Traxxas RUSTLER 4x4 ULTIMATE Owner's Manual page 31

Shock Oil
The 4 oil-filled aluminum shocks (dampers) effectively control the
suspension movement by preventing the wheels and tires from
continuing to "bounce" after rebounding from a bump. Changing the
oil in the shocks can vary the suspension damping effect. Changing
the oil to a higher viscosity oil will increase damping. Lowering the
viscosity of the oil will cause the suspension damping to be reduced.
Damping should be increased (with higher viscosity oil) if the model
is bottoming easily over jumps. Damping should be decreased (with
thinner viscosity oil) if the model is hopping over small bumps and
feels unstable. The viscosity of shock oil is affected by extremes
in operating temperature; an oil of certain viscosity will become
less viscous at higher temperatures and more viscous at lower
temperatures. Operating in regions with cold temperatures may
require lower viscosity oil. From the factory, the shocks are filled with
SAE-30W silicone oil. Only use 100% silicone oil in the shock.
Replacing Shock Oil
For easier service, the shocks should
be removed from the vehicle and
disassembled to change the oil.
1. Remove the lower spring retainer and
shock spring.
2. Remove the upper shock cap using the
shock wrench and suspension multi-
tool (A).
3. Empty the used shock oil from the
shock body.
4. Fill the shock with new silicone shock oil
up to the top of the shock body.
5. Slowly move the piston up and down
(always keeping it submerged in oil) to
release the air bubbles. Let the shock
sit for a few minutes to allow any
remaining air bubbles to surface.
6. Slowly thread the upper cap with the
installed shock bladder onto the shock
body with the suspension multi-tool.
The excess oil will bleed out of the
small hole in the shock cap.
7. Tighten the shock cap until snug.
Use the included steel shock wrench
to hold onto the shock body while
tightening (A).
Shock disassembly
The shocks must be removed from the vehicle and disassembled to
change the pistons. Use the shock exploded views included with the
model to aid in the assembly process.
1. Remove the spring and lower spring retainer from the shock.
2. Remove the shock cap and empty the shock body of shock oil (A).
3. Remove the lower cap and the X-ring from the shock body (B).
4. Use side cutters to grip the shock shaft just above the rod end.
Remove the rod end from the shock shaft using the suspension multi-
tool (C).
5. Remove the shock shaft with piston from the shock body out through
the top of the shock body.
Shock assembly
1. Replace the stock piston with desired
optional piston. Be careful not to lose
the small washer located below the
piston.
Multi-tool Shock Functions
2. Position the new piston onto the shock
shaft above the small washer. Grip the
threads of the shaft with side cutters or
needlenose pliers and tighten the nut
with the 4-way wrench to secure the
assembly (D).
3. Insert the shock shaft assembly
through the shock body until the
A. Tighten/Loosen Upper Cap
piston bottoms out.
4. Lubricate the shaft and X-ring with
silicone oil.
5. Install the X-ring over the shaft and
into the bore of the shock body.
6. Install the lower cap using the
suspension multi-tool (B).
7. Grip the shaft close to the threads
B. Tighten/Loosen Lower Cap
with needlenose pliers or side cutters
and thread the rod end onto the
shock shaft until the rod end bottoms
out (C).
8. Fill the shock with new silicone shock
oil up to the top of the shock body.
Slowly move the piston up and down
(always keeping it submerged in oil)
C. Remove/Install Rod End
to release the air bubbles.
ADVANCED TUNING ADJUSTMENTS
D. Piston Installation/Removal
7468
7468
7463
7463
7464
Front (long)
7465
rear (xx-long)
7463
(Rear Only)
7466
Front (long)
7467
rear (xx-long)
7468
F-7444
7440 opt.
7441 opt.
7445 opt.
7448 opt.
R-7446
7442 opt.
7443 opt.
7447 opt.
7463
7449 opt.
7468
7463
7468
7463
Optional shock springs
available from Traxxas.
Refer to your parts list for
a complete part number
listing. Higher rate springs
are stiffer. Springs can be
identified by dots of color on
one end.
Shock Piston Sizes
1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6
1.5 1.6
1.5mm Front 1.6mm Rear
RUSTLER 4X4 ULTIMATE • 31