Store Support & Suspension Assistance

Keeping your UTV shocks clean is one of the most important parts of UTV suspension maintenance. Clean shock absorbers last longer, perform better, and help your machine ride smoother across all types of terrain.

Dirt, mud, sand, and debris can build up on your shocks over time. If not cleaned properly, this buildup can:

• Wear out seals prematurely

• Damage adjustment knobs

• Reduce suspension performance

• Lead to costly repairs or rebuilds

Regular shock cleaning and maintenance helps your suspension stay consistent, responsive, and reliable.

How to Protect Your UTV Shocks from Dirt and Debris

The best way to reduce wear is to prevent debris from reaching critical areas in the first place.

We recommend using shock covers (seal savers) to protect your suspension components.

Recommended options:

• Mom’s Kustoms (Facebook)

• Seal Savers

Shock covers help block mud, sand, and debris from damaging seals and shafts—especially in harsh riding conditions.

How to Clean UTV Shock Absorbers (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to safely clean your shocks without causing damage:

1. Use a Gentle Cleaner

• Use mild soap or detergent

• Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals

2. Clean Around the Seal Head

• Remove dirt buildup carefully

• This is one of the most sensitive areas of the shock

3. Clean the Shock Body and Shaft

• Wipe down the shock body

• Remove any debris stuck to the shaft

4. Clean Preload Threads

• Use a soft brush to clean threads under the preload rings

• This keeps adjustments smooth and prevents damage

5. Clean Adjustment Knobs

• Make sure rebound/compression adjusters are free of dirt

• Prevents internal damage to adjustment mechanisms

6. Clean Under the Bottom-Out Bumper

• Light compressed air can be used here only

What NOT to Do When Cleaning UTV Shocks

Avoid these common mistakes:

• ❌ Do NOT use compressed air on the seal head
  (This can force debris into seals and cause leaks)

• ❌ Do NOT use abrasive cleaners or brushes
  (They can scratch surfaces and damage seals)

• ❌ Do NOT ignore buildup around adjusters
  (This can affect shock tuning and performance)

How Often Should You Clean UTV Shocks?

There’s no exact schedule—it depends on how and where you ride.

You should clean your shocks more often if you ride in:

• Mud or water

• Sand or dusty conditions

• Rocky or aggressive terrain

• High-speed or heavy-load situations

In harsh conditions, frequent UTV shock maintenance is critical to protecting your suspension.

Why UTV Shock Maintenance Is So Important

Your shocks control how your UTV handles, absorbs impacts, and maintains traction.

Proper maintenance:

• Improves ride quality

• Increases control and stability

• Extends shock lifespan

• Prevents expensive repairs

A clean shock absorber simply performs better.

Learn More About UTV Suspension & Performance

If you want to better understand how your suspension works and how to get the most out of it, check out these guides:

• How to Optimize Your UTV for Better Performance
  (Shock Setup & Tuning)

• Understanding the Basics of UTV Suspension
  (Suspension Basics + Maintenance)

These articles go deeper into suspension setup, tuning, and long-term maintenance so you can get the best performance out of your ride.

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a full teardown to maintain your shocks.

Just regularly:

• Clean them

• Inspect them

• Protect them

Doing this consistently will keep your UTV suspension performing at its best.

All prices on our website are listed in U.S. dollars (USD).

If you are ordering from outside the United States—including Canada—your bank or credit card provider will automatically convert the total to your local currency at the current exchange rate at the time of purchase.

We ship worldwide and proudly offer free shipping to both the U.S. and Canada.

Please note that your final amount may vary slightly depending on your bank’s exchange rate and any applicable foreign transaction fees.

There is no single “correct” setting for crossover rings.

Crossover rings are designed to let you fine-tune how your suspension feels based on your riding style, terrain, and preference.

What Do Crossover Rings Do?

Crossover rings control when your secondary (tender) spring transitions to your main spring.

In a dual-rate setup:

• You start riding on a combined (softer) spring rate

• Then transition into the main (heavier) spring rate

👉 The crossover ring determines when that transition happens

How Crossover Ring Position Affects Ride Feel

Lower Position (Closer to Bottom Threads)

• Engages the main spring sooner

• Results in a firmer ride earlier in the travel

• Better for:Aggressive riding
  Heavy loads
  Preventing bottoming out
  

Higher Position (Closer to Top Threads)

• Delays engagement of the main spring

• Keeps both springs working together longer

• Results in a softer, more comfortable ride

Middle Position

• Balanced transition between soft and firm

• Most common starting point for general trail riding

How to Adjust Crossover Rings

• Turn the crossover rings up or down on the threaded body

• Adjust in small increments

• Test ride after each adjustment

✔️ There is no fixed measurement—this is all about feel

How to Tune Your Setup

Start in a middle position, then adjust based on how the machine feels:

• Too soft / bottoming out? → Move rings lower (engage main spring sooner)

• Too stiff / harsh? → Move rings higher (stay in dual-rate longer)

Important Tips

• Make adjustments with the suspension unloaded (lifted)

• Keep both sides even

• Small changes make a noticeable difference

• Always test in the same terrain for consistency

Final Takeaway

Crossover rings are a fine-tuning tool, not a fixed setting.

