OpenTube

Beginner Guide to RC Oil Shocks | Setup, Fill, Tips & Tricks

Cape Crawlers

41,896 views

Today’s video is a beginner-friendly guide to oil filled RC shocks for the Axial SCX24 (and many other models), where I explain how they work, how they compare to friction damped shocks, and why they can make such a big difference in performance when set up correctly. I walk through the pros and cons of each style, demonstrate how to properly fill oil shocks step by step, and share practical tips for assembly and installation that can help prevent leaks, improve consistency, and get the most out of your suspension. Whether you’re building your first crawler or just want to better understand how suspension tuning works, this guide should give you a solid foundation to get started.

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20 Comments

@CapeCrawlers Creator 7 months ago (edited) Pinned

Check your shock manufacturers recommendation for fill levels. Typically fill ~80%, leaving a little room at the top for proper damping.
Timestamps
Pros & cons: 0:22
How to fill with oil: 6:32
Tips for assembly and installation: 10:15

@BrandtLawnRC 7 months ago

First person I’ve seen fill these “correctly” in my opinion! I’ve been doing my injoras this way for a while and you cannot beat how smooth it is! Green slime can help with them leaking as often. I do tend to run higher weight oils than most but I also run heavier rigs than most as well. It is satisfying to watch the front end come down hard over an obstacle and it actually dampen the drop.

@2blackfox1 7 months ago (edited)

Nice video to see how another content creator does it. I wish you did more of these. Most often you show the parts and then the final product without any insight as to what was done. This video is a refreshing change. Thanks for showing the step by step!!

@JeremyAdley 7 months ago

Could you do a video on the other aspects of shock setup? Shock angle, vertical vs laying down. Correlation of the shocks and link setups. Anti squat. Tips on tuning your shocks for better performance uphill, downhill, and side hilling.

@vcente671 7 months ago

Getting back into rc rock crawling this Friday! So excited it's been YEARS since I've owned a crawler

@mark.scale.models 7 months ago

Incredibly helpful video that will save people a lot of hassle if they are tackling this for the first time, or need a refresher. Very straightforward and easy to follow presentation!
I converted my Gladiator to 39mm Injora oils a while back and it took a few attempts to get it set up properly due to slight binding and a lingering air bubble but they came out great after and I’m glad I converted.

@archtop1989 7 months ago

Thank you for the tutorial. I have the same shocks still in the bag. I just didn’t know how to proceed in the setup and install. This made it all clear.
Subscriber!

@foolishhabitlj3746 7 months ago

Good video, I’ve started switching all mine over to the Big Bore 40mm’s.

@stingerrc 7 months ago

Thanks a lot 🙏🏻❤

@ramoverde4133 7 months ago

Exactly what I needed! Well and simply explained.
Thanks 👍

@Downwiththeclownsrc 7 months ago

Thank you for your tips

@bwiese5387 7 months ago

Very insightful! I usually just fill them and say good enough!!

@iancourts8435 7 months ago

Awesome, thanks!

@Woder_boddle 7 months ago

Can you ro a trx4m budget build? Have t seen one in a while.
Also any updates on the new course?

@markLehobab 6 months ago

Nicely Done

@ejg4069 7 months ago

Syringe help - draw back about 0.1mL or more (depending on syringe size), THEN proceed to push fluid out. Seemed to be much more controlled when I did this in nursing school.