Do shock shims change rebound as well as compression?

Suspension shims are separated into compression and rebound stacks, so changes to one don’t directly affect the other. However, if you modify the crossover or mid-valve shims, you may notice indirect effects on overall damping behavior. Always test both compression and rebound after making changes.

When should I change shims instead of using clickers?

Change shims when your clickers are maxed out (or bottomed out) and you still need more adjustment, or when you want to fundamentally change the damping curve rather than just fine-tune it. Clickers adjust flow; shims change the force required to flex the stack.

Is it better to add a thicker shim or a larger-diameter shim?

It depends on your goal. Thicker shims increase overall stiffness uniformly, while larger-diameter shims primarily affect high-speed damping and the transition point. For broad damping increases, add thickness. For high-speed control, increase the diameter.

What's the fastest way to soften overall damping?

Reduce the clamping shim diameter. As shown in our tests, swapping from a 23 mm to an 18 mm clamping shim reduced damping by 34% across all speeds. This single change affects the entire stack’s flexibility without rebuilding the whole configuration.

Articles Archives - Page 3 of 7

Fine-Tuning Suspension with Shim Adjustments: Shock Dyno Revelations

by Ervinas Vitkauskas | Mar 12, 2025 | Articles

Did you know that changing a single shim in your shock absorber can completely transform its performance? Suspension tuning is often a game of small adjustments, and shims play a crucial role in shaping damping characteristics. But without proper testing, these...

Understanding Clickers in Shock Absorbers: A Deep Dive with Dyno Testing

by Ervinas Vitkauskas | Jan 14, 2025 | Articles

Shock absorbers play a critical role in the performance and comfort of vehicles, from dirt bikes to race cars. Understanding how their adjustable features, known as clickers, influence damping is essential for tuning them effectively. This blog explores the mechanics...

Can you measure a spring rate on a shock dyno?

by Marius P | Nov 13, 2024 | Articles

Some brands claim that using a shock dyno to measure the spring rate of a spring is an appropriate way of testing. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Let us explain why it’s not safe, accurate, or even healthy for your equipment. If you...

Shock bleeders: LABA7 lineup and key benefits

by Marius P | Nov 8, 2024 | Articles

At LABA7, we’re dedicated to pushing boundaries in suspension servicing. Our lineup of automatic shock bleeders—MODULE, DAILY, and PRO—brings precision, reliability, and ease to every level of damper maintenance. Each model serves specific needs, from...

Example of how improper bleeding can damage a damper

by Marius P | Sep 27, 2024 | Articles

Proper shock absorber bleeding is essential for the performance and safety of your suspension system. When you bleed the shock absorber incorrectly, whether through manual bleeding or using an improper machine, serious damage occurs. Two common issues result from...

How to Test Shock Absorbers After Damper Bleeding

by Marius P | Sep 12, 2024 | Articles

For a suspension workshop, proper damper bleeding can be the difference between having a happy customer and a whole range of problems to deal with. Some workshops prefer to invest in dedicated equipment for bleeding shocks, such as our shock vacuum bleed pump lineup,...