How to Safely Clamp and Service a Trunnion Shock
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Working on trunnion-mounted shocks can be risky without the proper holding tools. Fine damper body threads, awkward clamping angles, and bleeding procedures make servicing more difficult compared to standard eyelet shocks.
The Trunnion Mount Shock Holder & Torque Tool was designed to create a stable and secure mounting interface for modern MTB shocks during suspension service.
Unlike traditional clamping methods, the tool threads directly into the trunnion holes, allowing the shock to remain rigid and centered in the vise without touching delicate damper body threads.
This not only makes torque procedures safer, but also makes general shock service cleaner, steadier, and easier overall.
View the Trunnion Mount Shock Holder & Torque Tool
1. Stable & Safe Vise Clamping
This tool allows you to clamp a trunnion-mounted shock securely in a vise without touching the delicate M10 fine threads on the damper body.
Clamping directly on those threads is extremely risky. If the vise slips, the damper body can be permanently damaged.
The holder threads into both trunnion holes and preloads against the shock, creating a rigid and centered mounting interface.
Once installed, the shock stays extremely stable in the vise with very little movement, making suspension work significantly easier and safer.
The tool can also withstand far more torque than any normal suspension service procedure will require.
2. Shock Orientation & Bleeding
The tool also acts as a precise orientation handle when bleeding dampers with an IFP.
You can rotate the shock so the IFP port faces upward or sideways, which is especially useful during bleed procedures on shocks like the Fox Float X2.
This makes the bleeding process cleaner, easier, and more controlled.
3. Safe Torque Application
On some shocks, including the Float X, DPX2, and Float X2, the damper body must be threaded into the shaft or damper tube during service.
With a standard eyelet shock, you would normally hold the shock using the eyelet while torquing the body.
With a trunnion shock, there is no eyelet available to grab safely.
This tool solves that problem by allowing safe torque application directly from the trunnion side while the shaft is held using the included wrenching arm.
Without a dedicated tool like this, it becomes extremely difficult to hold the shock securely without risking damage to the surface finish or threads.
4. Accurate Torque Procedures
For accurate and repeatable torque application, we strongly recommend using a luggage scale together with our torque calculator.
This method allows torque to be controlled precisely by applying force at a known lever arm distance.
In practice, luggage scales are often more consistent than low-cost torque wrenches, especially for specialty suspension procedures.
5. Universal Trunnion Shock Compatibility
The tool is compatible with most modern trunnion-mounted MTB shocks from brands including:
- Fox
- RockShox
- EXT
- Öhlins
- And most other trunnion shock platforms
Some shocks with unusually shallow trunnion holes may require small washers to slightly reduce screw engagement depth.
6. Final Notes
This tool was designed specifically for trunnion-mounted suspension service.
More than just a torque tool, it acts as a stable shock holder that keeps the shock rigid and secure throughout the entire service process.
You only get one chance with damper body threads. This tool exists to make sure you do not waste it.