how to dissamble rear shock

[Psychedelic_Max]

Hi guys! this in my first post on XS11's forum.

I bought a nice xs1100sf eleven special. But the rear shocks are quite rusty. I want to sand blast off some of the rust. the thing is I don't know how to dissamble them. I couldn't find any information in my clymer guide.

How can I dissamble these shock?

thanks!

[mack]

Same trouble I have. I don't think they can be disassembled. Preloaded at the factory. I saw the replacements on the links but I don't like the black look. Someone said to soak them in polmolive dish soap, it will get a lot of the stuff off, so I'm trying that right now.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Same trouble I have. I don't think they can be disassembled. Preloaded at the factory. I saw the replacements on the links but I don't like the black look. Someone said to soak them in polmolive dish soap, it will get a lot of the stuff off, so I'm trying that right now.

Mikes XS has replacements but I was informed by a fellow 11er he is not fond of the 1100 owner.

This site shows XS650 parts but the shocks fit 1100s. Some different lengths too.

A few of the other parts interchange also. Check with the gurus.

http://www.mikesxs.net/

[bikerphil]

You'll need a spring compressor to get the retainer off the top of the shock. This is the one I made up, it works well. Always use extreme caution when compressing springs!

[subike]

I like your little jig BikerPhil.
I also have stripped rear shocks using a similar device.
3/8 of 1/2threaded rods are cheap to buy in 3ft lenghts from most hardware shops for a few dollars.
As for the disassembly of shocks
They are not very hard to work on once you get into it.
I would hesitate at sand blasting the shocks to clean them, that could cause problems with the seals and remove the crome finnish on the shaft as well,
A good wire wheel in a bench grinder was what I uses with sucsess to remove the surface rust. I then polished the barrels with a polish wheel and polishing paste.
Cleaning for the springs? I used a small diameter shaggy paint roller and cutting compound to do the inside, A bit tricky, but the result was worth the effort.
Use the pait roller shaft in a low speed electric drill, bit of adaption , but neither are exspensive tools to make.

[crazy steve]

.... I want to sand blast off some of the rust....

Be careful about blasting the springs; that can act just like shot-peening (which is used to relieve stress in metal) and it can actually remove all the 'springiness' from them. AMHIK.

You'll be better off cleaning 'em with steel wool or sandpaper. And Progressive Suspension lists new replacement springs for the stock shocks.

'78E original owner

[jetmechmarty]

I had simple dis assembly explained on another forum. You need a floor jack, a couple feet of chain, and two hooks. Run the chain with the hooks under the floor jack. Stand the shock assembly on the jack pad. Hook onto the top of the spring on each side of the jack. Raise the jack until you can release the spring at the top.

Yes, I know. It's dangerous. Wear your athletic cup.

[Incubus]

Thread a ratcheting tie down through the spring. Ratchet. Remove holder.

Patrick

[b.walker5]

Dont mess around with old shocks, after 30 years they're probably stuffed and not doing their job properly any more. Err on the side of safety and ride comfort and replace them.

[Guy_b_g]

Dont mess around with old shocks, after 30 years they're probably stuffed and not doing their job properly any more.

I agree, they're usually toast.

[Ivan]

TBH a set of XJ air shocks is the way to go. They ride much smoother and seem to haul my fat gut better than the stock springs.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

TBH a set of XJ air shocks is the way to go. They ride much smoother and seem to haul my fat gut better than the stock springs.

To refer to the Harley riders pre ride check list:

3. Assure suspension can handle at least 560 pounds of rider

[Ivan]

To refer to the Harley riders pre ride check list:

3. Assure suspension can handle at least 560 pounds of rider

Hey now. I dont ride Harleys.

[wa407mpp]

When I rolled my bike last year, one of the shocks compressed enough to release the keepers, after revisiting the crash site and finding them in the grass, I took the shock to Les Schwab tires and they re installed them for me no cost.