lever shocks

[ian.mcdougall]

Hi everyone
the rear shocks on my 53 sidevalve are leaking oil is it possible to overhaul shocks your self or are new shocks available or are they exchange only who is the most reliable if exchange
thanks

[PSL184]

You can overhaul your own as long as the castings are not worn. Grab hold of the arm part and give it a good pull up and down and side to side. If no movement then they are serviceable. Most places will not take them in exchange if they show any play as they are really only fit for scrap. I've had exchange items from Bullmotif and have been fine. I'm sure others are also but cannot speak for them from experiance....

[bmcecosse]

Exchange dampers are reasonably priced - doubt it's worth 'overhauling' them yourelf. I have no idea where you would get new seals anyway!

[mike.perry]

Birmingham MMC also do an exchange. Last time I changed my MM rears they were short on stock so I boxed up my old spares and sent them off.

[ian.mcdougall]

Just had one of my rear shocks off I cannot see how you would be able to dismantle the arm from the body and there is a lot of sideways movement so it would appear that they are well worn but when i took the top cover off the oil was at the top and did not appear to be down very far even though the outside was stained with oil so are they beyond part exchange who is the best co to get them from

[PSL184]

You can still buy recon dampers from the usual suppliers but you won't be able to exchange yours... Bullmotif charge an extra £20 if no serviceable exchange item is available so it makes theirs about £35 outright. The arms are pressed in but if the play is as bad as you say then the castings (only light alloy) are too worn to refurb anyway

[bmcecosse]

Perhaps just chase up some second-hand dampers - usually inexpensive!