I have just taken my rear Wilbur's shock out to send away for a refurb on the lower mount. When I was changing my gearbox and final drive oil a couple of weeks ago I noticed free play when trying. To lift the final drive back on to the driveshaft.
Once it was back in and bolted I checked it out.
I could feel about 3mm of play at the lower bearing. Which gave probably nearer 10 at the end of the final drive.
Once the shock was out I could tell how worn it was and the O-ring on the shaft side was split and hanging out a little. This I guess then allowed it to dry out and let road grit get in to aid the wearing out.
I know it doesn't move very much and there's no easy way to lubricate it in position without unbolting it at the bottom and maybe pulling an O-ring out to re-grease.
Just posting as heads up for anyone else who has a Wilbur's fitted to keep an eye on theirs.
Anyway it's off to revs racing for a service and a new bush to be fitted.
Having it re-sprung whilst there as well as it's always been a little firm at the rear without any luggage on.
Once it was back in and bolted I checked it out.
I could feel about 3mm of play at the lower bearing. Which gave probably nearer 10 at the end of the final drive.
Once the shock was out I could tell how worn it was and the O-ring on the shaft side was split and hanging out a little. This I guess then allowed it to dry out and let road grit get in to aid the wearing out.
I know it doesn't move very much and there's no easy way to lubricate it in position without unbolting it at the bottom and maybe pulling an O-ring out to re-grease.
Just posting as heads up for anyone else who has a Wilbur's fitted to keep an eye on theirs.
Anyway it's off to revs racing for a service and a new bush to be fitted.
Having it re-sprung whilst there as well as it's always been a little firm at the rear without any luggage on.