Getting old shocks off

[Pete Dixon]

Chaps

Sorry to appear a bit of a wimp, but anyone have any tips on getting the rear shocks off without resorting to using a puller? Mine are stuck on tight, despite the bike only being 6 months old; I do not want to risk any paintwork by levering, and have already tried a couple of technical taps with rubber mallet!!

Pete

 

[atomsplitter]

The shocks need to be unloaded (wheel in the air). Spray some WD-40 (or other lubricant) on the studs (after bolt removal). Then twist the shock springs by hand. The shock's eye rubber cushion has a plastic insert that slips over the frame stud and protects the rubber. The lubricant will allow the friction between the two to lessen. Then just pull the shock off.

Remove the shock from the bottom first, then the top. Replace from the bottom then slide on the top.

If the shock is still stuck, use a stout phillips in the adjuster hole for the preload and raise and lower the preload adjuster. This will put torsion stress on the eye grommets and should help loosen them. Good Luck

 

[JHB Anchorman]

Hi!

There is a thread in the tech. on how to change the shocks. When I changed
mine I jacked the bike up, just enough to take the pressure of the back tire.
The shocks came of easy no problems at all, changing the shocks
is the best mod. I have done to the bike!!! Good Luck! 8)

 

[hogweed]

If your after some hagons i've got a pair for sale :wink:

 

[Pete Dixon]

TVM for the offer......but I've just bought Perds' Progressive 440s.....

 

[Blastedbones]

Thought he said Socks! hard to get off after a few days of dirt & sweat :twisted:

 

[atomsplitter]

If your after some hagons i've got a pair for sale :wink:

What length???

 

[usafo8]

You tell me?

The shocks need to be unloaded (wheel in the air). Spray some WD-40 (or other lubricant) on the studs

Not to be picky (because I really don't know.) In the Air Force we were constantly told that WD40 is not a lubricant, but a cleaner. The mechs were supposed to use it to clean stuff but not rely on it for any lubricating properties at all. If so it might save y'all from some unintended wear.

 

[atomsplitter]

Re: You tell me?

The shocks need to be unloaded (wheel in the air). Spray some WD-40 (or other lubricant) on the studs

Not to be picky (because I really don't know.) In the Air Force we were constantly told that WD40 is not a lubricant, but a cleaner. The mechs were supposed to use it to clean stuff but not rely on it for any lubricating properties at all. If so it might save y'all from some unintended wear.

WD-40 is a dry lube (sprays wet). It has solvent to break stuff free, and can be used to clean stuff (petroleum based). Spray it on a squeeky hinge sometime and note it acts like oil. The military has lube specs on every piece of machinery they own, none of which rely on WD-40 for lubrication. It won't form a wedge so can't be used in place of oil or grease. It will penetrate rust and free stuck parts. Lubrication is the reduction of friction, by that standard, it is a lubricant.

 

[hogweed]

sorry atomsplitter UK sale only