83 GS1100GK - Rear Wheel Rubber Damper Removal

[quexpress]

Hi!
I need to remove the 6 rubber dampers from a 1983 GS1100GK rear wheel. I have tried removing them with a straight rod, etc. without any success. Each of these is held tightly in its slot.
I have tried using my slide-hammer bearing remover ... but the adapter on mine is too big.
Other than purchasing a smaller "needle bearing" adapter for my slide hammer, do you have any suggestions, tips, etc?
Thanks!!!

[bwringer]

Why do you need to remove them?

I've never heard of these being a problem, even on very high-mileage bikes.


If they're somehow damaged, you might use a small hole saw to cut through the rubber. I don't remember if there's an outer metal ring on these bushings, but you should be able to remove it with the slide hammer and hook.

[Billy Ricks]

They should pop out easily. Just one piece of rubber pushed into a hole in the hub.

[quexpress]

Why do you need to remove them?

I've never heard of these being a problem, even on very high-mileage bikes.

There no problem. The dampers need to be removed because I'm getting the wheels powder-coated.

If they're somehow damaged, you might use a small hole saw to cut through the rubber. I don't remember if there's an outer metal ring on these bushings, but you should be able to remove it with the slide hammer and hook.

There's no damage to them. There an internal metal sleeve surrounded by the rubber damper which is inserted very tightly in the wheel. I guess I'll need to find a hook for my slide hammer.
Thanks!

[quexpress]

They should pop out easily. Just one piece of rubber pushed into a hole in the hub.

That's what I thought but ... it is a very tight fit. I will look for a smaller needle bearing adapter for my slide hammer.
Thanks!

[Billy Ricks]

That's what I thought but ... it is a very tight fit. I will look for a smaller needle bearing adapter for my slide hammer.
Thanks!

Just get a putty knife or screwdriver under the outer edge of the dampers and pry them up. By outer edge I mean the edge closest to the outer edge of the hub.

[quexpress]

Just get a putty knife or screwdriver under the outer edge of the dampers and pry them up. By outer edge I mean the edge closest to the outer edge of the hub.

No dice ... these are quite deep inside each hole as you can see here on my wheel... and they are very hard/stiff.



Note: I do not have a GS1100GK manual but have found this procedure in my GV1200 one.



I have managed to attach my slide hammer as shown ... but the dampers did not budge at all! In order to removed them, they would need to be destroyed.

I will bring the wheel as is and ask the powder coater to do his thing. The dampers might withstand the heat. I'll certainly know later.

Thanks!

[Billy Ricks]

Aluminum does dissipate heat very well. You can hold a torch of aluminum parts and not have them get all that hot. They might stand a chance of surviving the heat cycle.

[bwringer]

If they do get heat damaged, they'll probably come out easier. The springiness of the rubber makes it tough for a slide hammer to shock them loose.

New ones are available from Suzuki, and not terribly expensive. Did you already get some? I don't know that there's a way to get the old ones out without destroying them.

Perhaps a bit of tire mounting lube or something similar might help them slide out... just throwin' out ideas here...

[quexpress]

If they do get heat damaged, they'll probably come out easier. The springiness of the rubber makes it tough for a slide hammer to shock them loose.

I agree. The powder coater answered: "The powder is heated to between 375 and 400. The wheels will be in the oven for about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the thickness of the metal." We'll see what happens.

New ones are available from Suzuki, and not terribly expensive. Did you already get some?

Not yet. I'll wait to see the results.

I don't know that there's a way to get the old ones out without destroying them.

Nor do I.
After seeing how this guy installed new ones, I'm not sure that they could be removed without damaging them.
http://haugstad.com/suzuki/?p=592

Perhaps a bit of tire mounting lube or something similar might help them slide out... just throwin' out ideas here...

Could be ... I might try it but these are pretty darn tight in there!

Thanks!

[Billy Ricks]

How about a small toggle bolt that you can fit through the hole and once they expand you have something to yank on with the slide hammer.. Just a thought.

[quexpress]

How about a small toggle bolt that you can fit through the hole and once they expand you have something to yank on with the slide hammer.. Just a thought.

Cool suggestion! I wonder how solid these are ... I'll try it. Thanks!

[quexpress]

Perhaps a bit of tire mounting lube or something similar might help them slide out... just throwin' out ideas here...

It's much more than just an idea ... it was the solution!!!

Too easy ...


1. Pour enough tire lube to cover the top of the rubber damper.
2. Use a centre punch to wiggle the damper back and forth in order to permit the lube to seep down between the bushing and the aluminum.
3. As you wiggle back and forth, the lubricated damper loosens up a bit and gradually starts rocking within the hole.You can then slowly start pulling it up with your centre punch (as you keep rocking it).

Note: The dampers are unmolested ... in excellent condition.

Thank you!

[Larry D]

bwringer strikes again !!!!

Nice job.