new o-rings.
(If you are starting with new shocks or new cartridges, skip the next step.) |
Cleaning/Disassembly
Remove the shocks from the car and clean them off really well using a clean rag and motor spray if needed. Make sure you clean off the spring cups at the bottom also and the ride height adjusters as well. Getting everything clean will help to make the shocks smoother. Unscrew the cartridge and empty the oil from the body. Spray everything out with motor spray and set the body aside to dry. |
Take the piston off the shock shaft along with the cartridge. Carefully pry the cap off the cartridge and take out the seals and spacer. Clean the cartridge and spacer out with motor spray and let dry. |
Assembling the Shocks
Next up is to assemble the cartridge. Place one new o-ring in the bottom of the cartridge along with some oil. Next, trial fit the spacer. If the spacer does not slide easily into the cartridge, then some modifications are in order. Sand down the outside diameter of the spacer until it easily slides into the cartridge. It's also a good idea to reduce the height of the spacer by about 2mm. This helps to prevent the seals from being compressed too much when they swell from use and causing the shaft to bind. Once the spacer fits good, then put it in the cartridge followed by the other o-ring. Add a generous amount of oil to lubricate the seals. |
Apply oil to the grooved end of the shock shaft and then slide the cartridge onto the shock shaft. Make sure the cartridge slides easily up and down the shaft. If it doesn't then it is likely the spacer in the cartridge is too long. Put any shock spacers required onto the shaft followed by the piston you are using. Thread the shock ball end onto the shaft until it bottoms out. |
Bleeding the Shocks
Holding the shock upright, slowly fill the body with oil until it comes up the bottom of the threads in the body. Next screw the cartridge/shaft into the body until you it bottoms out. Unthread the cartridge a quarter of a turn and holding the shock at about a 45 degree angle. Slowly push the shaft all the way in until it bottoms out. While still holding the shaft in, tighten the cartridge finger tight. Wipe the shock of excess oil and finish tightening the cartridge by turning it another 1/8th of a turn. Work the shock a bit to make sure that there are no leaks around the base of the cartridge. If there are leaks, then you can take the shock apart and use sand-paper on the cartridge where it seals against the body to remove any burrs present. You can now assemble the rest of the shocks according to the instructions. When putting the springs on, make sure that they do not rub against the bodies when moved up and down. Rotate the springs to fix this if it happens.
Other Information
Losi shocks do not work well when the seals bind. It is advisable to check the seals every race weekend and replace if needed. Associated seals seem to work the best and are available in an 8 pack for $2.00. Make sure that the shocks are of equal length side to side. Measure their assembled length and adjust as needed by unscrewing the shock ends.
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