Removing the shock/spring assembly on the swing arm

[dna9656]

I have a 1983 VR.

 

I read the tech article on lubing the drive shaft, I got the shaft all cleaned up, and the diff. cleaned and lubed as well.

 

How is the spring load of the shock assembly relieved to allow access to the pivots (to lube) of the swing arm?

 

I think this is what I have to do: With the rear wheel removed use a scissor jack (what I have) under the shock/spring unit

 

and force the spring to compress just enough to remove the bolt holding the end of the assembly to the swing arm.

 

Lower the jack until you can slide the bolt out.

 

No worries about the bike falling over, the center stand will support the bike;

 

you DO have the bike on the center stand right?

 

Remove the pivot shaft(s) and collar(s). CLEAN EVERYTHING.

 

THIS is also a GREAT time to inspect the frame for cracks/damage, condition.

 

Get the article on drilling holes for grease fittings on the arms and related assemblies and install the fittings.

 

I have a drill press!!!!

 

Then re-assemble and grease IAW...

 

How does this sound to the experienced heads here?

 

I got lost in the lubrication of the inner parts of the differential located behind the snap ring.

 

Flew by me like a SR-71.

Edited February 7, 2014 by dna9656

[MiCarl]

I've only done MKII, but I think the MKI is the same.

 

There is no need to compress the shock/spring assembly. When the bike is on the center stand the shock is fully extended so the only forces on the pivots are due to the weight of the swing arm itself. The spring pre-load is "captured" by the extended shock.

 

You may find it helpful to use a jack to carry the weight of the swing arm, but you don't want to compress the spring.

[Marcarl]

I've only done MKII, but I think the MKI is the same.

 

There is no need to compress the shock/spring assembly. When the bike is on the center stand the shock is fully extended so the only forces on the pivots are due to the weight of the swing arm itself. The spring pre-load is "captured" by the extended shock.

 

You may find it helpful to use a jack to carry the weight of the swing arm, but you don't want to compress the spring.

True!