Author Topic: Rear Shock Removal  (Read 18955 times)

Offline Down Under

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 273
  • Thanked: 17 times
Rear Shock Removal
« on: February 26, 2012, 10:00:47 AM »
This is part of my on going project to upgrade my ST1300's suspension.  Hope these pics help with anyone contemplating the same.  I found that it was a straight forward job but having access to the Haynes Service & Repair Manual for the ST1300 sure made life easier.



First step is to place the bike on the centrestand and chock the front wheel.  You'll then need to find something to support the swing arm.  I used my car jack which worked perfectly, allowing me to make fine adjustments to take enough weight of the rear shock mounting bolt so I could remove it.



Remove side cowls and muffler.  Unbolt rear brake reservoir from bracket and push aside.  Remove battery and unscrew the bolts which attach the footrest bracket to frame.  You'll also need to remove a small bolt which sits directly beneath the battery, now the footrest bracket will be free enough to let you get at the shock's lower mounting bolt.



A pic of the lower mounting bolt which can be a bugger to get out.  I used a ring spanner on the bolt head and a 17mm socket with extensions from the left side to undo the nut.

   

Getting at the nut on the top mounting bolt is tricky.  I found the easiest way was to lift the tank and go in through the area shown.  You've got to be careful withdrawing the nut once it's unscrewed, otherwise it'll be lost in the abyss below it.



Back across to the other side of the bike.  Remove the cowl which houses the preload adjuster.  Remove the preload adjuster knob very slowly so you don't lose the small ball bearing which locates the knob on the adjuster body.  I taped the bearing on the body after removal so I wouldn't lose it.  Unscrew 2 bolts which attach the preload adjuster to frame.  Before withdrawing the preload adjuster take note of the way the hose is routed.  I used a peice of nylon rope to follow the hose so I wouldn't forget how to locate it when I reinstalled the shock.



The preload adjuster hose routing is the devils work.  I had to loosen the seat bracket to make enough room to pull it through.  Now you can pull out the shock with bit of jiggling.



Check the spacer in the lower moun on the swingarm for too much free play.  I removed the spacer, gave it a clean, as well as the roller bearings and gave them a fresh application of some high temperature bearing grease.



Here's a comparison pic of the OEM Racetech shock on the right and the Wilbers shock that'll be replacing it.



New shock in position.  Mr Honda recommends replacing the top and lower mounting bolts as they're treated with their special thread locking chemical.  I gave the thread of both bolts a clean and applied some loctite which I reckon will do the job.  I placed some liquid paper marks across the top bolt/frame, as well the lower nut/bolt and frame and I'll watch it for any signs of movement.



The Wilbers shock preload adjuster + oil reservoir with high/low speed compression damping adjusters.
Now for some good weather to check it all out!   
     
« Last Edit: February 26, 2012, 10:05:56 AM by Down Under »
 

Online Brock

  • Tardis Tech
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 8713
  • Thanked: 1692 times
  • White is the fastest
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2012, 10:31:41 AM »
Good write up..

 :thumbsup :thumbsup
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA
 

Offline saaz

  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4542
  • Thanked: 41 times
  • Canberra ACT
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2012, 10:46:07 AM »
I can see know why ST13 has heavier spring rates on the rear, as it at more of an angle than the ST11 shock.  That Wilbers shock looks trick!  European riders like them, and seems they are now more available.
John
(Ridden on and forever in our hearts)
1996 Honda ST1100P
2014 Triumph Trophy SE
Ozstoc, STOC #7239, Farrider #461 Ulysses #061681, IBA #59143 and some others
 

Offline Diesel

  • Administrator
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3936
  • Thanked: 793 times
  • QUEEEENSLANDER!!!!
    • The Review Guys
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2012, 11:24:12 AM »
Thanks for the great and informative post Down Under - be sure to let us know your new lap time around Mt Panorama with the new shock!!!      :wink1

Cheers, Diesel
FarRider #416   IBA #55491  
OzSTOC Life Member
:candystwheelie       www.dieselst1300.blogspot.com.au
 

Offline Down Under

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 273
  • Thanked: 17 times
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2012, 11:34:15 AM »
I can see know why ST13 has heavier spring rates on the rear, as it at more of an angle than the ST11 shock.  That Wilbers shock looks trick!  European riders like them, and seems they are now more available.

