Rear skock repalcement & creaking

df_vtr · Post by **df_vtr** » Fri May 28, 2004 3:34 pm

My rear suspension is creaking badly. I was once told it might be the
linkages. Is that so? Do they need replacing or just taking apart,
greasing and reassembling?

Also, I have a replacement standard rear shock to fit that's covered
less than 2000 miles (mine has covered almost 26000). I've been given
conflicting advice about removing/refitting. I was told that once the
bike's on a paddock stand I need to use a 'tool' to compress the
suspension before undoing the bolts. But a bike mechanic has told me
this isn't necessary.

Has anyone had experience of removing the rear shock and also has
anyone experienced this creaking?

DazF

Pete.L · Post by **Pete.L** » Fri May 28, 2004 4:12 pm

Hi DF
Yes to both.
First off. You can't use a paddock stand. It lifts the bike by the swing arm. Either use a centre lift stand or some wood and a trolly jack Under the engine. Then you can undo you linkages and remove the shocker. It's helpfull to have someone around to take the wieght off the back wheel as you undo the bits but not essential. You can always put a couple of pieces of wood under it to support it.
You'll have to check your linkage bearings. They might be shot/grooved but if you're lucky you might get away with a regrease.
Pete.l

hawkrider0 · Post by **hawkrider0** » Fri May 28, 2004 4:34 pm

The way I did mine was to use ratcheting tie-down straps to the rafters, one on each side of the subframe. You have to take the rear cowling off first, of course. The Honda manual says to remove the rear exhaust, but I found it wasn't necessary. All I had to do was remove the linkage and top nut and raise and/or lower the rear of the bike as necessary to get the shock out.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Pete.L · Post by **Pete.L** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 10:24 am

Hawk Rider Said

The way I did mine was to use ratcheting tie-down straps to the rafters, one on each side of the subframe

Ha!

Thats the way I always used to do mine.
Jonocol Sorted me out and brought me into the 21st century

Pete.l

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 10:12 pm

JC for a stand for sure.

Err, creaking suspension means completely dry and seized as ***ked linkage, done a few with the same symptons. The ones I have done it was the rear linkage closest to the back wheel. The steel one, and the bearings were bone dry and all rusted together, could even get the spindle out of the middle. Worst was an 02 in 02 that was 6 months old.

If you do need some linkages PM us cos I should have some bits lying around.

Del.

df_vtr · Post by **df_vtr** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:28 pm

Almost sorted.

The linkage joining the three point thingy (I don't know what it's
called) to the swing arm was seized solid, so we (my sister's fella
and I) had to remove the swingarm entirely so that we could 'work' on
it. Taking the opportunity to regrease that too whilst I'm at it 'cos
it was bone dry.

Had everything off the bike within 20 mins. Then took two and a half
hours trying to remove said seized bolt. Neither brute force, hammer
and pins nor blow torch would loosen it. In the end we had no choice
but to saw through the bolt in between the swingarm mounts and then
knock the bits out. Once I'd got the centre pin out, what remained of
the seized bearings fell out in bits. Even then a hammer and pin was
needed to get everything out.

A handful of dust seals and the bolt/bearing/spacer/nut is costing Â£65 to replace.

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:07 am

See, am I good or am I good

Del

RAINMAKER · Post by **RAINMAKER** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:28 am

Yeah ok you're good.

So how about fettling my bike for me, 16,000 coming up soon, I live up in Hull but if you want the best I guess you have to travel.

No complaints with my honda dealers but there not specific to VTR if you know what I mean............Cheers Paul.

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 10:18 pm

yeah no probs but if it needs valve shims and I don't have em I have to order then from honda before noon for next day delivery (as they don't stock em either) so it could be an over nighter. That'll be ok as long as you ain't too wierd as we have a sofa aswell as a big garage. Have to be here well early, like 7am to be safe.

Del.

RAINMAKER · Post by **RAINMAKER** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 6:36 pm

Sounds ok but have to be honest I SNORE REAL LOUD. but I got a tent anyway. So how far away from Hull is Bluewater.?

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:24 pm

err <--------> this far, err well it's right by dartford tunnel which is the begining and end of the M25, junction 1 and 31.

Del.

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 11:11 pm

delmeekc wrote:yeah no probs but if it needs valve shims and I don't have em I have to order then from honda before noon for next day delivery (as they don't stock em either) so it could be an over nighter. That'll be ok as long as you ain't too wierd as we have a sofa aswell as a big garage. Have to be here well early, like 7am to be safe.

Del.

sounds like a chance for a night on the piss to me

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:58 am

arrhhh cheers, wot whilst I'm working on the bike,

essexbloke · Post by **essexbloke** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:24 pm

That and the fact that he drinks dodgy bitter stuff.........

RAINMAKER · Post by **RAINMAKER** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 1:12 pm

Ah tis true, a pint of bitter is the only true drink. aaahh lovely.