Replacing Rear Shock Bushings

[QUIETMAN]

Howdy Folks,
I'm replacing the shock bushings very shortly. Only 1 needs doing but going to replace all 4 whilst I'm at it.
Anybody got any tips on doing this ?
Cheers in advance
QM

[Gryphon Rider]

I went through 3 sets of upper bushings before I replaced my lower ones, and they probably would have been fine for a few more miles.  Use silicone spray lube to help get the new ones in.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,73025.0.html

[QUIETMAN]

Cheers, the pic of a pack of 4 bushings are the ones I bought. Being told to use sockets against the end of the bushing with a vice to push them out.
Is there an insert in just 2 bushings or in all 4 ?

[Gryphon Rider]

Cheers, the pic of a pack of 4 bushings are the ones I bought. Being told to use sockets against the end of the bushing with a vice to push them out.
Is there an insert in just 2 bushings or in all 4 ?

Just the bottom two, and they are different from each other (left vs. right).

[davit]

I just replaced mine with VTX poly bushings.  I used windex, spit works too.

[QUIETMAN]

Cheers lads, is it much of a job to get the bushings out ? I was told to just do one shock at a time to help support the bike

[Gryphon Rider]

I use a motorcycle lift to unload the shocks for removal, but I suppose I could figure another method if I had to.  Once the shocks were off, I used two sockets of different appropriate sizes and a wood vise to press the bushings out.  No sockets required to press the new ones in.

[Ramie]

Just did mine, go  with the vtx poly.  Do one at time, I used some silicone spay when installing them, they'll slide right in.

[QUIETMAN]

I know everyone says to use a vice with 2 different size ratchet sockets to push out the insert and bushing but how would you use the vice with it ?
I'm sorry if it's a stupid question but a vice has 2 flat sides, can't picture how the set up looks, can't picture where the space comes from to let the bushing slide out ???
Would I turn the shock horizontally and place mounting point over the vice opening and them tap it out ?

[Gryphon Rider]

I know everyone says to use a vice with 2 different size ratchet sockets to push out the insert and bushing but how would you use the vice with it ?
I'm sorry if it's a stupid question but a vice has 2 flat sides, can't picture how the set up looks, can't picture where the space comes from to let the bushing slide out ???
Would I turn the shock horizontally and place mounting point over the vice opening and them tap it out ?

The larger socket is against the eye of the shock, with the inside of the socket being of large enough diameter for the bushing to be pressed out of the eye and into the socket.  The assembly is like this:

1. vise face
2. large socket, square hole facing vise
3. shock eye with rubber bushing
4. small socket
5. other vice face

The tricky part is holding it all together and still being able to turn the handle of the vise.  Three hands are best, but I did it with two.

[Gavin_Sons]

i just used a screwdriver to pry the bushings out. make sure you put the bike on a jack or it will be a pain to get the shocks off and when you do the bike will drop down an inch or 2, even if you do one side at a time. dont ask how i know.

[QUIETMAN]

I know everyone says to use a vice with 2 different size ratchet sockets to push out the insert and bushing but how would you use the vice with it ?
I'm sorry if it's a stupid question but a vice has 2 flat sides, can't picture how the set up looks, can't picture where the space comes from to let the bushing slide out ???
Would I turn the shock horizontally and place mounting point over the vice opening and them tap it out ?

The larger socket is against the eye of the shock, with the inside of the socket being of large enough diameter for the bushing to be pressed out of the eye and into the socket.  The assembly is like this:

1. vise face
2. large socket, square hole facing vise
3. shock eye with rubber bushing
4. small socket
5. other vice face

The tricky part is holding it all together and still being able to turn the handle of the vise.  Three hands are best, but I did it with two.

Cheers bud, crystal now.
Doing it Saturday along with final part of the service then she's ready for the long summer spin

[QUIETMAN]

i just used a screwdriver to pry the bushings out. make sure you put the bike on a jack or it will be a pain to get the shocks off and when you do the bike will drop down an inch or 2, even if you do one side at a time. dont ask how i know.

Cheers bud, I have both, car trolley jack and a small twin armed bike lift, hopefully it won't give me too much hassle

[Gavin_Sons]

It took me 30 minutes to replace the bushings on my dad's bike this past saturday. Easy job considering I had my carbs off last week.

[QUIETMAN]

30 minutes sounds good to me. I've recently had the tyres done, brake calipers overhauled, drive shaft oil done, just the 2 filters, oil change and bushings left to do then I'm set. Will be glad when it's all over

[QUIETMAN]

Cheers all, Bushings done and not as hard to do as I thought

[Bone]

Sometimes we prepare ourselves for the worst that can happen.

Glad it went well for you.