Yeti’s Sixfinity suspension is one of the best rear suspension systems out there. It performs similarly to the mythical Switch Infinity suspension, with less mechanical complexity.
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Yeti first introduced Sixfinity on its long-travel e-MTBs, then started bringing it to more bikes in the Yeti lineup, starting with the 2027 Yeti LT.
The good news is, Sixfinity maintenance is pretty straightforward. There aren’t any exposed rails or bushings to grease. Your job as the owner of a bike with Sixfinity is to keep the linkage clean, check for looseness and undesirable movement, service the rear shock on schedule, and replace the pivot bearings when they wear out.
How Sixfinity works
Sixfinity is a six-bar suspension design built around several interconnected links. These include the rocker link, timing links, and switch link. The links rotate on sealed cartridge bearings as the suspension moves through its travel range.
The six bars are:
- Front triangle
- Seat stay
- Chain stay
- Switch link
- Timing link
- Rocker link
Unlike Yeti’s older Switch Infinity system, Sixfinity doesn’t have exposed rails or bushings that need regular grease injections; it uses sealed bearings instead to simplify maintenance.
That doesn’t make it completely maintenance-free though. Sixfinity still has several pivot bearings, axles, and pieces of hardware that can loosen, wear out, or become contaminated over time.
Routine Sixfinity maintenance
Keep the linkage clean
After dusty, muddy, or wet rides, wipe dirt away from the suspension pivots and rear shock. Pay extra attention to the areas around the links and bearing seals, where mud likes to set up camp.
Don’t spray lubricant onto the pivots. External oil attracts dirt, and it won’t reach the working surfaces inside the sealed bearings anyway.
Be careful if you wash your bike with high pressure from a hose. High-pressure water can force moisture and contamination past the suspension bearing and shock seals. Make sure you only ever rinse the Sixfinity suspension with at most a gentle water flow.
Check the pivot hardware
Give the Sixfinity system a regular check for loose bolts. Once a month is a reasonable starting point. Check it more often if you spend a lot of time in bike parks, rough terrain, or wet conditions.
Sixfinity uses precisely fitted hardware, including floating collet axles and a self-aligning rocker assembly. Incorrect torque or assembly order can put unwanted side loads on the bearings, so make sure to use Yeti’s exact specified torque values and service instructions whenever you adjust the pivot hardware. You will need a torque wrench to check the values.
Check for play/looseness
Hold the frame firmly and move the rear wheel from side to side. Any noticeable clicking, knocking, or movement needs to be investigated.
Play can come from several places:
- Rear wheel or hub bearings
- Rear axle
- Shock mounting hardware
- Sixfinity pivot bearings
- Loose pivot bolts
Check that the wheel and rear axle are secure just in case, sometimes the simple answer is the right one. ("Did you turn it off and turn it on again?")
Sixfinity parts that may need service
Pivot bearings
The sealed cartridge bearings are the main wear components in the Sixfinity linkage. There isn’t a fixed replacement interval. Bearing life depends on where you ride, how often you ride, and how much mud and water the bike sees.
Your bearings may need replacement if you notice:
- Side-to-side movement
- Creaking or clicking
- Rough or notchy suspension movement
- Binding as the suspension moves
- Corrosion around the bearing seals
In a dry climate, a set of bearings can last several seasons. Regular riding in mud, rain, snow, or wet desert washes can shorten that lifespan considerably.
Pivot axles, collets, and bolts
The linkage is held together by axles, collets, spacers, and pivot bolts. These parts usually last longer than the bearings, but they should still be cleaned and inspected during a linkage rebuild.
Replace any parts with damaged threads, worn axle surfaces, corrosion, or hardware that repeatedly comes loose.
Rocker, timing, and switch links
The aluminum links shouldn't wear out, but they can sometimes become damaged such as in a crash. If you suspect the links might have taken a hit, inspect them for:
- Cracks
- Impact damage
- Corrosion
- Deformed bearing bores
Damaged links should be replaced. Don’t try to straighten or repair them. Contact our Scottsdale or Phoenix store for assistance with replacement Sixfinity parts.
If you ride trails like this often, check your suspension (and your frame) more often.
Shock mounting hardware
Movement around the shock mounts can feel a lot like worn frame bearings. The shock eyelet hardware, spacers, bushings, or bearings can all develop play.
A knock or click during compression doesn’t automatically mean the entire Sixfinity linkage needs a rebuild. Shock mounting hardware is usually easier and less expensive to replace, so check it first.
Progression-chip hardware
Some Sixfinity bikes use progression chips to adjust the suspension’s leverage-rate progression. Whenever you change the chip position, clean the mounting surfaces and tighten the hardware to Yeti’s specified torque.
Loose progression-chip hardware can cause creaking or movement around the lower shock mount.
The rear shock needs separate maintenance
The rear shock and Sixfinity linkage have different service requirements. Smooth frame bearings don’t mean the shock is healthy, and a freshly serviced shock doesn’t fix worn pivot bearings.
A Fox Float X2, for example, contains air seals, wipers, lubricating oil, damper seals, and suspension fluid. Those parts need regular service even when the linkage is working perfectly.
Follow the current service schedule from the shock manufacturer. You may need shorter service intervals if you ride frequently or spend a lot of time in dusty, muddy, or wet conditions.
Signs that your shock may need service include:
- Air loss
- Oil around the shaft or seals
- Sticking or hesitation
- Squelching sounds
- Inconsistent damping
- Harsh suspension movement
- Failure to return normally
On most Sixfinity bikes, the rear shock will need attention more often than the complete linkage.
When to inspect the linkage more thoroughly
At least once a year, or whenever something feels wrong, remove the shock and move the rear triangle through its travel by hand.
The linkage should move smoothly without grinding, tight spots, or excessive resistance. Check each pivot for play and roughness.
A yearly inspection is especially worthwhile if your bike sees:
- Frequent bike-park use
- Enduro racing
- Wet or muddy trails
- Repeated stream crossings
- Heavy washing
- High annual mileage
Replace Sixfinity bearings based on their condition, not mileage alone.
Sixfinity vs. Switch Infinity maintenance
Sixfinity eliminates the regular grease-port service used on Switch Infinity. There aren’t any sliding rails or external stanchions to clean and grease.
The tradeoff is that Sixfinity uses more individual pivots and cartridge bearings. That creates more potential wear points, but it also uses conventional bearings and replaceable hardware that any experienced suspension shop can service.
Sixfinity maintenance is simple:
- Clean the linkage, but don't pressure wash the bearings
- Check for loose hardware and unwanted play
- Service the rear shock at the proper intervals
- Replace pivot bearings when they become rough or loose
Sixfinity Maintenance Service at Airpark Bike Co
Contact us if you think your Sixfinity suspension needs an inspection, maintenance or replacement, we're happy to help.