Elka Suspension SHOCK ABSORBERS User Manual
SHOCK ABSORBERS
OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of these shock absorbers
and thank you for choosing Elka Suspension.
This owner’s manual is your complete guide to install, adjust and fine-tune your shock absorbers to
get the maximum performance out of your purchase. It also offers important information about
maintenance, warranty and servicing of these products. Carefully read this manual before installing
your new shock absorbers.
Elka Suspension shock absorbers are intended to improve your comfort and maintain control of your
vehicle over obstacles and choppy terrain when properly adjusted. Without proper adjustment, these
shock absorbers could render the vehicle harder to control and/or to steer.It is mandatory to read
carefully this manual and make sure you understand well the adjustment procedures before
operating your vehicle once the shock absorbers are installed.
Your package should contain:
- Shock absorber(s)
- Reservoir mounting kit (on remote reservoir models)
- Preload tool and 3mm hex key
- Installation procedures (specific for your vehicle model)
- Service Work Order Form
- Shipping Label (for returning products for service/warranty)
If anything is missing, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1 800 557-0552 or (450)
655-4855.
Before installing your shock absorbers, carefully read this owner's manual and the installation
procedure provided for your vehicle to learn the correct installation procedures and avoid the
consequences of an incorrect installation.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Elka Suspension products are guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for a period of one (1)
year from the purchase date. This warranty does not cover damages resulting from any of the
following situations: abuse of the products, racing accidents, improper installation, disassembly or
modifications, unauthorized oil changes and damage occuring during transportation (the purchase of
full insurance coverage for shipping is recommended).
A copy of the original invoice is necessary for any claim or service shipment. Elka Suspension Inc.
reserves the right to make the final decision in all matters pertaining to its warranty.
Because Elka Suspension products are designed for use in racing and extreme driving conditions,
Elka Suspension cannot guarantee any of its suspension products, other than from manufacturing
defects, because we have no control over how our products are used after installation. In addition, the
purchaser assumes full responsibility to the extent legally permitted for the risks of personal injury,
death and/or damage to the purchaser's vehicle or to any third party that may be involved directly or
indirectly in an incident with the purchaser.
2 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLATION AND RIDING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Shock absorbers are an important component that can noticeably alter the handling of your vehicle,
and this owner's manual explains how to use and adjust them properly. If you are uncomfortable
installing your shock absorbers or are unsure of the method, have a qualified mechanic install them
for you. Improper installation and adjustment could potentially lead to injuries, death and/or damage
to your vehicle or other vehicles. You should never take any chances with your own safety.
Before installing your shock absorbers, carefully read this owner's manual and the installation
procedure provided for your vehicle to learn the correct installation procedures and avoid the consequences of an incorrect installation.
Always wear the appropriate protective equipment and follow your region’s regulations when riding
your vehicle. Elka Suspension is constantly introducing new products and improving existing ones. For
this reason, Elka Suspension reserves the rights to modify products and add accessories with no
obligations to make such changes to earlier models.
When your shock absorbers require an oil change or other internal maintenance, the Elka Factory
Service Department or an Elka Authorized Service Center are the only qualified to provide the
necessary service or repairs without voiding your warranty.
Elka Suspension shock absorbers are manufactured exclusively for the vehicle that they were ordered
for. Switching units between different vehicles may not only affect the performance but might also
cause damage to the vehicle and could seriously harm or be lethal to the rider. Always call Elka
Suspension to verify compatibility or get the appropriate parts before switching a unit from one
vehicle to another.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
Please refer to the vehicle-specific installation sheet provided in the package for detailed installation
procedures. Elka Suspension recommends the following for all installations:
1. Set your vehicle on a bench or use a jack to take the vehicle's weight off the wheels.
2. Remove the existing shock absorbers (refer to the vehicle’s owner manual if needed).
3. Place the reservoir(s) in position and route the hose according to the provided reservoir installation
sheet specific to your vehicle model (if applicable).
4. Install your new Elka shock absorbers on your vehicle.
5. Tighten the nuts on the upper bolts in accordance with the information and specifications provided
by the vehicle manufacturer and refer to the vehicle’s owner manual if needed.
6. Tighten the nuts on the lower bolts in accordance with the information and specifications provided
by the vehicle manufacturer and refer to the vehicle’s owner manual if needed.
7. For remote reservoir models, attach the rubber mounts and tighten the collars on the reservoirs to a
pressure of 6 lb.in using a torque wrench.
ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com 3
LOCATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS AND COMPONENTS
10
1
23
24
23
24
2
23
24
3
4
17
21
26
5
(Stage 5 models shown above)
6
19
18
7
20
27
8
9
Factory Shock shown above)
11
16
18
9
25
12
19
13
14
(Stage 4 model shown)
15
4 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com
21
22
(Stage 3 model shown)
LOCATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS AND COMPONENTS
1. Top mounting eyelet, featuring spherical bearing
2. Head of the shock absorber
3. PRELOAD adjustment ring (see p.10 for adjustment procedures)
4. Self-sagging spring (no-preload), will normally compress from the weight of the vehicle
5. Top crossover spacer, prevents coil binding of the self-sagging spring
6. Middle spring, vehicle-specific to control body roll
7. CROSSOVER SPACER, controls the initial firmness or softness
8. Body of the shock absorber
9. Triple-seal seal head of the shock absorber
10. Main spring, specific for the rider’s weight
11. Shaft
12. Bottom-out bumper
13. Heavy-duty spring clip
14. REBOUND adjuster (knob type, see p.14 for adjustment procedures)
15. Lower mounting eyelet, featuring spherical bearing
16. COMPRESSION adjuster (see p.11 for adjustment procedures)
17. Reservoir (piggyback type)
18. Banjo bolt fitting
19. Nitrogen purge valve, NOT AN ADJUSTMENT
20. Hose
21. REBOUND adjuster (compact type, see p.14 for adjustment procedures)
22. Lower mounting fork
23. LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION adjuster (red knob, see p.12 for adjustment procedures)
24. HIGH-SPEED COMPRESSION adjuster (black knob, see p.13 for adjustment procedures)
25. Reservoir (remote type), length may vary from one vehicle to another
26. Composite Shock Protector (optional on some models)
27. Patented TRACK System
™
adjustment knob (see p.15 for adjustment procedures)
ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com 5
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
RIDE HEIGHT - SPORTS & RACING ATV
MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE)
The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider
sitting on the vehicle in riding position. The ride height is measured in inches, the front and rear
measurements being taken according to the following procedures:
Have the rider sit on the bike in a racing position. Then have the rider bounce on the pegs
a few times to compress the suspension then let it settle.
WITH THE RIDER SITTING ON THE VEHICLE IN RIDING POSITION:
Front Ride Height Measurement = the vertical
distance from the ground to the chassis
in front of the engine mounts.
Rear Ride Height Measurement = the vertical
distance from the ground to the chassis,
right behind the foot pegs.
FRONTREAR
HOW TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock absorber. This ring is used to
increase or decrease the tension in the springs as well as for adjusting the ride height of the vehicle
(frame or ground clearance). See p.10 for detailed instructions on how to use the preload adjustment.
While the ride height of the vehicle is a matter of vehicle model and driver preference, the front and
rear heights need to be in balance.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
Whatever ride height setting you choose, the height must be similar at the front and rear of the
vehicle, with the front slightly higher (from 1/4 to 3/4 inch maximum).
A higher ride height will provide more ground clearance with less chances to bottom out but will make
the suspension stiffer.
A lower ride height will reduce the ground clearance and make the suspension softer, but will make
the vehicle more prone to bottoming out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The size of the tires used can affect the ride height. When using tires that are
higher or lower than the stock tires, you might need to adjust the ride height accordingly.
6 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
RIDE HEIGHT - SPORTS-UTILITY QUAD
MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE)
The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider
sitting on the vehicle in riding position. The ride height is measured in inches, the front and rear
measurements being taken according to the following procedures:
Have the rider sit on the bike in a racing position. Then have the rider bounce on the pegs
a few times to compress the suspension then let it settle.
WITH THE RIDER SITTING ON THE VEHICLE IN RIDING POSITION:
Front Ride Height Measurement =
the vertical distance from the ground
to the chassis right behind the front wheels.
Rear Ride Height Measurement = the vertical
distance from the ground to the chassis,
right behind the foot pegs
or in front of the rear wheels
HOW TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock absorber. This ring is used to
increase or decrease the tension in the springs as well as for adjusting the ride height of the vehicle
(frame or ground clearance). See p.10 for detailed instructions on how to use the preload adjustment.
While the ride height of the vehicle is a matter of vehicle model and driver preference, the front and
rear heights need to be in balance.
FRONTREAR
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
Whatever ride height setting you choose, the height must be similar at the front and rear of the
vehicle, with the front slightly higher (from 1/4 to 3/4 inch maximum).
A higher ride height will provide more ground clearance with less chances to bottom out but will make
the suspension stiffer.
A lower ride height will reduce the ground clearance and make the suspension softer, but will make
the vehicle more prone to bottoming out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The size of the tires used can affect the ride height. When using tires that are
higher or lower than the stock tires, you might need to adjust the ride height accordingly.
ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com 7
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
RIDE HEIGHT - SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE
MEASURING THE RIDE HEIGHT (GROUND CLEARANCE)
The ride height, or frame clearance, is the distance between the ground and the chassis with the rider
sitting on the vehicle in riding position. The ride height is measured in inches, the front and rear
measurements being taken according to the following procedures:
WITH THE RIDER SITTING ON THE VEHICLE IN RIDING POSITION:
Front Ride Height Measurement = the vertical distance
from the ground to the chassis behind the front wheels
Rear Ride Height Measurement =
the vertical distance from the ground
to the chassisin front
of the rear wheels
FRONTREAR
HOW TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock absorber. This ring is used to
increase or decrease the tension in the springs as well as for adjusting the ride height of the vehicle
(frame or ground clearance). See p.10 for detailed instructions on how to use the preload adjustment.
While the ride height of the vehicle is a matter of vehicle model and driver preference, the front and
rear heights need to be in balance.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADJUST THE RIDE HEIGHT
Whatever ride height setting you choose, the height must be similar at the front and rear of the
vehicle, with the front slightly higher (from 1/4 to 3/4 inch maximum).
A higher ride height will provide more ground clearance with less chances to bottom out but will make
the suspension stiffer.
A lower ride height will reduce the ground clearance and make the suspension softer, but will make
the vehicle more prone to bottoming out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The size of the tires used can affect the ride height. When using tires that are
higher or lower than the stock tires, you might need to adjust the ride height accordingly.
8 ELKA SUSPENSION INC. Phone: (450) 655-4855 or 1 800 557-0552 www.elkasuspension.com
Loading...