How to pull rear shock apart?

[Bender]

I have a set of rear shocks (the old twin shock variety) that need a good clean.

How do you pull the springs off? They are held on by a set of collets similar to a valve, which are in turn held in place by the spring pressure.

I thought about putting the shock in a vice and compressing the spring, then holding it compressed with cable ties while I clean everything - but my vice isn't big enough to hold the shock.

There must be a trade trick or something?

[Robert Taylor]

I have a set of rear shocks (the old twin shock variety) that need a good clean.

How do you pull the springs off? They are held on by a set of collets similar to a valve, which are in turn held in place by the spring pressure.

I thought about putting the shock in a vice and compressing the spring, then holding it compressed with cable ties while I clean everything - but my vice isn't big enough to hold the shock.

There must be a trade trick or something?

Yes indeed, special tools.

[Katman]

A pair of these is what you want.

http://www.toolsupplies.co.uk/catalog/images/products/sealey/VS1824.jpg

[Bender]

Looks like my good mate the motorcycle mechanic is going to get a shoulder tap.

[Robert Taylor]

Just to clarify a little further beyond my initial hasty reply what Katman showed you ius correct. Believe it or not many twin shock springs can have up to 40mm of preload, that is a lot of spring force which can ''hurt'' if you try and attempt to remove them with very rudimentary and unsuitable tools. Another alternative is a bearing spiltter and a hydraulic press but great care must be taken

[CookMySock]

Be really careful with shock springs. They'll cut yer fingers off.

Steve

[SS90]

Speaking from experience here, perhaps it would be a good idea to either get the right tool, or send it away..... I am lucky to have my ring finger on my right hand (due to an accident with suspension when I was an apprentice)....two surgeries later it worked, but I was lucky!

[Bender]

I hear you guys, thanks. My motorcycle mechanic mate will be getting a call today. He's already coming round this week with his swingarm bush removal tool, so I'll see if he has one of these critters as well.