removing rear shock from 855

[mrkkbb]

Hi Everyone,

I hope someone can help me.  I would like to remove the rear shock unit from my 855 frame so that I could change the elastomers.  I removed the bolt in the frame, and the bolt that attaches the shock to the strut.  However, the shock unit is still "wedged" into the frame - I can't pull it out.  

Are there any tips or tricks at getting the shock unit out without damaging the plastic "spacers"?  And most importantly how do I get it back into the frame?

Thanks all,
Rob

[Carbonman1]

Once you remove the two bolts on the shock it should come right out.  It sounds like the plastic spacers at the top have just formed a minor adhesion to the frame.  Spray some WD40 up in there, wait a few minutes , and then remove by grabbing the shock and pulling down with a left then right motion.   It should then come loose.  Once out the plastic spacers should be no problem to reinstall.  

[shovelon]

I saw the same thing on my ODS. The plastic spacers are held into place by a steel sleeve or tube. Over years of tightenening the bolt, the tubes dig into the frame plates.

If it is at all possible to wedge something between the plates to open them up, like a hammer handle, the shock should fall right out.

Good Luck,
Terry

[seanzzo]

I screwed the strut screw back in about 3/4 the way in and gently tapped it with a ( SMALL ) hammer and it came rite out

[rapiddescent]

don't whack it with a big hammer - a light knock will separate the strut from the shock.

callum