Scott (DT Swiss) Equalizer 3 Shock - Service Instructions (Basic)

Introduction

The Scott Equalizer 3 shock was engineered for Scott by DT Swiss and features on the Scott Genius range of bikes.

Unlike most rear bicycle 'push shocks', the Equalizer 3 is a 'pull shock'. It features 3 modes of operation:

1. Full travel mode
2. Traction mode
3. Lock-out mode

Disassembly process

Before you can service the shock you will need to disassemble it. The disassembly instructions can be found here and the special disassembly tools here 

Servicing process

Before we start out I must point out I am not a qualified bike engineer, what you read and see here is the result of my own readings, curious mind and practical knowledge. I may update this guide if anyone else can suggest a better method or provide new understanding.


You will need the following tools/service materials:

Large 4 pin tool for (-) negative chamber
Small 3 pin tool for (+) positive chambers
Inverted slot head screwdriver (3mm diameter)
Torque wrench)
42mm ratchet socket
26mm ratchet socket
Vice with soft jaws
T10 Torx star bit
5W or 7.5W Suspension oil
Stanchon grease


Step 1 : Greasing the (+) positive and (-) negative chambers

Grease the insides of each of the 3 tubes

Step 2: Greasing the piston seals and inserting the pistons into the shock

Lightly grease the seals on the both the small + piston inserts

Insert both positive pistons into their chambers and push them down as far as they will go  (there may be some resistance, so you need to release some of the trapped air from the positive valve).

Lightly grease the seal on the negative piston seal

Insert the negative piston into the chamber and push down (there may be some resistance, so you need to release some of the trapped air from the negative valve). Before the piston is all the way in make sure there is a gap to pour in the new oil.

Step 3: Measuring and filling with oil

Now measure out 82ml of shock oil (5wt or 7.7wt) and spread the amount across all 3 chambers (do not over fill and leave enough space to install the end caps)

Step 4: Tightening chamber end caps

Install both postive piston end caps with the small 3 pin tool and 26mm ratchet socket and tighten 6 1/4 turns (tighten to 10nm with a torque wrench)

Please note:

DO NOT USE AN ADJUSTABLE SPANNER, MONKEY WRENCH OR RING SPANNER AS THEY CREATE UNEQUAL TURNING FORCE ON THE ADAPTOR AND HAVE NO DOWNWARDS PRESSURE.

Then tighten the main large piston end cap with the large 4 pin tool and 42mm ratchet socket (10nm with torque wrench)

Please note:

DO NOT USE AN ADJUSTABLE SPANNER, MONKEY WRENCH OR RING SPANNER AS THEY CREATE UNEQUAL TURNING FORCE ON THE ADAPTOR AND HAVE NO DOWNWARDS PRESSURE.

Step 5: Priming the shock

Inflate both valves to approx 50psi

Gently release each bleed valve one-by-one using the inverted screwdriver to expel any trapped air until oil appears at the hole.

Step 6: Pressurising shock for rider weight

(The instructions on the shock body are pretty self explanatory, but you can can also find my detail on the procedure my following the instructions in the Scott owners manual)

Then proceed to inflate the positive chamber to the required pressure for rider weight (as stated on the chart on the side of the shock)

Now proceed to inflate the negative chamber to the required pressure for rider weight (as stated on the chart on the side of the shock)

Step 6: Final check over

If all has gone well the shock should be in the fully retracted position with no shaft showing.

You can now reinstall the red rebound adjusters on the positive chambers (assuming you followed my disassembly instructions you should set both dials to 1 before tightening the screws).

Finally remember to put the dust caps back on the valves

Last step is obviously to set the required pressures for your rider weight using the chart on the side of the shock. You can also use Scott's online calibration tool to help you further tune your ride.


Feel free to leave a comment if you've done the job yourself and have a different method or ideas about servicing it.