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Removing the top guide and shaft assembly

1. Depressurize the shock completely using the appropriate fill tool. There should be no sound of gas escaping from the shock.
2. Clamp the shock into a vise. Before removing the top guide, push the shaft back into the cylinder slightly to double check making sure nitrogen is fully removed from the shock. If the shock shaft returns back to full extension, the nitrogen has left the chamber and is in the oil chamber. EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN WHEN REMOVING THE TOP GUIDE IF THIS OCCURS. Call AST USA for more details.

3.

3A Make sure the rebound adjuster is fully opened.

3B / 1. For shocks with a hex style top guide, use the top guide tool to unscrew the
top guide from the shock. Once the threads are disengaged, wrap the top guide with a towel and rock the assembly back and forth as you pull
the assembly out of the cylinder.

3C.
3C / 1. For shocks with a circlip style top guide, push the top guide down into the
shock cylinder using your fingers. If the top guide is stuck, use a 3/8”
extension and a dead blow hammer to lightly tap the top guide into the shock.

3C / 2. Once the top guide is pushed down, remove the circlip and rock the top guide out of the shock. If the top guide is difficult to remove, you can put the 14mm shaft into the vise and lightly tap the shock cylinder until the assembly starts to come off the cylinder.

3C / 3. Continue pulling the assembly out of the cylinder.

4. Hold the assembly over the cylinder until all oil has drained out of the piston.

5. Place the cylinder in a safe place where it will not be tipped over. Most revalving does not require removing the oil and reinstalling. The oil can remain in the cylinder.

6. If desired, appropriately dispose of the oil and refill.

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