RX3: How to Clean and Grease the Lower Shock Linkage

[SpudRider]

Yes, the Progressive shock is beefier, and it has more travel than the Chinese shock. Also, rebound damping is superior. Simply put, the Progressive shock is superior in every way to the stock shock absorber. CSC did a very good job developing this aftermarket shock.

[rjmorel]

Spud , did you find plenty of grease from the factory in the bearings or was it kind of sparse like some of the Jap bikes come with? I'm wondering if grease zerks could be added to the bolt centers or on the linkage somewhere so we can grease them w/o taking apart?
thanks for excellent write up and tutorial. I have a lowering link on the way and your write up will be a big help. rj

[detours]

Very cool about the progressive shock. That will be on my christmas list if it comes out in time

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Spud , did you find plenty of grease from the factory in the bearings or was it kind of sparse like some of the Jap bikes come with? I'm wondering if grease zerks could be added to the bolt centers or on the linkage somewhere so we can grease them w/o taking apart?
thanks for excellent write up and tutorial. I have a lowering link on the way and your write up will be a big help. rj

The grease was sparse, as is typical of many Japanese bikes. It is probably best to grease a new bike, but we always have other issues to deal with, so we delay greasing the suspension. I did not discover any serious damage to the bearings, but the lower shock bearing always takes the greatest abuse. This bearing was fairly dirty, and was showing some wear.

You could add a few grease zerks, but I don't think it's worth the effort. As I said, the lower shock bearing always takes the most abuse, and you definitely cannot add a grease zerk to that bearing. Since you need to remove the shock linkage to service the lower shock bearing, you might as well service the rest of the bearings at the same time. Also, you really need to visually inspect the bearings periodically, and grease zerks tend to lead people into a false sense of security.

[Weldangrind]

That coil rate looks to be far superior.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

...grease zerks tend to lead people into a false sense of security.

Agreed. The only real purpose for zerks in an application like that is to ensure water is displaced. They're not a substitute for bearing maintenance.

[SpudRider]

If you inspect, and grease the lower shock linkage on a regular basis, you will greatly prolong the life of the bearings. Otherwise, you will need to replace bearings, as shown in the following videos.

[SpudRider]

[SpudRider]

Needless to say, preventive maintenance is much easier, and less expensive, than replacing worn bearings.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Something to remember in this and other tasks, Heat and Cold are your friends.

Heating the part that the bearing is in can make it easier to remove & install the bearing. If I'm not in a rush, I use an old hair dryer on the high heat setting, with the part in a cardboard box if the weather is cold. About 200F is enough. A propane torch can also be used, but more caution must be exercised.

Cooling the bearings before installation allows them to shrink and thus slide in easier. I sit them on a couple folded paper towel or folded cloth in the kitchen freezer for about 20-30 minutes. When I'm ready to install I gather the paper/cloth towel over the bearing so that the heat of my hand doesn't hasten their warming. Quickly position the bearing to the hole it lives in. In some cases no pressing is necessary, they will just slip in.

Jay
Signature line deficient.

[SpudRider]

Indeed, heat and cold are two of your best friends when installing or removing bearings. I always put my wheel bearings in the freezer before I install them in the hub.

[Weldangrind]

I've pulled bearings out of blind holes in the bottom end of motorcycle engines by placing the entire case half in boiling water. In most cases, the bearing simply falls out.