Suspension Shock Mount Removal

[espender]

I am replacing the suspension but I am really struggling to remove the top bracket off the shock. It seems to require a socket that you can put an allen key inside, however all of the sockets I can find are 21mm and this requires a 22mm any ideas? I keep getting stuck by not having some stupidly specific tool.

 

[bazza190]

I used a tip I found on YouTube, a 14mm sparkplug socket that has flats on it fits the nut. You can then fit an Allen key through the centre and turn the socket/nut with a spanner.
Not all spark plug sockets have flats but Halfords sell one that does.
One of mine was really stuck on so the grinder was eventually deployed

 

[Newbers]

That is a good tip (a year too late for me!)

 

[MrPT]

You can also use a cheap 22mm diesel injector or oxygen sensor socket with an allen key through the side opening.

 

[lucasxdiniz]

To remove the top mounts from the shocks (which I knew I wouldn't be using again), I used a plumbers grip at the very top of the shock shaft and removed the nut with a normal socket. I noticed there was barely any damage to the shaft (some scratches) and since it was at the very top it would not be going inside the shock, so even if I used it again, it would be fine.

 

[Liam22]

To remove the top mounts from the shocks (which I knew I wouldn't be using again), I used a plumbers grip at the very top of the shock shaft and removed the nut with a normal socket.

This.

I wrap part of the damper piston with a latex glove (had also used marigolds). Then apply mole grips. That's usually enough to generate enough friction without damaging the piston.

 

[MrPT]

To remove the top mounts from the shocks (which I knew I wouldn't be using again), I used a plumbers grip at the very top of the shock shaft and removed the nut with a normal socket.

This.

I wrap part of the damper piston with a latex glove (had also used marigolds). Then apply mole grips. That's usually enough to generate enough friction without damaging the piston.

Bit of an aside, but do you reckon that’s safe to do with adjustable dampers? I’m worried it’ll crush the rebound adjustment mechanism. If so it seems like a better approach than messing about with fancy sockets.

 

[Liam22]

I would not take that approach with dampers that I wanted to use again. Usually the pistons are unmarked, but a scratch will compromise the seal, and happens way before damaging adjusters.

Another approach is to wedge a screwdriver into the top mount recess (to jam the nut) and then use an allen key to remove. This is a good way to get started, and then you can lightly grip the damper shaft to speed up removal.

 

[MrPT]

I would not take that approach with dampers that I wanted to use again. Usually the pistons are unmarked, but a scratch will compromise the seal, and happens way before damaging adjusters.

Ok, good to know, that sort of confirms my thought process!

This is how I did it with the KWs (substitute the rowing spanner for a long, L-shaped allen key for OEM shocks):

 

[Liam22]

Beautiful work

 

[Jakg]

If you use an impact gun it normally works fine without counterholding.