I was really impressed with the quality of the Wilbers shock, it's a work of art but you pay for it.

I could've bought one for a lot less if I purchased direct from O/S but the problem is they're valved for smooth European roads.  I had this shock rebuilt/revalved by a highly recommended motorycle shock specialist in Sydney to suite our rough road conditions.

I'm trying not  to get too excited until I give it some serious road testing.
 
 

Offline Down Under

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 273
  • Thanked: 17 times
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2012, 11:54:26 AM »
Thanks for the great and informative post Down Under - be sure to let us know your new lap time around Mt Panorama with the new shock!!!      :wink1

Cheers, Diesel

To the uninitiated Mt Panorama is truely a terrifying place to ride a bike hard!  :grin
 

Offline Biggles

  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • "Top Dog" 10000 club
  • *
  • Posts: 14026
  • Thanked: 2473 times
  • Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2012, 02:55:24 PM »
It looks a bit like Mr Honda started with the rear shock and built the bike around it   :eek

Props to you for doing the heart transplant!
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

OzSTOC #16  STOC #6135  FarR #509  IBA #54927
 

rendog

  • Guest
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2012, 09:51:54 PM »
mmmmmmmm Wilbers ...
Clever tricks with the rope & tape  :thumb
Remember what the spring rate was?
Great pic's. Thanks
 

Offline Down Under

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 273
  • Thanked: 17 times
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2012, 05:39:46 PM »
mmmmmmmm Wilbers ...
Clever tricks with the rope & tape  :thumb
Remember what the spring rate was?
Great pic's. Thanks

Spring rate works out at around 1070 lbs.  OEM spring rate is 900 lbs.   
 

Offline skidmark

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • SkidMark
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2012, 07:31:31 PM »
Brilliant work Down Under on the pics and info.
My 03 ST13 is about to clock up 100K and my grey STeed is in desperate need of a suspension upgrade.
Alas, Wilbers shocks are out of my budget so I was thinking to remove the rear shock as you have done and send it off to be rebuilt.
I was greatly encouraged by your words in your opening paragraph - "straight forward job".

However, later I saw the words "the devil's work" - a very apt description.
I suspect that what is "straight forward" for DownUnder is the "devil's work" for SkidMark!
I will just have to keep saving and pay a professional to do it for me (and send them a print out of your magnificent work)

Cheers
Skid
SkidMark
 

Offline Biggles

  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • "Top Dog" 10000 club
  • *
  • Posts: 14026
  • Thanked: 2473 times
  • Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2012, 10:45:52 PM »
Hey- welcome back to reality Mark.  Hope to see you on the rides again soon!   :beer
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

OzSTOC #16  STOC #6135  FarR #509  IBA #54927
 

Offline Down Under

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 273
  • Thanked: 17 times
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2012, 07:52:21 AM »
Brilliant work Down Under on the pics and info.
My 03 ST13 is about to clock up 100K and my grey STeed is in desperate need of a suspension upgrade.
Alas, Wilbers shocks are out of my budget so I was thinking to remove the rear shock as you have done and send it off to be rebuilt.
I was greatly encouraged by your words in your opening paragraph - "straight forward job".

However, later I saw the words "the devil's work" - a very apt description.
I suspect that what is "straight forward" for DownUnder is the "devil's work" for SkidMark!
I will just have to keep saving and pay a professional to do it for me (and send them a print out of your magnificent work)

Cheers
Skid

G'day Skid,

If you take your time its not that bad.  Technically it's not hard, it's just accessing some of the nuts and bolts which can be challenging.  Regarding the shock rebuild: if you where happy with your old shocks performance than a budget rebuild is the way to go.  I spent a lot of money on my Wilbers shock and I'm still having dramas getting the set-up right, the ride has improved but not as significantly as I was expecting.  Good luck with it!

