The Rockshox Reverb A1/A2 dropper seat post is know for it's issues, from sag to full on not working. Mine would drop and not come back up, seems like there was an issue with the first version of the Internal Floating Piston (IFP). Given that there have been two or three updates to the IFP since the A2 version of the seat post there's definitely a problem.
I got my first Reverb Stealth in 2016 on my Bronson, I'd previously had a standard Reverb and had no issues with it. To start with my first Stealth post was fine and was trouble free for 2 years or so. That was until one winter when the mud must have got to much for it and it failed on me.
This was the start of what would become a regular occurance and I got to the point where I could almost service the seat post blindfolded. The servicing isn't actually that hard or even very complicated, if you can get hold of the service kit and the tools it just requires some patience.
You'll need the service kit available on Amazon, there are different kits from, seals only to full service kit. There are also different ones for different versions of the seat posts a1/A2, B1/B2, C1, so you'll need to make sure you have the correct one for your seat post.
Along with the service kit you'll need a few tools, this is a list of the tools you'll need to complete the service.
- Vice clamp
- IFP height tool
- Circlip pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Sockets
- Spanners
- Pick
- Oil height tool
- Shock Pump
- Bleed Kit
The step by step guide to the servicing below is simplified steps to service the seat post. The rockshox manuals are pretty good and clear and freely available on the rockshox website. The have all the up to date information on the seatpost, for torque setting and fluid levels, a copy of the manual is handy.
Firstly make sure you have all the correct tools, you can use adjustable spanners but the correct sizes will be easier and are much less likely to damage the seat post. Have a service kit with the latest IFP (Sprung Suspension sell them) you can upgrade to the latest version and they keep improving it so it's a no brainer.
Work clean dirt is the enemy of the reverb, clean all parts with isopropanol and a lint free cloth. Keep all the parts safe, there's nothing worse than trying to find some small part on the garage floor. Finally the best advice is to take your time and ensure that you have the time and space to complete the service without interruption.
If you follow the service guide using the right tools and parts you should end up with a nice working seatpost once more.
Reverb Seatpost Service
The Rockshox Reverb A1/A2 dropper seat post is know for it's issues, from sag to full on not working. Mine would drop and not come back up, seems like there was an issue with the first version of the Internal Floating Piston (IFP). Given that there have been two or three updates to the IFP since the A2 version of the seat post there's definitely a problem. This is a simplified guide to serving a Reverb seatpost.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Remove the dust cap (9mm Socket)
- Release Air suing a small hex key
- Remove the hose, use two spanners
- Remove Circlip from the bottom of the lower post
- Carefully clamp the inner shaft and remove poppet cover
- Remove the piston using needle nose pliers
- Remove seal head
- Unscrew top cap (you'll need a big spanner)
- Seperate upper post from lower post
- Remove brass keys from the upper post
- Remove inner head seal
- Remove inner shaft piston
- Remove top cap
- Remove IPF tube
- Remove IPF by dropping cable ties through until you can use them to pull it outR
- Change Dust Wiper, O'Ring and foam ring
- Change O'Ring on inner piston
- Change O'ring on Seal Head
- Change O'ring on Inner Shaft piston
- Change Bushing, O'Rings and U Cup in the inner seal head
- Lube top cap with Sram Butter and slide onto upper post
- Lube the IFP with Sram butter and insert into upper post
- Using the IFP Level tool slide the IFP down to the correct height
- Fill Oil to the level of the upper post
- Lube the U Cup of the internal head seal and slide on to inner shaft piston
- Insert inner shaft piston into IFP tube, enough to engage the piston O'Ring in the IFP tube
- Thread inner seal head into upper post and tighten to 27nm
- Replace Keys, ensure new key match the old key (etched lines)
- Clamp inner shaft, thread the Seal head onto the shaft and tighten to 6.5nm
- Using a Fluid level gauge set the fluid level (see notes or manual for level)
- Grease poppet valve o'rings with Sram Butter being careful not to get grease on the shaft
- Insert poppet valve into inner shaft and press firmly in
- Thread poppet valve cover onto Seal head and tighten to 6.5nm
- Pull upper post until it stops
- Reinstall the snap ring
- Tighten top cap to 28nm
- Pressurise the seatpot to 250psi
- reinstall the Air cap
- Refit the hose
- Bleed the system
Notes
Work clean dirt is the enemy of the reverb, clean all parts with isopropanol and a lint free cloth. Keep all the parts safe, there's nothing worse than trying to find some small part on the garage floor. Finally the best advice is to take your time and ensure that you have the time and space to complete the service without interruption.
Fluid Levels
+- 0.5mm
355/100mm - 186.5mm
380/125MM - 186.5mm
420/100MM - 251.5mm
420/125MM - 226.5mm
430/150MM - 211.5mm
Torque Settings
All torque settings are +- 1nm
If you liked this guide then check out our other maintenance guides and toolbox for more.
Did you try this out? Comment here!