Rear Shock Piston Question

[Narb1989]

Took apart my rear shocks using the threaded rock method found in the $50 mod thread. I compressed the piston and it didn't spring back or provide any resistance at all. I'm not an expert on shocks. Correct me if I'm wrong, the piston and shock should work together as one unit to provide compression and rebound, right? So is it safe to assume that my piston is shot? I attached a picture of the shock without the spring. It doesn't look like you can rebuilt the piston either.

If all else fails I am going to just buy new shocks. But, I need to know if these are shot before I drop the coin. Thanks

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Not sure what you are actually asking.....

What motorcycle is that off of?

Without a spring, a non-gas charged shock won't necessarily return.

Many shocks have much more compression resistance than rebound.....

The piston is internal, at the end of the shaft....You don't compress the piston, per se, but the shock, I assume you mean you push in the shaft that connects to the piston.

when you say no resistance, in compression (making the shock shorter) or extension (making the shock longer)?

Are you sure "No Resistance", because a shock that is lost it's oil will have no resistance in both directions.

The shock absorber (more correctly called a dmaper) has a lot more force applied to it in compression (like when you hit a bump), then in extension. The only thing extending the shock is the spring, and sometimes some internal gas pressure. So extension (rebound) tends t be easier then compression.

So I can't answer your question "Is the shock good or not?" because I do not have enough information for your particular situation....

However, depending on the bike, those shocks may be pretty old, and replacing them is probably a good idea anyway....

 

[Narb1989]

Thanks for the reply. I found a video that explains what I am talking about. These two kids are idiots, so skip to 3:20 in the video. My shock compresses but does not return as does theirs. I have the exact shock that they are replacing in the video. You are right though, I will most likely just replace them. Was more or less looking for confirmation that my shock was shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeneZo0SByA

 

[SONICJK]

Thats actually a pretty clever way to disassemble shocks. I like it.

 

[xb33bsa]

like said already
not all shocks are gas charged, that is what makes them return without the spring mounted
that said your original shocks always were crap, and still are, buy some decent shocks and check your swingarm pivot for excessive wear/play, repair if needed

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Thanks for the reply. I found a video that explains what I am talking about. These two kids are idiots, so skip to 3:20 in the video. My shock compresses but does not return as does theirs. I have the exact shock that they are replacing in the video. You are right though, I will most likely just replace them. Was more or less looking for confirmation that my shock was shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeneZo0SByA

Someone beat Ichiban Moto to the punchline on the shock repair..... ;D

 

[Ichiban Moto]

Someone beat Ichiban Moto to the punchline on the shock repair..... ;D

that is funny....

....if they only had used green zipties vs. black, it would have worked ;D

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

that is funny....

....if they only had used green zipties vs. black, it would have worked ;D

HA!, I think you are right, I missed that.......