Rear Shock

[fazerbill]

I tried to adjust the rear shock on Monday as it is set at position 3 but I could not budge the adjuster. Sprayed it with Lusol and then I tried an extension on the C spanner but no luck. I also tried taking the shock off but the bottom bolt will not come out of the lower bush even with a drift and 2lb hammer. Didn't want to go mad with hammer as the bracket holding the shock might deform. I was think of taking the whole swing arm off and working on it on the bench but thats for another day.
Has anyone had this problem and what was the cure as I dont want to buy a new one as it would cost more than what I paid for the bike.

[bobh]

Had the same problem (seized bottom bolt) on my last 600N. Wouldn't even budge after I took out the swing arm and put it in a hydraulic press!

The problem lies with the design of the lower pivot, where a steel bolt goes through, and clamps, a pair of top-hat (flanged) steel bushes, which pivot inside a bronze bush. Road carp gets in between the steel parts and they rust solid, even though the pivot action remains OK.

The only answer on mine was to angle grind either side of the lower shock eye, through the flanges of the top-hat bushes. Of course this destroys the bolt and the steel bushes (the bronze bush and seals were OK) - I bought genuine Yamaha replacements, which I think set me back 30-40 quid! Needless to say, it was reassembled with plenty of grease in case there was a "next time".

You could probably use a standard metric bolt, but that wasn't the expensive bit and anyway the original has a fine thread. But the bushes really need to be hardened and ground, so unless you have a very good mate with a machine shop, you may have to bite the bullet.

Depending on how much rust has formed on yours it's worth persevering with the penetrating oil for a few days to see if it frees up. You could also try heat, but of course this will fry the seals.

While you've got the swing arm out it's a good opportunity to regrease the needle roller bearings, and it's not a difficult job - just be prepared to shift a lot of road filth from around the pivot area.

Good luck - Bob

[fazerbill]

Cheers Bob, I will keep spraying with lusol and fingers crossed it may free it off. Every winter when I had the fazer I used to take the swing arm and shocker off to clean it and regrease all the bearings and bushes that way I never had any problems with parts seizing up.
I'm going to repalce the fork oil today and get the new front tyre on if it comes. Thinking of using a 15w oil as I am 15stone and a bit. But it may need new springs so I will measure them when there out.