ST4S Rear shock rebuilding/fitting to S4

Just bought a used ST4S rear shock. I heard that it'll fit straight on my S4? Apparently they're an Öhlins unit with remote preload adjuster.

I'm a fairly accomplished mechanic, I'll tackle pretty much anything, just looking for tips as to how you support the bike when removing an fitting the rear shock?? Clearly the rear paddock stand won't be much use, or can I still use that and put a jack under the engine?

Also, do you think it's worth getting it rebuilt/revalved before fitting it? Is this something I could do myself? I fitted new seals and oil in my front forks no problem, just not sure on the actual mechanics inside a rear shock.

[Funkatronic]

abba stand is a good option to jack the jack up the rear stablily

the valving for the ST4 is quite different to the monster, the stock valving is ok for road use but i found the shock difficult to get an optimum rebound setting

also you have to consider where you are going to mount the compresssion reservoir as the hose supplied is very short. i have had longer hoses added which means a re-gas.

Excuse my ignorance, what's an abba stand?

Also heard about the hose issue. Could you tell me how long you had the hose made and where you have mounted it?

[slob]

If you've got a pair of axle stands, put the footrests on upside down/on the wrong sides.
Then you can lower it onto the axle stands using your paddock stand and the pegs won't fold up.
Another favourite is hanging the tail from your garage rafters with a rope or tie-down strap, as long as they're strong enough!

I've got an engine crane, could use that I suppose.

[Funkatronic]

abba stand

its a paddock stand that uses a pivot point on the frame so the rear wheel and swimgarm can be completely unloaded. use of a trolly jack and some blocks under the engine, can also lift the front so you can remove forks etc.

they can be found 2nd hand on ebay but you will need to buy the specific fitting kit for your bike

axle stands on the inverted footpegs is a very good option too (doesnt work on single sided swingarm bikes unfort)

the DU333 ohlins shock (which is the monster specfic, over the counter equivilent of the ST4S shock you have) comes with an 80cm hose and its designed to mount on the right hand side of the frame, near the front of the bike next to the airbox
a 60cm hose allows mounting above the clutch cover
mines above the clutch and it doesnt look that good imho

slobs is mounted rather more tastefully under the grab handles, i think the 80cm hose will get you there, the 60cm might be a bit short as the hose needs to go forward towards the engine before it can come back again if that makes sense

i would send the shock off for servicing as you probabbly wont have access to the specialist tools to re-gas the shock

i have used mhracing and they seem to know their stuff

Wow, amazing reply! I couldn't ask for more info, thank you very much.

Those stands are stupidly expensive for what they are, I'll make my own for about £5.

[Funkatronic]

youre welcome,

DU333 mounting instuctions

this should give you an idea of the reccomended approach

also, you may need to buy (£30 from ohlins!! let me know if you need the part code) or fabricate a bracket to mount the preload adjuster somewhere sensible

Bollocks, it's a Showa. Does this mean it's not actually off an ST4S or have I got the wrong year or something?

Has a remote canister, but not a remote adjuster too like that PDF.

[Funkatronic]

not an st4s shock then

prob st2 or st3

not sure if it wll fit if its 605mm long then dont see why not

really dont know about spring of valving though

Sending it back, it's not what it was advertised as.