Thrust bearings
 

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Thrust bearings

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What ever happened to thrust bearing for coil shocks?  They were once used by loads of pro DH racers (including Stevie Smith) but I never hear any mention of them nowadays and haven’t seen any for sale. (K9 and Ti-springs.com used to make them but both companies are defunct now). 

Do they still exist and can you buy them ?


 
Posted : 18/10/2025 10:05 pm
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Wasn't the issue that the thicker coils of ti springs were binding against the shock body? Does anyone use ti springs anymore?


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 2:47 am
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I remember having one on a Nuke proof spring on a DHX5.0c. I don't remember it making much difference, but I do remember that as it had no seals, I did spend a lot of time cleaning it.


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 6:04 am
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They're probably almost single use die to the lack of sealing which would be pain for mechanics constantly replacing them and if they change the performance of the shock then as a racer you'd realistically need to run them all the time. Possibly one of those not worth the effort things


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 7:56 am
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They seem to be used in the automotive world with coil-over shocks, they make it easier to adjust shock preload. I would be surprised if they made a noticeable difference to suspension performance.


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 8:09 am
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Just wondered. I do remember that they just seemed to be roller bearing with no seals. 

I have a WPS performance spring spacer made from a homopolymer from J-Tech that is supposed to do something similar but no idea if it makes a difference or not as I fitted it straight away when I got the bike as it was £9.99 and I figured go that price it was worth a try. 


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 6:00 pm
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Posted by: zerocool

I have a WPS performance spring spacer made from a homopolymer from J-Tech that is supposed to do something similar but no idea if it makes a difference or not

I'm also running polymer spacers between the spring and the spring perch on both ends of a shock.

For me it's to quieten down the shock as it can get a little noisy under compression.


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 6:46 pm
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I was told I only needed one but if I choose to stay with a coil I might get another as they’re so cheap. Pretty sure I’m switching to air in the near future though as I want a bit more progression and the ability to adjust the spring rate without having to buy another spring (I’m down 20kg this year and now have a drawer of Rockshox, Manitou and Nukeproof springs). 


 
Posted : 19/10/2025 7:56 pm

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