Rear Shocks Seals and Oil

[Arti]

Been getting the bike cleaned up and doing maintenance getting it ready for next summer.It appears the domino effect has taken over the project, Put in new timing belts and found the rollers on the tensioners had bad bearing. Well everyone here knows how it goes.

It's time to put new seals in the rear shocks. The right rear has leaked oil out and I decided to rebuild both of them. Got to thinking that maybe Synthetic auto trans fluid would work better? Anyone have any experience in using it?

[WingAdmin]

If the weight is correct, it's not going to harm anything. I don't know that you'll find any difference between synthetic and non-synthetic.

[thompsoj22]

I had great success with my front fork rebuild and I used MB synthetic trans fluid. I simply had a few cans left over from a trans flush and at $15 a quart I wanted to use it. I have always used auto trans fluid in all my street bike forks. good dampening, smooth with very little "stiction" and leak free. My rear shocks are ready for the same rebuild, can you give me your source for the seals?

[Arti]

I buy mostly from e bay. I suspect that there would be some savings if I shopped around however I'm a bit cautious about dealing with an unknown on the internet. These are the seals I purchased. The only non Honda parts I've purchased is Gates timing belts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281810344984?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[thompsoj22]

thanks for the link, ill order mine now! ill post here on the results of the rebuild.

[MICK MACK]

you are BRAVE!!!!! it just seems like TOO MUCH WORK to take those nasty things apart and futz with them ... from what I have read on this website vs cost of "inexpensive" coil over shocks on E bay @ ~$130/pair. I read abt one guy who built the jig to take the OLD shocks apart, tried to take them apart, made a mess, busted his knuckle... threw the WHOLE MESS IN THE TRASH and got out the VISA CARD and got PROGRESSIVE SHOCK$$$. I went the $130 E bay coil over shocks as that was in my price range; yet to be installed of course. the old shocks are shot, im sure; the oil leaked out long ago and the only thing that still works is the air pressure to keep the bike uup off the bottom out bushings... which im sure are shot/split too by now as the rider before myself was also a PORTLY person so the bike was probably close to MAX VEHICLE WEIGHT with just the rider on the bike (380#). enjoy your struggle, u must have more patience than I do... and be younger? good luck to you.

[Arti]

Actually I enjoy a Challenge and during the winter months it is more a sense of accomplishment to repair rather than add to a land fill. A personal thing but We don't like the throw it away society we live in today.
As far as "younger" I don't know your age but I'm pushing 70 to hard for my liking. Hoping to ride another year or so.
I have a nice heated spot to work in as it's supposed to hit 0 degrees F this week end with a 20 mph wind, seems to me putzing in a nice heated garage will be quite relaxing for me.

you are BRAVE!!!!! it just seems like TOO MUCH WORK to take those nasty things apart and futz with them ... from what I have read on this website vs cost of "inexpensive" coil over shocks on E bay @ ~$130/pair. I read abt one guy who built the jig to take the OLD shocks apart, tried to take them apart, made a mess, busted his knuckle... threw the WHOLE MESS IN THE TRASH and got out the VISA CARD and got PROGRESSIVE SHOCK$$$. I went the $130 E bay coil over shocks as that was in my price range; yet to be installed of course. the old shocks are shot, im sure; the oil leaked out long ago and the only thing that still works is the air pressure to keep the bike uup off the bottom out bushings... which im sure are shot/split too by now as the rider before myself was also a PORTLY person so the bike was probably close to MAX VEHICLE WEIGHT with just the rider on the bike (380#). enjoy your struggle, u must have more patience than I do... and be younger? good luck to you.

[jamie f]

That's great Arti!I just did my rear shocks on my 86 Aspy,only did seals,fluid and boots.At the same time I replaced my front fork springs with progressive springs,new seals and fluid also.What a difference in the quality of ride,smooth and handles corners like a bike half its weight.You will be happy with the results of repairing your air shocks,as opposed to coil over shocks.Good luck to you on your project,and since your just in Platteville,maybe we'll see each other out on the road this spring.

[Arti]

Thanks for the encouragement jamie, I have always thought that Honda has more resources for engineering a suspension system than I do so keeping things somewhat original is my plan at the moment. The right rear has leaked the oil out so the improvement should be noticeable.
Also we don't go on any long distance rides so if it works reasonably well I'm a happy camper. Rebuilding is affordable if you don't hire it done and it sort of gets you to know how the bike is put together and how the different parts function.
As a young man I worked as a mechanic, that was when you repaired things and didn't just replace and throw away everything.
We rebuilt starters,generators,carbs and even wheel cylinders on brakes. Well off my soap box for now.....

[jamie f]

I know what you mean Arti.If I had to pay labor on all the repairs I've done on my Aspy,I wouldn't be able to afford to ride it.Anything you can do on your own is money in the bank. Lucky for me,I work as a service technician at a Ford dealership, been there 15 years and before that was a small engine mechanic for 12 years.So tackling a motorcycle is not too much of a leap.Take your time and keep your parts organized and you'll do just fine.The only thing that I had trouble with was the lower bolt on right side.Make sure you have a good 6 point 12 mm socket,that bolt is somewhat recessed, and will strip the head very easily.Once again,good luck.

[dthorntonministries]

Can someone tell me how much fluid goes in a rear shock for '85 Aspencade? I've got one open and ready for seal and boot, but can't find how much fluid it takes.
By the way, I'm 78 and have been riding since I was 10. Don't let your age keep you from riding, as long as you are comfortable with your ability to manage the bike. Here in Central Texas we pretty much ride year-round. Thanks for the help. DT

[dthorntonministries]

I buy mostly from e bay. I suspect that there would be some savings if I shopped around however I'm a bit cautious about dealing with an unknown on the internet. These are the seals I purchased. The only non Honda parts I've purchased is Gates timing belts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281810344984?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

I think you'll find that, Honda timing belts are manufactured by GATES. I buy mine at NAPA. DT