Help with Fuel EX6 Rear Shock?

[groucho66]

I just bought a used 2006 Trek Fuel EX6, and I'm having trouble pumping air into the rear shock, a Rockshox MC3.

When I bought the bike, the rear shock seemed to be holding air fine, but it felt too stiff, so I let out the air, hooked up the shock pump, and set it to what I thought it needed. But the pump bottoms out as soon as I get in the bike. Basically, I'm not getting ANY air into the shock. I tested the pump on the front shock, and the pump works okay. Somehow I think I'm letting all the air out when I detach the pump from the rear shock. It's a Wrench Force shock pump with an adapter for the rear shock. The adapter doesn't seem to be making a tight enough seal with the shock valve. Pump it up to about 150psi and watch the needle fall about 10 PSI per second on the gauge. And hear a big, disappointing, hiss when you disconnect the pump. It won't insert all the way into the schrader valve and seal with the rubber ring, maybe?

I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Any of you have similar experiences or any hints?

Thanks!

[Fairchild]

Sounds like your doing it right. The hiss at the end doesn't sound good though.

Your definitely disconnecting the pump correctly?

[groucho66]

Just in case anyone comes across this same problem, it turns out that the schrader valve core was leaking. A helpful guy at REI popped a new one in, and it's accepting and holding air fine now.

Nice to have a cheap fix sometimes!

[tjkm]

Just in case anyone comes across this same problem, it turns out that the schrader valve core was leaking. A helpful guy at REI popped a new one in, and it's accepting and holding air fine now.

Nice to have a cheap fix sometimes!

I bought a used Fuel 6 about 5 weeks ago. How do you like yours so far (beside rear shock issue). Bike is pretty heavy, I am looking to shave some weight off.............over all I am really pleased with it.

[carlsonrd]

I have bought an '06 Fuel ex6 last fall and I agree it is a tad heavy. I threw on some upgrades and I like it even more now. Upgraded the wheels to FSA XC300's. The tires, handlebar, stem, and saddle also got replaced. I think I shaved at least a couple pounds off total bike weight. If you're looking to lose weight on that bike I would have to say the wheelset would be the first place to start.

[tjkm]

So far I have replaced the pedals with Shimano 520 spd and just put Panaracer Fire XC Pro's on. I agree with the wheels, I think that is the place to loose the most weight. This is my 1st full suspension bike, its like butter on the choppy downhills..................enjoy!

[groucho66]

Yeah, it's heavy, but I'm upgrading from a '99 Trek VRX200 with a broken rear shock, so it seems like a big improvement to me. I looked at the weight of some other wheels, tires, stems, seatposts, etc., and it does look like you could shave a few pounds from the bike. I'm going to wait a while before I replace anything, though. Well, other than the saddle, which I replaced immediately.

Overall, I'm very happy with it. It's a nice, comfortable, stable ride. It seems well suited for the kinds of trails I ride, anyway.