Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: Phantom Rider on August 07, 2019, 08:58:48 PM

Title: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Phantom Rider on August 07, 2019, 08:58:48 PM

After a few months off (sorting out a 1966 Triumph 500) I've finally got back to work on my Honda 400.

The original lower shock absorber bushes had "rotted out" - I've got some new ones from David Silvers, but these are a very tight fit!!  Is there any "trick" to fitting these?

Thanks in advance

Steve

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: taysidedragon on August 07, 2019, 09:54:49 PM

I've not had to change mine but have put similar rubber bushes in before.
Make sure they are warm to soften them and then squirt some silicon spray on the outside. Draw them in with a long bolt or threaded bar and large penny washers.

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Phantom Rider on August 08, 2019, 06:53:43 AM

Thanks for your reply.  The bushes on my bike (and as supplied by David Silver) have the rubber component sandwiched between an outer and inner metal bush (hope that make sense), so my challenge is effectively getting the outer metal bush inserted into the swinging arm.

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Orcade-Ian on August 08, 2019, 07:34:44 AM

Unless you have access to a lathe - or a mate with one, then carefully selected, suitable sized sockets can be used along with a piece of HT threaded rod and nuts.  You need to find a socket for pushing which is slightly less in diameter than your new bush and another socket on the other side of the arm which is large enough inside to accept the old bush.  The problem with most sockets is that they have a radius at the ‘mouth’ end.  It might be worth removing this radius with a grinder so it fits flat to the bush - don’t spoil one that’s part of an expensive set though - best to buy a cheapo.
Make sure you only push on the outside of the bush to avoid the possibility of tearing the rubber.
Hope this makes sense, I can’t get into the toy cupboard to take a pic.

Ian

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Bryanj on August 08, 2019, 07:51:01 AM

They are called "metallastic" bushes and worst case scenario is to burn out the rubber and carefully cut the outer with a hacksaw blade.
For insertion make sure inner of hole in swingarm is supperclean and polish outer of new bush lightly with fine wet and dry then lightly greas to aid sliding in.

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Phantom Rider on August 27, 2019, 06:55:31 AM

Thanks all - cleaning/lubricating the hole in the swinging arm, and using a bolt with washers to pull in the inserts worked a treat.  Bushes now in place  :)

Title: Re: Rear shock absorber bushes
Post by: Phantom Rider on August 28, 2019, 07:53:15 PM

Hi Oddjob - I used that technique to fit swinging arm bushes.  Worked a treat!!