Cannondale Headshok Repair Question

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Babock
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

On 2 Jul 2004 21:16:48 -0700, [email hidden]

(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