Cheers,

Tony
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2012, 09:09:47 AM »
Thanks for all this info I just got a replacement spring for the rear shock & I'll be using all this to get the Shock out I'll post up some pic's when it's done
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #13 on: August 28, 2012, 11:19:41 PM »
Got my shock out tonight thanks for the write up made it a lot easier  :thumbsup
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Offline saaz

  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4542
  • Thanked: 41 times
  • Canberra ACT
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2012, 10:08:29 AM »
Great work. I won't compalin about taking the ST1100 shock out ever again, as it is a doddle by comparison
John
(Ridden on and forever in our hearts)
1996 Honda ST1100P
2014 Triumph Trophy SE
Ozstoc, STOC #7239, Farrider #461 Ulysses #061681, IBA #59143 and some others
 

terrydj

  • Guest
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #15 on: August 29, 2012, 05:16:30 PM »
To the uninitiated Mt Panorama is truely a terrifying place to ride a bike hard!  :grin

Nahhhh piece of piss, all loaded up for a few weeks, all the gear on, tent, sleeping bag, Tank Bag, Panniers chocka, feeling like a king.
Ahhh that is until your going down hill, brakes on hard figuring out how you will crash when you take that left into the straight :rofl
Then like a fool you do another lap :runyay
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #16 on: August 31, 2012, 08:21:28 PM »
Does anyone know how the stock spring comes off? I've done a few on bikes over the years but not quite sure how this one comes off
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Online Brock

  • Tardis Tech
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 8713
  • Thanked: 1692 times
  • White is the fastest
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #17 on: August 31, 2012, 08:43:57 PM »
Gas axe????

Not recommended if you want it to go back together :grin :grin
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA
 

Offline Malcolm6112

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 933
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Armadale WA
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #18 on: August 31, 2012, 08:48:17 PM »
Does anyone know how the stock spring comes off? I've done a few on bikes over the years but not quite sure how this one comes off
Does the workshop manual have anything in it about spring replacement?

:blu13
Malcolm
2004  ST1300A

Farrider 518
IBA       58213
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #19 on: August 31, 2012, 08:53:33 PM »
All good, the work shop manual has nothing in it.
I was looking at the wrong end  >:() you compress the spring & take a circlip of that is sitting at the preload adjuster end
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #20 on: August 31, 2012, 09:48:50 PM »
Gas axe????

Not recommended if you want it to go back together :grin :grin
Not sure if that comment was appropriate after todays newsletter telling us to stay on topic & be helpful, you mite have to smite yourself :spank
Oh hang on I've gone off topic too, BUGGER :o
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Online Brock

  • Tardis Tech
  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 8713
  • Thanked: 1692 times
  • White is the fastest
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #21 on: August 31, 2012, 09:54:35 PM »
My comment was indeed on topic, as a gas axe is an excellent method for taking items apart.

On the other hand, questioning the methods of the Sheriff is fraught with danger :well :well
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA
 

Offline scarp

  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 852
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Huntingdale, Westralia
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #22 on: August 31, 2012, 10:02:00 PM »
My apologies I forgot myself
FR# 431
IBA# 60317
 

Offline Diesel

  • Administrator
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3936
  • Thanked: 793 times
  • QUEEEENSLANDER!!!!
    • The Review Guys
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #23 on: August 31, 2012, 10:14:15 PM »
Sick 'im Brocky - you KNOW we all LOVE a good ol SMITING!!!!!        :thumbs         :hatwave   :runyay

Oh, and I believe the spring is sprung at around 35kg/cfm2       :whistle

Cheers, Diesel
« Last Edit: August 31, 2012, 10:20:54 PM by Diesel »
FarRider #416   IBA #55491  
OzSTOC Life Member
:candystwheelie       www.dieselst1300.blogspot.com.au
 

Offline Biggles

  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • "Top Dog" 10000 club
  • *
  • Posts: 14026
  • Thanked: 2473 times
  • Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane
Re: Rear Shock Removal
« Reply #24 on: August 31, 2012, 10:38:59 PM »
Sick 'im Brocky - you KNOW we all LOVE a good ol SMITING!!!!!        :thumbs         :hatwave   :runyay

Oh, and I believe the spring is sprung at around 35kg/cfm2       :whistle

Cheers, Diesel

No Diesel, that's tomorrow, the 1st of September! 
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

OzSTOC #16  STOC #6135  FarR #509  IBA #54927