Do the springs come off stock rear shocks?

[hikermikem]

Can I remove the springs from my stock shocks easily so I can clean the rust off them?? I haven't tried yet, thought I'd ask before playin' around with them...

The bike is a '81 GS750L - and she now runs VERY sweet, thanks to all you guys here!!

Thanks,

Mike

[BassCliff]

Hi,

You'll need some kind of spring compressor. Somebody posted a couple of pictures of their home-made spring compressor recently, using some all-thread, a couple of flat bars, and a few bolts.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[cromwell1234]

I was told that they cant be rebuilt, but...the springs can be swapped out...but there a real bitch to compress sometimes, I'm also in CT, where's Willington ????

[pontiacstogo]

I use a couple of hose clamps threaded through 4 or 5 coils - works a treat (but will scratch up painted springs).

[Eli69]

i used an automotive strut spring compressor. it worked but it was scary.

[salty_monk]

I have the Pit Posse compressors. Work great for about $40.

I did this with the stockers on my Skunk. With the springs off you can also check that they have some damping in them pretty easy. If they haven't then it's time to replace.

Dan

[hikermikem]

I was told that they cant be rebuilt, but...the springs can be swapped out...but there a real bitch to compress sometimes, I'm also in CT, where's Willington ????

Near UCONN, next to Storrs...

[hikermikem]

Thanks guys - I kinda figured that they might come apart if the springs were pushed down.

Mine are pretty rusty & i wanted to soak them in some evap-o-rust.

I'll try to compress them & see if it's worth the hassle.

[salty_monk]

Nessism did at least one set by dumping them in a bucket of that stuff whole exactly as taken off the bike..... The seals should be good enough to keep it out... if they aren't the shocks are shot anyway!

I took mine off because I wanted to paint.



Dan