How do I fit a Wilbers front shock???

[Edventure]

Have been fitting my shiny new Wilbers shocks today.

The rear went on like a dream, very easy. The front however is a different matter.....have spent a very frustrating couple of hours

How do you stop the shock from turning when you tighten up the top nut? I've looked at a few instruction on the site and a 19mm spanner is mentioned but all I had on the new shock is one nut which I reckon goes on the top.

I'm obviously missing something. Can anyone tell me what?

Many thanks

 

[Thunder]

Have been fitting my shiny new Wilbers shocks today.

The rear went on like a dream, very easy. The front however is a different matter.....have spent a very frustrating couple of hours

How do you stop the shock from turning when you tighten up the top nut? I've looked at a few instruction on the site and a 19mm spanner is mentioned but all I had on the new shock is one nut which I reckon goes on the topI'm obviously missing something. Can anyone tell me what?

Many thanks

You have 2 choices to prevnt the shaft spinning, the 19mm spanner works with the top of the shock body which has flats you can hold with the spanner, the other method is an allen key in the top of the shaft and an adapted deep socket with a section cut out of it so you can get the allen key in place.

Crap explanation I'm afraid

 

[Edventure]

Need hands like a gynaecologist!!

Thanks Thunder,
Will buy a 19mm spanner tomorrow as I can't see any hole for an allen key in the top of the shaft (unlike the original BMW one). Remind me never to try this again!!

 

[Thunder]

Thanks Thunder,
Will buy a 19mm spanner tomorrow as I can't see any hole for an allen key in the top of the shaft (unlike the original BMW one). Remind me never to try this again!!

Try and go for as thin a spanner as you can find, it's pretty tight under the headstock.

I'm guessing you found the flats ok?

 

[Dave Ford]

Fitted one two weeks ago to my 07 Adventure. I think they must have changed the design. You're right, there's no allen key hole. The flats on mine took a 32mm spanner (IIRC), which would just fit it far enough to grip the shaft and stop it spinning. The problem with clearance was not the thickness of the spanner but its width. I also had to rempove the oil cooler mounting bolts in order to push the cooler down to provide clearance for the other end of the spanner.

 

[cookie]

do it somewhere there's an impact wrench. just spins the nut on from the top

 

[harry]

Move the tank back a couple of inches, makes a big difference to accsssing the top nut/flats

 

[Edventure]

Finished !!

Managed to get it done this morning with a big adjustable and skinned knuckles.

Thanks to all for your advice. The front shocks should come with a health and stress warning
Next time I'll pay some other bugger to do the job.

Cheers

 

[ts2]

Next time I'll pay some other bugger to do the job.

Next time you'll be the one we're asking how to fit one!. You only learn by trying, so you should feel proud that you fitted it yourself.

TS