Rear Shock disassembly question

Good morning!

I'd like to paint the rear spings, but want to remove them from the shocks first. Is it as easy as compressing the springs then removing the plate at the top? or is there more to it than that....

 

a couple of things you will need. a sturdy work bench and a good vice. to control the shocks and an extra set of hands.
set your shock in the vice by gripping the lower mount by the outer ring,( a pair of alloy angles in the jaws is recommened). next set the spring pretensioners to their lowest setting.
grip the spring around the top and pull down whilst you friend keeps the top of the shock at full extension he/she should be able tp pry/lift the upper retaining ring out of its seat and of the shock. release the pressure slowly or you will find the spring will try and launch itself into the ceiling. reverse the above to reinstall. good luck

 

sounds very similar to removing a coil spring from a strut. Do I need to turn the retaining ring - is it keyed?

 

I have that same question - is the retaining ring keyed, and is it simply a matter of turning it to remove ti once the spring is compressed below it by some means?

 

You can buy spring compressors fairly reasonably
Example: http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-S...2&keywords=Motorcycle+Shock+Spring+Compressor
Or there are several other designs as well - ie Lever action. You can also build one with some ingenuity.

 

Well....I actually managed to find a way to do it all by myself with just a vice and a lever through the upper bolt hole. A "helper" to remove the cap would have made it easier so I would have more than one hand for both the shock and lever.

Now for reassembly this weekend....