I have a Monarch RT High Volume Shock.

It has a scratch about 70% of the way down the shaft. Not really a big problem but then I rode it quite a lot over the summer (like 15 – 20 full days of riding in total or something), but didn’t get around to servicing it etc.

Looked at it recently and noticed there were a set of grooves in the shaft running down the shaft, most heavily around the 20% – 30% mark just up from the scratch. So I would assume damaged seals or dirt has got in due to the scratch.

I am not 100% sure I like the frame that it is on (feels kinda strange pedalling position, probably could do with being slightly shorter) but irrespective of that the bike could do with lasting a over the summer till I start my job.

I thought about looking at getting it serviced, but it seems that servicing it is about half the value of a new shock. The service kits also seem expensive and letting me near bike stuff is like letting an monkey with a hammer near it (can just about manage oil changes in forks, maybe)

So questions:
* Is it worth getting it serviced? I am not that sure it is as it seems to be about half the value of buying a RT3
* Is there any problem with running it until it properly dies?
* Given that I know nothing, any other options that I have missed?

If you can feel the score in the body tube shaft with a finger nail it could probably do with changing, as a guide a full service and body tube would be around the £100 mark

Sounds like the shock bushings are worn, there is an old set of Fox 36s in my garage that have the same issue. I would have thought just run it till it dies or you can afford to change it out. Just noticed who posted the first response. They probably know more than I!