locking collar on rear shock

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:12 am » Post: #1 » Download Post**

Does anyone know of an easy way to move the locking collar on the rear shock of an mc21 r model? I am about two minutes from crying or chucking a huge tantrum.

It looks as if the suspension has not been touched since the day it was built.
The front is actually quite good but the back is really sloppy.

Any help will stop me from needing at least 2 boxes of tissues.

Cheers

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:02 am » Post: #2 » Download Post**

What tools are you using?

It should be easy enough with the correctly fitting C spanner, and if it's really tight, give it a squirt with penetrating oil and leave for a couple of hours.
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**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:16 am » Post: #3 » Download Post**

I have tried the c spanner, lots of wd-40 and lots of waiting. I got really cranky and used a 2ft punch and 2.5pound hammer just to try and move it a little. still nothing. Looks like I will have to wait until lam.666 pulls his bikes apart to buy his rear shock.

Thanks for the help anyway. It's just not my day I guess. Crying or Very sad

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:19 am » Post: #4 » Download Post**

Couple of obvious questions:

Are you trying to turn it the right way?

Have you tried moving the other collar in the opposite direction?
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MC21SP Plaything
BMW F800GS Bumblebee
Triumph 9551 Daytona Big boys toy
FJ1100 Sporting relic
GTS1000 oddball

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:25 am » Post: #5 » Download Post**

I assume the top one has to go up being a locking nut. And then the bottom can go down. Is that right?

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:28 am » Post: #6 » Download Post**

Of course, but are you trying to turn it clockwise or anti-clockwise (when viewed from above)?
_________________
MC21SP Plaything
BMW F800GS Bumblebee
Triumph 9551 Daytona Big boys toy
FJ1100 Sporting relic
GTS1000 oddball

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:31 am » Post: #7 » Download Post**

The top one anti-clockwise. And also tried the bottom one clockwise in the hope it may loosen by chance.

Looks like the bike has spent a few years by the sea and the suspension has never been touched. I think it may have seized up over the years.

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:21 pm » Post: #8 » Download Post**

Not good. You could try removing it so you get better access, then apply some heat to the collar and use a BIG wrench?
_________________
MC21SP Plaything
BMW F800GS Bumblebee
Triumph 9551 Daytona Big boys toy
FJ1100 Sporting relic
GTS1000 oddball

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:58 pm » Post: #9 » Download Post**

I was going to say the same thing, remove it and soak it in oil, diesel, something to get the years of road grime etc. off it. Use two spanners one on each collar on the floor and it'll break loose.

**Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:05 pm » Post: #10 » Download Post**

I was trying to avoid removing it but I think you are right. I tried again this morning and it still won't move at all.

Just wondering when you mention "heat". Do you mean boiling water or butane torch?

**Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:19 am » Post: #11 » Download Post**

The shock must come off first. I would use an oxy/acetylene torch rather than a butane one. The heat must be concentrated and applied to the lock nuts only. Keep the heat away from the spring. If you heat the top nut quickly, it will expand without transferring too much heat into the shock itself. Two C spanners and some muscle and you should be done. Good luck!

**Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:43 am » Post: #12 » Download Post**

Try using some spring compressors(you can get them at an auto shop) and first take "pressure" off of the collars. It should turn a lot easier like that.
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If you want a proper 2 stroke get an RGV.

**Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:17 am » Post: #13 » Download Post**

Cheers for all the advice guys. I'll do it on the weekend and let you know how I go.

I noticed a little oil leaking from the exhaust too. Seems one of the bolts has broken off in the flange so I'm in for an exciting weekend of fixing bits and pieces.

I guess I knew what I was buying into when I saw the bike for the first time. She has had a very hard life. But still my favourite with two wheels. And a bit of work will bring her back to life.

Once again thanks for all your help.

**Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:51 am » Post: #14 » Download Post**

Be very careful using a flame on the shock!

There's gas in there at 150PSI, which won't take kindly to that.

Soak it, soak it again and keep soaking it in oil, WD-40, Coke or whatever, but I wouldn't hit it with a flame.

If you have to heat it up, use a hot air gun.

**Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:09 pm » Post: #15 » Download Post**

Matt knows what he's talking about, listen to his advice...
_________________
MC21SP Plaything
BMW F800GS Bumblebee
Triumph 9551 Daytona Big boys toy
FJ1100 Sporting relic
GTS1000 oddball