rebuild rear shocks?

[skids]

I won the bid on rear shock springs for $9.99(!) Has anyone replaced their springs? How do you get the shocks apart to do this?

Sid

[xssiveone]

I seem to remember someone claiming that you have to compress them and then remove a lock collar or plate at one end or another, think it was the top end. IIRC, once this lock is removed, the sleeve that covers the top of the springs will come off, and then you can release the springs and remove them.

Might have to do a search of the Yahoo list to confirm this.

[oldfart]

shock springs

You will need a shock spring compressor,It's a very simple operation.(IF,you have the spring compressor)otherwise you could end up needing your two front teeth for Christmas!Just has to be turn the collet to compress the spring enough to remove upper spring seat(collar)release pressure,remove old install new spring,then compress again and reinstall upper collar ,then release pressure...

[skids]

While I am at it, is there anything to rebuild in the shock part of the assembly? Replace oil, seal, etc? My shocks do not appear to leak or anything, but I figured that since I will have the spring out of the way...

[oldfart]

shocks

Stock shocks are not meant to be rebuilt,sealed units.Give them a good cleaning and shine.If they have a damper adjustment ,then remember to lube index wheel....Will

[desert1]

Sids Springs

I bought these XS11 shocks on ebay, they have an adjusting wheel atop the shocks body.....hoping they fit on my 78 XS as my shocks don't have this adjusting wheel.

Hello there Sir Sid.

Bruce Doucette
78XS1100

[rockyr74]

Spring removal = excuse to buy special tools.

I bought the spring compressor in the Dennis Kirk catalog and it works on the standard model shocks, but not on the special. The difference is that the special has a longer chrome covers than the standard and leaves no uncovered coils in the area of the piston rod. This area between the piston rod and coil is where the fork on this device grabs the coils. It then compresses the shock spring with a lever attached to the body eye - like a can crusher.

There is a LOT of force - I'm the master of improvisation, but dont try to rig this - big danger.

Long story short -- save thirty bucks and take the ahocks to the bike shop for R&R.

When you have the springs off, rapidly move the rod in and out to see if you have any damping or not !