Removal of Norge 8V shock.

[Trialsman]

I thought it would be a good idea to get an aftermarket shock so I ordered a Nitron for my 8V.  I have spent the last two and a half hours trying to remove the stock shock!  I have downloaded the manual, searched the archives, fiddled and twisted it every way possible and it still will not come out.  The preload knob is off and the valve shortened as much as possible.  All of the dogbone is removed.  I have moved the swing arm up and down with the wheel on but it still jambs.  I can see two solutions beyond a Sawsall.  One is to remove the entire tail section and pull it out the top.  Two would be to remove the CARC and remove it that way.  Neither is preferred.  What am I missing???????

[Trialsman]

Another thought ......Can I safely remove the setting screw on the hydraulic preload and slip it up the shock first????

[ITSec]

Not sure on the 8v, but on my 2008 I had to remove the nob (and almost lose the little ball and such inside it), remove the attachments top and bottom, and then do a careful rotation of the shock assembly as I lowered it to remove it. It took a bit of finesse to figure out how to change the angle and rotate the shock as I lowered it.

[Trialsman]

By the "knob"  are you referring to the plastic hand knob or the shaft underneath with the 14mm hex?

[ITSec]

By the "knob"  are you referring to the plastic hand knob or the shaft underneath with the 14mm hex?

Plastic hand knob - I didn't change anything on the body of the shock to remove it.

[Trialsman]

Thanks but I already had the hand knob off.  I don't know if there is any pressure on that part so I can maybe take it apart.  There is just not enough room to get it out with it on.

[pete roper]

If you haven't greased the swingarm bearings yet they'll need it, (as will the linkage bearings.) anyway. Just pull the CARC and swingarm and swap the shock at the same time.

Pete

[Trialsman]

Thanks Pete.  I was afraid of that.  I did already grease the linkage, but I guess I will get started on the CARC and swingarm.

[Huzo]

I thought it would be a good idea to get an aftermarket shock so I ordered a Nitron for my 8V.  I have spent the last two and a half hours trying to remove the stock shock!  I have downloaded the manual, searched the archives, fiddled and twisted it every way possible and it still will not come out.  The preload knob is off and the valve shortened as much as possible.  All of the dogbone is removed.  I have moved the swing arm up and down with the wheel on but it still jambs.  I can see two solutions beyond a Sawsall.  One is to remove the entire tail section and pull it out the top.  Two would be to remove the CARC and remove it that way.  Neither is preferred.  What am I missing???????

I see Pete has already given you the good advice to pull the arse end and check/ replace the swing arm and suspension bearings. My Norge is an '07 and I dropped the swing arm while in London to fit a new Nitron shock. The swing arm tapered rollers came out IN PIECES !!! And the suspension bearings were rusted solid. My bike is well looked after but I was embarrassed at the level of neglect these things were subjected to. Corsa had the bits on hand so new tapered rollers and needle bearings with Molybdenum grease and all was as good or better than new. Paul has forgotten more than I'll ever know and he swears (a lot) that they've NEVER seen grease from new !!! I noticed that where the swing arm pivot pin is exposed between the races, there is a fair gap that water that's blasted from the tyre can go straight into the races. When the bike gets home I'll pull the pin and re do the races and put a seal on the pin to stop the ingress of water into them. Hope this helps.

[pete roper]

I see Pete has already given you the good advice to pull the arse end and check/ replace the swing arm and suspension bearings. My Norge is an '07 and I dropped the swing arm while in London to fit a new Nitron shock. The swing arm tapered rollers came out IN PIECES !!! And the suspension bearings were rusted solid. My bike is well looked after but I was embarrassed at the level of neglect these things were subjected to. Corsa had the bits on hand so new tapered rollers and needle bearings with Molybdenum grease and all was as good or better than new. Paul has forgotten more than I'll ever know and he swears (a lot) that they've NEVER seen grease from new !!! I noticed that where the swing arm pivot pin is exposed between the races, there is a fair gap that water that's blasted from the tyre can go straight into the races. When the bike gets home I'll pull the pin and re do the races and put a seal on the pin to stop the ingress of water into them. Hope this helps.

Er. No, there is a seal that sits on a register in the frame that seals against the swingarm spindle that is there to prevent the ingress of water.

[Trialsman]

It took most of the evening but I got the bike apart, cleaned and greased bearings, and mounted the Nitron.  Thanks also to Leafman60 who had an excellent photo step by step of the bearing cleaning on a Stelvio.  Now to go test the new shock.   

[Huzo]

Er. No, there is a seal that sits on a register in the frame that seals against the swingarm spindle that is there to prevent the ingress of water.

Oh dear, thanks again Pete, no idea where mine were then...the races were in shocking condition, wonder if they were never fitted, or more likely something I've done. Regardless, I'll get a pair and fit them properly. Thank you.

[Huzo]

In addition Pete, have you had issues with them falling out of their housings or are they usually a decent snug fit. I reckon mine just parted company with the frame when I withdrew the pin and out of ignorance I didn't notice them absent. Thanks again for the heads up.