changing elastomers

[Kevin]

hi everyone:
my first post. i have a 855 and my elastomers have melted. i do not have a manual for this bike. how do u change the elastomers on the front of the bike?
thanks for ANY info, i am stumped and cannot ride the bike. i have spare elastomers for it.
Kevin

[kiwi]

basically you have to get the "shock" out of the bike.
On my 756 i can do this without dismantling the whole fork.Remove the front wheell and  disconnect the top shock mount  and loosen the pinch bolts that clamp the bottom axle that goes through the lower shock mount(See note below about 4mm allen bolt).An appropriately sized socket is a good way to get it started.You only have to drive it halfway out.If you get stuck for room to remove shock loosen the mounting bolts for one fork leg only and take out the top one...the fork leg can then pivot out the way to remove the shock.You need a long 4 mm allen key to undo the bolt inside the shock.This is best done before driving out the axle.If you still have the black sealing washers in your fork get rid off them and replace em with"extreme" seals.You will need grease and some horsepower to fit the new eelatomers onto the shock...I hope i remember the procedure correctly..its been a while since i had my vector to bits!!!Post again if you get stuck and i will dig out my manual

[Kevin]

THANKS kiwi:
the shaft that the elastomers fit on is gouged up so i dunno if its better to change the whole thing..it still pushes in and out pretty smoothly but if its a shock i believe its useless except to hold the elastomers in place....is the unit an air shock?

also, the black seals are still in place..i will look into replacing all teh seals and bushings as soon as i get this thing apart

i took the shock all the way out before i posted but i still cannot get the shaft out of the shock...there are two little holes, one on either side of the shock..they are about 1mm in diameter...i looked into both holes and i see nothing but the shaft that pushes into it...i am feeling stupid at this point .....what am i missing?
thanks again...
Kevin

[Kevin]

kiwi:
where do i find the 4mm bolt? do i pop the top of the shock off(it seems to be removable)?
thanks,
Kevin

[kiwi]

yep the top of the shock should come off and the 4mm hex head bolt is way down inside You will need a 4mm allen key with a long leg and some means of stopping the bottom of the shock turnig The "shock is a friction damper only cos the mcu springs arent very springy so dont need much damping....The gouges shouldnr t do any harm.

[Kevin]

kiwi:
THANKS for your help...i got the thing open finally ....is there anywhere u know of that i can get a rebuilding type kit for this bike for the bushings and whatnot? i bought mine used and its not in the best shape but it isnt terrible either....is it worth it to redo the bike or just ride it till the wheels fall off?
thanks,
Kevin who is a VERY green 855 owner

[kiwi]

as far as i know kevin the rebuild kits are still available for the fork and the frame
you will need a rk 002 for the frame/rear suspension
A rk005 is the "extreme seal kit and the rk006 is the bearing/bushing kit.
I would check out the cost of the kits.....As long as the frame is in good condition its a very good xc type bike.I also enjoy having things working as they should.

[Kevin]

kiwi:
thanks once again....i'll try to find those kits...
Kevin