Cannondale Headshok Repair Question

Babock said:

My wife has a 2001 F900 with the Headshok. A year ago we had the
cartridge replaced after the shock got stuck in the lockout mode. One
year later, it appears that the shock as lost all of its oil and has no
damping other than what the internal spring provides.
1) Is it possible to repair/replace this cartridge myself? What tools
are neccesary
2) How do I determine the correct model cartridge?
3) Is it possible to just add more oil. I realize this will be a never
ending battle but I would be willing to add more oil every few months
instead of paying for a new cartridge.
I went to the tech section on the Cannondale site. It sure doesn't seem
to provide much insight into the maintance of these things. Must not
wany consumers to touch them!!!\
Thanks in advance.
Bruce

They want you to believe it’s bulletproof

😄

http://www.mountainbikemilitia.com/stuff/headshok.html

--

the oil is the damping...

it doesn't matter what the cartridge model is
you will need a pin spanner to fit the top cap, a shock pump, and the hard
one to get is a Cannondale cartridge tool. You can only get this from
Cannondale AFAIK. You'll also likely need some seals - also from a
Cannondale dealer. If you can get friendly enough with the dealer to get
the tool and seals you might as well tr and get a copy of his workshop
manual too. It won't be a never ending battle if the seals are good and the
cartridge is put together properly.. How often is it ridden BTW - seal
failure is more likely on an infrequently ridden bike as the oil bathes the
seals and preserves them; then again, as you will find out if you get it
apart, it's pretty easy to damage seals during installation.

Nick

"babock" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My wife has a 2001 F900 with the Headshok. A year ago we had the
cartridge replaced after the shock got stuck in the lockout mode. One
year later, it appears that the shock as lost all of its oil and has
no damping other than what the internal spring provides.

1) Is it possible to repair/replace this cartridge myself? What tools
are neccesary

2) How do I determine the correct model cartridge?

3) Is it possible to just add more oil. I realize this will be a never
ending battle but I would be willing to add more oil every few months
instead of paying for a new cartridge.

I went to the tech section on the Cannondale site. It sure doesn't
seem to provide much insight into the maintance of these things. Must
not wany consumers to touch them!!!\

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

cannondale used to have the headshok service manual online... I looked
but couldn't find it... however, I have a copy if you want it... send
me an email.

You DON'T need a new cartridge... very unusual to need a
replacement... usually just need to replace the 0-rings and replace
the oil.

you will need a special tool called the 'castle" tool to remove the
cartridge, along with some park spanner wrenches.

Unless you are familiar with the headshok, I recommend that you don't
do the repair yourself... the factory has a service group... sent the
fork to them and they will replace the seals and return it to you.
Cost anywhere between $60-90. .. Or find a friend that has done one
before and watch and learn so you can do it next time.

these shocks are extremely reliable and can run without service for a
long time ( usually anyway).

Back in the old days, cannondale sold a video tape demonstrating the
removal, servicing, and replacement procedure. I bought one and it was
invaluable. Don't think they are available any longer.

charlie

(babock) said:

My wife has a 2001 F900 with the Headshok. A year ago we had the
cartridge replaced after the shock got stuck in the lockout mode. One
year later, it appears that the shock as lost all of its oil and has
no damping other than what the internal spring provides.

1) Is it possible to repair/replace this cartridge myself? What tools
are neccesary

2) How do I determine the correct model cartridge?

3) Is it possible to just add more oil. I realize this will be a never
ending battle but I would be willing to add more oil every few months
instead of paying for a new cartridge.

I went to the tech section on the Cannondale site. It sure doesn't
seem to provide much insight into the maintance of these things. Must
not wany consumers to touch them!!!\

Thanks in advance.

Bruce