• Lower = firmer sooner

• Higher = softer longer

The best setup is the one that feels right for your machine and how you ride.

Rebound adjustment controls how fast your suspension returns (extends) after it compresses from a bump or impact.

👉 In simple terms:
Rebound controls how your UTV settles after a hit.

What Does Rebound Damping Do?

After your shock compresses, rebound damping controls how quickly it extends back to full length.

Proper rebound helps:

• Keep your tires planted

• Maintain control and stability

• Prevent bouncing or harsh ride feel

What Happens If Rebound Is Not Set Correctly?

Too Little Rebound (Too Fast)

• Suspension extends too quickly

• Causes a pogo / bouncing effect

• Can feel unstable after big hits

Too Much Rebound (Too Slow)

• Suspension cannot extend fast enough

• Causes the shock to “pack down”

• Results in a harsh, stiff ride over repeated bumps

Where Is the Rebound Adjuster Located?

• Typically found at the lower end of the shock

• Marked with:S = Soft (faster rebound)
  H = Hard (slower rebound)

Factory Starting Point

We ship all shocks with rebound set at the midpoint.

✔️ This is the best all-around starting setting for most riders.

How to Adjust Rebound

• Turn toward S (counterclockwise) → Faster rebound (softer feel)

• Turn toward H (clockwise) → Slower rebound (firmer feel)

Make adjustments in small increments (1 click at a time).

How to Tune Your Rebound Settings

Start at the midpoint and adjust based on how your UTV feels:

• Bouncy / kicking after bumps? → Add rebound (turn toward H)

• Harsh / feels stuck down in bumps? → Reduce rebound (turn toward S)

Important Tips

• Adjust one setting at a time

• Keep track of your clicks

• Test ride after each adjustment

• Use the same terrain for consistent results

Final Takeaway

• Rebound controls how fast your suspension resets after a hit

• Start at the midpoint

• Adjust one click at a time

There is no “perfect” setting—your ideal rebound depends on terrain, speed, tire setup, and driving style.

We do not recommend powder coating UTV springs.

While it may seem like a simple way to change the look, the process can actually weaken the spring and affect performance.

Why You Should NOT Powder Coat Springs

Powder coating typically involves:

• Sandblasting the surface

• Reheating the spring to cure the coating

These steps can:

• Alter the molecular structure of the steel

• Reduce spring strength

• Affect spring rate and durability

• Increase the risk of premature failure

👉 Springs are engineered and heat-treated very precisely—changing that process can compromise their integrity.

Do You Offer Springs in Different Colors?

We periodically offer:

• Silver springs (limited availability)

However, our standard and most common option is:

• Black (Bandit’s signature color)

Can I Change the Color Safely?

If you want to customize the look of your suspension:

• Avoid powder coating or high-heat processes

• Consider alternatives like:Wraps
  Covers
  

These options won’t affect the structure of the spring.

Final Takeaway

• ❌ Do not powder coat springs

• ✔️ It can weaken the steel and reduce lifespan

• ✔️ Stick with factory finishes for performance and reliability

At Bandit, our priority is making sure your suspension performs as designed and lasts as long as possible.

We source our springs from top-tier spring manufacturers in the United States.

Why We Use Multiple Manufacturers

At Bandit, we work with leading U.S. spring manufacturers to ensure we’re always delivering:

• High-quality materials

• Consistent spring rates

• Reliable performance

• Proper fitment for each application

Using multiple trusted suppliers allows us to match the best spring for each specific setup.

What Matters Most in a UTV Spring

The performance of a spring comes down to:

• Proper spring rate

• Material quality

• Manufacturing consistency

• Correct setup for your machine

👉 At Bandit, every spring is selected and paired to match your vehicle, weight, and riding style.

Are Your Springs High Quality?

Yes.

All of our springs are:

• Built to meet or exceed OEM standards

• Designed for off-road durability

• Selected for long-term performance and reliability

Final Takeaway

We partner with top U.S. spring manufacturers to ensure every setup delivers the performance and durability our customers expect.

At the end of the day, it’s not about one name—it’s about getting the right spring for your ride.

This is normal.

Spring dividers are designed to move up and down on the shock body as your suspension cycles. Because of this movement, some light contact or rubbing can occur.

What Does a Spring Divider Do?

A spring divider (also called a crossover divider) is used in dual-rate spring setups.

It:

• Connects the upper and lower springs

• Allows the suspension to transition between spring rates

• Moves along the shock body during suspension travel

👉 Movement is part of its normal function.

Is Spring Divider Rubbing a Problem?

In most cases, no.

✔️ Light rubbing:

• Is expected

• Does not affect performance

• Is common in off-road suspension systems

What Causes More Rubbing?

You may notice increased contact if:

• Dirt or debris builds up in the divider area

• Riding conditions are muddy or dusty

• Suspension is cycling heavily in rough terrain

How to Reduce Wear

The best way to minimize wear is simple:

• Clean your shocks regularly

• Rinse dirt and debris from around the spring divider

• Inspect the area during routine maintenance

✔️ Keeping this area clean helps prevent unnecessary wear over time

Final Takeaway

• Spring dividers are meant to move on the shock body

• Some rubbing is completely normal

• Regular cleaning is the best way to maintain performance