Maintain and repair cycle suspension systems

URN: IMICY11
Business Sectors (Suites): Maintenance and Repair - Cycle
Developed by: IMI
Approved on: 30 Mar 2022

Overview

This standard is about maintaining and repairing cycle suspension systems and faults. It is also about carrying out a quality check on the completed work before returning the cycle to the customer.  
   
In this standard the term ‘cycle’ includes pedal-propelled vehicles with two, three or four wheels. It may also include pedal-assisted e-bikes:
• Road legal up to 15.5 mph with a motor with an output of up to 250w
• E-cycles used for other purposes


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1 use suitable personal protective equipment throughout all cycle suspension system maintenance and repair activities
P2 ensure the cycle and the work area is safe prior to work commencing
P3 support your maintenance and repair activities by reviewing:

P3.1 cycle technical data
P3.2 maintenance and repair procedures
P3.3 legal requirements 
P4 identify components relevant to a cycle suspension system
P5 prepare, check and use all the tools and equipment required following manufacturer’s instructions
P6 carry out all cycle suspension system maintenance, repair and adjustment activities following: 

P6.1 manufacturer’s instructions
P6.2 industry recognised repair methods
P6.3 your workplace procedures
P6.4 health, safety and environmental requirements
P7 work in a way which minimises the risk of:

P7.1 damage to the cycle, its systems and components
P7.2 damage to your working environment
P7.3 injury to self and others
P8 use suitable testing methods to accurately evaluate the performance of the reassembled system
P9 ensure the reassembled system performs to the cycle operating specification and meets any legal requirements prior to return to the customer
P10 promptly report any problems or issues relating to the cycle’s condition or conformity to the relevant person(s) 
P11 ensure your records are accurate, complete and promptly passed to the relevant person(s) in the format required
P12 complete all cycle suspension maintenance and repair activities within the agreed timescale
P13 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant persons(s)


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

Legislative and organisational requirements and procedures
K1 the legal requirements relating to the cycle (including road safety requirements)
K2 the health and safety legislation, environmental requirements and workplace procedures relevant to cycle suspension system maintenance and repair activities and personal and cycle protection
K3 your workplace procedures for:

K3.1 recording maintenance and repair information
K3.2 the referral of problems
K3.3 reporting delays to the completion of work
K4 how to work safely avoiding damage to other cycle systems, components and units and injury to self and others
K5 the importance of documenting cycle suspension system maintenance and repair information
K6 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress
K7 the relationship between time and cost
K8 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s)

Use of technical information
K9 how to find, interpret and use sources of current technical information applicable to cycle suspension systems
K10 the importance of using the appropriate sources of technical information

Tools and equipment
K11 how to select, prepare, check and use all the maintenance and repair tools and equipment required

Cycle suspension system maintenance and repair
K12 how to identify the main components in a cycle suspension system
K13 the purpose and operation of each component of a cycle suspension system
K14 the main differences, advantages and disadvantages between various cycle suspension designs
K15 the main purpose of an inertia valve
K16 how to inspect a cycle suspension system
K17 how to remove and assess the serviceability of cycle suspension system components 
K18 the quality check process and how to report any faults highlighted 
K19 how to identify and rectify faults presented on cycle suspension systems
K20 how to refit or replace cycle suspension system components
K21 how to adjust suspension system components
K22 how to carry out a cycle suspension system function test prior to and following work
K23 how to assess the condition of the cycle suspension system following maintenance and repair activity, ensuring the cycle is returned to the customer in a roadworthy condition prior to returning the cycle to the customer


Scope/range

1. Tools and equipment include:

1.1. hand tools
1.2. electrical tools
1.3. measuring equipment
1.4. bench mounted equipment
1.5. power tools
1.6. brake bleeding equipment
1.7. cleaning and degreasing equipment
1.8. pneumatic pressurising equipment

2. Components are:

2.1. shock absorber
2.2. spring
2.3. pivots and bushes
2.4. linkages
2.5. air canister
2.6. seals
2.7. suspension forks

3. Suspension designs include:

3.1. suspension seatpost / dropper post
3.2. single pivot swing arm system
3.3. multiple linkage rear cycle system
3.4. various suspension fork designs including single-sided and double-sided suspension fork, single crown fork, double crown fork

4. Condition assessments include:

4.1. cleanliness
4.2. security
4.3. adjustment
4.4. fluid leaks
4.5. function test


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

This section contains examples and explanations of some of the terms used but does not form part of the standard.

*
Agreed timescales
Examples include industry recommended work times, job times set by your company or a job time agreed with a specific customer

Confo*rmity
Examples include conformity to approvals and specifications, UK and European legal requirements where applicable

Cycles
In this standard the term ‘cycle’ includes pedal-propelled vehicles with two, three or four wheels on which the rider sits. It may also include pedal-assisted e-bikes:
• Road legal up to 15.5 mph with a motor with an output of up to 250w
• E-cycles used for other purposes 

Quality check
To include leaks, seals, correct torque settings, suspension travel, acceptable levels of play, excessive noise, stanchion wear.

Sources of technical information
To include manufacturer’s instructions from distributors and websites, servicing criteria and checklists, industry standards and results of functional tests, including test riding.


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

IMI

Original URN

CY11

Relevant Occupations

Advanced Cycle Technician

SOC Code

5223

Keywords

Cycle; suspension; shock absorber; spring; pivot; bushes; linkages; seals; forks;