My 500's Rear Shock Won't Hold Air!

I'll pump it full, then watch the gauge on my pump steadily go back from around 10psi to 0 within seconds. My Clymers manual says that the air seals can be replaced; but my local parts supplier said that the parts are discontinued, and that a new shock from Honda is almost $800(which is how much I paid for the bike).
Are these seals available from a normal hardware store? or is there another solution?
Thanks!

 

Hey Billiam,

Firstly let me answer your direct question. Yes. There are automotive seals which you can purchase to “rebuild” your air shock. I will describe how below, if I haven’t convinced you otherwise. But, let me re-educate you on this problem. A. Rear shocks for gen one and pre 1990 design change wear out fast! I’m talking like 6 months of riding kinda fast. B. The parts from Honda are NOT, repeat NOT, available anymore. C. Honda may tell you they can get you a new shock, but it will not be the same as the one you have, and is made from a different design and re-engineered to fit your bike, hence the high price. C. There is a much cheaper and easier way to resolve your problem.

Lets go with C, for now, shall we? $800.00 for a shock? Um, send me $800.00 and I will ship you TWO shocks, and be able to buy myself one with your money also. Srsly, if you do a search for Fox racing shocks, or Foxracingshox, you should find a website which will provide you with 4 options of shocks to purchase from, all under $300 to the high end ones. Or, go to Ebay, do your homework, ensure the product via writing, that it holds pressure, and but it for less than $100.00. Please understand this process, (excluding shipping time), will run you about 3 hrs to replace.

Now lets talk about if you are stubborn, and have all the time in the world to spend… disassemble your shock, using 3 “C” clamps, and compress your spring in three places.. (WARNING); be sure to use the plastic tie straps, or metal wire and locks to ensure the “C” clamps don’t slip off, if they do, there can be serious bodily injury. Once you get the spring compressed, remove the retainer clip via spring clip pliers (special tip required; may need to get this from NAPA or some automotive supplier). Pull the outer housing off, (be careful to watch for the inside spring and spring plate… if you loose one of these, be prepared to locate a metal fabricator. Remove the lower seal first, and the upper seal second. Here comes the hard part. You need to either take the housings with you, or the seals themselves, to a seal or fastener company, I used Fasten-all. Have them match up your seals. Rebuild your cylinder, and reinstall. Heres the catch, due to the design of your shock, you may need to do this again within a year. I rebuilt the spare I have for my 87 VFR 700, and its on the shelf. I will only use it if I do not have one. The one I got from Fox was nice, and still is working very well.

VFR Aftermarket Products-Suspension

:: FOX RACING SHOX ::

Good luck!
PS, just DON’T REBUILD IT!

 

Thanks, Ghost.
Do I just send FOX the specs on my shock, or should they have one for my bike already (VF500F)? From the pictures on their website, I'm a bit skeptical as to whether there is even enough room for the shocks with the reservoirs- I certainly won't be able to reach it or the adjustment lever with it installed.
I have enough experience with cars to feel comfortable disassembling my shock, and I won't have anything to lose if I have to buy a new one anyway.
:thumbsup:

 

go to this web site and read,then go to e-bay and buy a shock from a 1991-1993 CBR600F2 and send it to jamie daugherty he'll help you through the whole thing if need be . Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

 

yes, you want to send them an email or call with the year, make, and model of your bike, and if you have the shock in your hand, give them the ESTIMATED overall dimension. keep in mind your shock may be blown to the point where the length is short, and you order the wrong one. The ones from the main page are the new syles for new bikes, but the do carry ones for our "Antiques" as they call it.

 

This is the route I took. Got a CBR shock off of eBay, then sent it to Jamie. Works very well, 100% satisfied. Just wish the rest of the bike worked as well as the shock . . .

Occasionally you will see used Fox shocks for the VF500F on eBay.

 

So I took the shock off today and it holds air just fine while laying on the ground(air pressure gauge hooked up). I also sprayed soap/water on it and got no bubbles. Is it possible that resting the shock on it's side spread the oil around and made a seal?

 

dunno. its very likely tho, that if its not under a load, the seal damage is so minor that it will hold. but if you put a 200lb force on it, it will leak.

 

why dont you just do a cbe f4i shock mod to it??

thats what my bike has on it