DBKitsuma Air Complete 100 & 200 Hour Service (Part 2 of 4)

Recommendations and Warnings

Cane Creek recommends only trained suspension technicians perform service on all suspension, using all required tools and following all proper procedures. Anyone without access to the proper equipment or with any concerns on the procedures should defer to an authorized Cane Creek service center for service. Improper service can result in loss of performance or suspension failure. All Cane Creek shocks have pressurized nitrogen and oil, even coil shocks. Follow the service procedures exactly as written to avoid possible injury or harm to the suspension. Always wear eye protection while performing suspension service.

Please dispose of all waste products and materials through proper channels to avoid contamination of the environment.

Any damage or issues resulting from improper service will not be covered by warranty. If you have a shock still in its original warranty period and do not wish to void your warranty, please contact an authorized Cane Creek service center.

These service instructions cover the basic service procedures using standard service kits. If your suspension requires parts beyond standard replacement parts – shaft, damper tubes, end eyes – please consult your authorized Cane Creek service center or contact us at our Cane Creek Support Center.

Service Notes

The Kitsuma Air and Coil share many service steps. Additionally, the Standard and Trunnion variants of both models have identical service procedures other than where to clamp the cylinder head. Some images in these instructions may not be identical to the valve body or outer damper tube on the Kitsuma Air, but process is the same for the shock in the image and the shock on your bench.

100 vs. 200 hour service

The only difference between the 100 hour service and the 200 hour service is whether to service or replace the Air Oil Seal Head and the Main Oil Piston. At 100 hours, those can be cleaned, serviced and reinstalled. At 200 hours, they should be replaced. If uncertain on hours, check for wear on the dual bushings inside the Air Oil Seal Head and on the piston band on the Main Oil Piston. When in doubt, replace both. 

Service Kits

BCD0337 – Kitsuma Air Complete 100 Hour Rebuilt Kit (w/ Bladder)
OR
BCD0339-01 – Kitsuma Air Complete 200 Hour Rebuild Kit (w/ Bladder) – includes new Air Oil Seal Head & Main Oil Piston

BCD0169 – Bladder Res End Cap (if replacing older IFP system)

Required Cane Creek Tools

ACD0354 – Bladder Res End Fill Tool
AAD1361-01 – DBCoil/ DBAir – Oil Fill Needle Adapter
DBT016 – DB Gas Fill Needle
AAD0555 – 8mm & 9.5mm Shaft Clamp
AAD2465 – Kitsuma Valve Seat Tool
ACD0322 – Kitsuma Low Speed Detent Funnel
BAD1298 – DB 9.5mm Shaft Bullet
ACD0334 – Kitsuma Air Oil Seal Head Tool
BCD0344 – Kitsuma/DBair/DBair IL Air Seal Head Tool
DBT012 – DB IFP Setting Tool

Additional Tools & Supplies

Allen wrenches – 3 & 4mm
Torx wrenches – T10 & T20
Sockets – 4, 8 & 13mm
Crowfoot wrenches – 1/2″ & 32mm
9.5mm Shaft Bullet
Torque wrenchesKnipex pliers
Pick
Strap wrench
Suspension Grease
PolyLube Grease
Motorex 4wt Racing Fork Oil
Royal Purple 10w-30
Vacuum Oil Fill Machine
Nitrogen Fill System

Review all related TSBs before performing any service.

TSB038 – Kitsuma HSR Revalve
TSB039 – Kitsuma High Speed Cap (ACD0275) Loctite Removal from Installation
TSB045 – Kitsuma IFP Changed to Bladder
TSB048 – Kitsuma Oil Seal Head Torque Valve