Ohlins shock question

[mik_str]

I recently purchased a used Ohlins shock (see attached cropped pic) and the bottom mount is rigid. My question is to others who own such a shock: is there supposed to be movement in the cylindrical insert located in the bottom mount or is it rigid by design? It seems odd to to me that the bargain OEM Showa uses needle bearings and that a premium piece like the Ohlins would be rigid.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[benny hedges]

you could ask the lads at ftr suspension mik - they are agents for ohlins and are quite helpfull
give them a call - (+44)1284 752 102

[AMCQ46]

I dont have an Ohlins on my Storm, but have had WP and now Nitron fitted for it, plus I have Ohlins on my enduro bike, and every shock has some kind of bearing in both the upper and lower mounting.

At the very least there must be free rotation between the shock rod end and the mounting spacers, as the spacers will be clamped solidly to the linkages when the lower bolt is tightened, and as the suspension operates the angle of the lower linkage will move with relation to the shock, so rotation is required to stop this motion trying to bend the shock.

in addition it is normal for upper an lower mounts to have a spherical bearing fitted so that they can compensate for any slight misalignment in position between the upper and lower mounts in the frame.

It is not normal that you should have no motion in either pure rotation or angular misalignment, this will result in huge bending moments inside the shock when operating, so I strongly suspect the lower bearing in your 2nd hand shock is siezed.

[sirch345]

Micky,
I too say there should be movement in the bottom fixing point on your Ohlins shock.
AMcQ summed it up pretty well IMHO.

Chris.

[Wicky]

IIRC on mine they are solid bushes

A quick google foo confirms it

http://www.ixion.org.uk/shoc.html

Fitting the Ohlins was a cinch. ...Also suprising was the lack of spherical bearings in the top and bottom eyes. Metallic bushes are a poor substitute for rose joints, giving a small degree of vertical play on compression and extension, putting unnecessary stress and strain on the nounting bolts. But they are more resistant to road grime.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/inde ... ins-shock/

....these bearings are just solid no needle bearings like the OEM shock has.

[AMCQ46]

Wicky,
Good find.........I am very surprised that there is no spherical bearing on an Ohlins road shock, but even the metalic bush should allow the spacer to rotate [but not articulate].

if I read mik_str's words correctly [always a risk as each side of the adlantic is "divided by a common language"] it said "the bottom mount is rigid". I have translated that to mean, it wont move in any direction, but we will find out when mik_str replys.

[sirch345]

Well here's Micky's photo as I can't see it in his post:-


Chris.

[tony.mon]

Spring's a nice colour, though.

Sorry Mikstr, "color".

[mik_str]

colour is correct... I am Canadian, not American

[tony.mon]

I most apologetically and unreservedly withdraw my unwarranted slur, good sir.

I hope and trust that no offence was caused.
Ignorance is no defence on this occasion, and I must instead blame the alcohol.

(note to self, don't drink home brewed cider and post).

[mik_str]

No sweat Tony, no harm done