shock leak

[rappin]

I ha e a leak from my left shock (79F). Hoe do I get the alen bolt out from the bottom of the shock?

[natemoen]

From my understanding the XS shocks are not rebuildable.

[rappin]

So how do I stop the leak?

[crazy steve]

Buy new shocks....

Once the shaft seal is leaking, they're done. All you can do is find another used OEM shock, or swap something off another bike onto it, or buy new. Progressive still offers new direct-fit shocks for these, and there's several vendors that offer 'universal' replacements, MikesXS among them.

[bikerphil]

I ha e a leak from my left shock (79F). Hoe do I get the alen bolt out from the bottom of the shock?

Are you reffering to the front fork? That has an Allen bolt on the bottom.

[crazy steve]

I think Nate and I misuderstood your question; are talking about your front forks? Those are rebuildable, and getting that allen bolt out can be a pain.

After pulling the fork off the bike and partially disassembling it (fork cap and spring), build a tool with a 2' length of 1/2" threaded rod. Double-nut some 1/2" nuts on both ends, and insert that into the fork. The nut will fit into the top of the damper and by holding the other end of the rod, you can now get the allen screw out.

The seals come in sets for both forks, you might as well go through both...

[natemoen]

Are you reffering to the front fork? That has an Allen bolt on the bottom.

Good catch.

[bikerphil]

You can also make a damper rod holding tool with a bolt and two nuts and use a socket with a long extension. These in the photo ↓, have a 19MM head...



To get the oil seal out, one of these ↓ may be needed, an automotive seal puller....

[rappin]

Yes front left. Thanks

[crazy steve]

I'll just note that a 19mm and 1/2" nut (3/4" wrench size) are only .005" different in size, so for this either will work.

[jetmechmarty]

I took the allen bolt out with the forks in place. Spring pressure was enough to keep the damper rod from turning.

Does the standard have the two step allen bolt? If so, Mike's XS has the proper tool.

[James England]

I had one fork where the allen bolt wouldn't come out. I just tapered the end slightly of a wooden broom handle, turned the fork upside down and slid the broom handle in. Then put the handle on the ground, leaned on the the fork whilst holding the slider and undid the allen bolt with the other. Dead easy. And quick. And cheap.

[bikerphil]

I took the allen bolt out with the forks in place. Spring pressure was enough to keep the damper rod from turning.

Does the standard have the two step allen bolt? If so, Mike's XS has the proper tool.

The Standard damper rod Allen bolt is an 8MM size and you'll need the long type wrench/socket to reach the bolt on the right fork. On the left fork, a regular sized 8MM Allen will do because the axle pinch cap is removable. Not sure what you mean by two step, Marty.

Specials use the long type 6MM Allen on both forks as you know. The 19MM hex bolt damper rod holder tool cannot be used on the Special forks, only the Standard.

[jetmechmarty]

Not sure what you mean by two step, Marty.

The XS650 has a fork very similar to the 11 standard. I was just guessing they might be the same. I think they're bolt starts 8mm and necks down part way to 6mm.

I may have misremembered. I might be dreaming.

[bikerphil]

I've seen tools that do that but not the bolt itself, I think. I've stripped a few of those Allen fork bolts out before and had to drill them out, not much fun.