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Author Topic: Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?  (Read 1382 times)

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Offline DarcyCB400F

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Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?
« on: May 05, 2011, 04:34:23 PM »
CB400F rear shocks are damp but seem to work just fine. I would like to keep my ride as stock as possible so would prefer to repair these but I am sure they are not a serviceable item.
Any suggestions on how to replace the seals?

As a second alternative, where can I buy NOS or ones that are as close to factory appearance as possible.

A third less desirable option is used ones but may have to consider them as a last resort even if there are any around that would be worth while having.

I have searched the forum and www before posting, so please accept my apologies in advance if I missed a helpful thread.
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1977 CJ360T
1977 CB400F
1980 CB900 Custom
1981 GS550L
1989 DR200R
1998 VT1100C2 ACE
1999 XR400R
2006 CR230F
2007 HD Road King

Offline luceja

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Re: Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2011, 05:27:56 PM »
I've been looking into rear shocks for mine as well. David Silver Spares appears to have replica stock ones - http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB400-FOUR/part_28483/FOUR/ , but search on the forum here. You'll find arguments for Hagon, Works, and other shocks. My guess would be that either Hagon or Works would be better performing than the DSS replicas, but again, search, there's been a few discussions and links, etc.
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'75 cb400f, '77 cb550f , CB160 road racer, '88 Hawk GT track bike, FZR400 race bike, and a bunch of old hondas in boxes.

Offline fasturd

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Re: Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2011, 07:33:09 PM »
If you are riding the bike rather than showing it go for something new and NOT OEM HOnda. the OE shocks on the 400 were lame when new and do nothing for the handeling 35 years later. I have used and do use vintage Koni shocks, works, fox and ohlins. Ikon remakes certain sizes of Konis that are pretty good too. Many companies make chrome stock appearing shocks that work MUCH better than stock. Just make sure about fitment as many shocks that are not specific to the 400 will not clear the chain guard.
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13 in the garage and counting...

Link to my link...   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58422.0

Offline TIM TINGEY, age 55

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Re: Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2011, 08:02:54 PM »
There's nothing that can be done with the OEM shock except turning it into a deep sea fishing weight. Progressive suspension makes a high quality replacement shock in black. They can be 1/2 inch too long so check the length of your stock shock (spring installed) measure the center eye to eye. I have used, installed and sold Icon shocks and they are no match at all for early Koni's. Sadly the early Koni's can't be rebuilt anymore becuase parts are no longer avaliable.
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Offline octagon

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Re: Rear shocks are leaking - is a repair possible? Or do I have to replace them?
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2011, 06:29:48 PM »
fasturd do you have a line on the orings that go in vintage koni shocks? i have a mid-seventies set in great shape except for the two o-rings that control dampening - was getting ready to post a separate question this in the morning when i can take pictures 
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