How to pressurize a damper with a Needle Air Fill tool?

How to Pressurize or Depressurize a Damper Using a Needle Fill Tool

This page explains how to use a needle air-fill adapter to safely depressurize and re-pressurize your damper's IFP or bladder system a common requirement for shocks like the Cane Creek DB Inline, Fox DPX2, Float X, Öhlins, EXT, Push, and more.

Do You Really Need Nitrogen?

Let’s get this out of the way: you don’t need nitrogen to pressurize your shock at home. Yes, your shock manual might say “use nitrogen” but here’s the truth:

  • Air is 78% nitrogen, so you’re already almost there.
  • The rest (oxygen, humidity, etc.) only makes a tiny difference at extremely high pressures, we’re talking 1000+ psi, which your shock will never see.
  • Thermodynamic differences in pressure gain under compression are real, but at MTB-level IFP pressures (100–300 psi), it doesn’t matter.
  • Fox themselves recommend air for their fork air shafts and most shocks... but you think people bring nitrogen tanks in their van to change sag? Exactly.
  • Some brands use nitrogen and pellets because it’s more repeatable in lab conditions, it's more easy to design into the shock in tight spaces, it's a bit better at keeping the pressure you pump in it at after removing the shock pump and it makes it scarier to rebuild it yourself I guess, but not anymore!!
  • Also, shocks with no piggy back reservoir have higher pressures in the damper (300 to 550psi) so with a shock pump, it's a bit more scary / 600psi Shock pump ebay / 600psi Shock pump Fortine

If your shock has a threaded shock pump adapter instead of a pellet, you don’t need a needle tool. These are common on newer shocks:

Bottom line: use a normal shock pump and air, it works the same.

What You Need:

Step 1 - How to Depressurize the Damper

  1. Insert the needle into the pellet with the shock pump attached.
  2. If pressure is present, release it slowly using the pump valve.
  3. Remove the needle.
  4. Open the bleed screw very slowly to release residual pressure.
  5. If the damper is very aerated, the IFP might be fully seated on the top of the reservoir so the pressure might not release through the needle. In this case:
    • Put the shock in a sealed plastic bag (e.g., Ziploc).
    • Unscrew the bleed screw through the bag carefully.
    • Never point the port toward yourself. Residual air in the oil can shoot out pressurized oil to several meters of distance and wear eye protection!

Step 2 - How to Pressurize the Damper

  1. Ensure your damper is fully reassembled (Don't forget the IFP Depth if your shock has an IFP)
  2. Insert the pellet retainer into the 4 mm Allen slot over the pellet.
  3. Gently insert the needle into the pellet center, twist slightly as you go. Do not force it deep or you might bend the tip of the needle on the IFP and then damage the pellet when pulling it out.
  4. Tighten the pellet retainer just enough to hold the needle firmly in place.
  5. Use your shock pump to inflate slowly. If pressure spikes too fast, check needle alignment, if it's clogged or if it's deep enough.
  6. Once at the correct pressure (check your shock's manual), Tighten the pellet retainer a bit more until you feel the needle is not easy to move, pull out the needle quickly and immediately tighten the pellet a bit.
  7. Torque the pellet as follows:
    • Fox: Requires higher torque (~4 mm Allen)
    • Cane Creek: Requires very little torque (soft pellet)
  8. Stroke the shaft, it should return smoothly with no squishy sounds.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use metal-based needles for longevity.
  • Do not bend the needle and rotate gently during insertion.
  • Only use the plastic pellet retainer on soft-style pellets (like Cane Creek).
  • A lot of brands don't even use pellet retainers, Only Fox and Cane Creek uses them I think.
  • If pressure escapes after removal, try again, it may just be from the pump side.
  • If shaft rebound is inconsistent, your damper might not be bled or pressurized correctly.

⚠️ Warning: Pressurizing a damper incorrectly may cause injury or component failure. Always wear safety glasses, avoid overtightening plastic components, and depressurize fully before service. By using these instructions, you agree to our terms of service.