Ohlins bushings

[MontGuzzi]

In the process of changing out seals on the Ohlins forks on my Nero I discovered (or maybe buggered it up myself) that the teflon coating on the lower bushing is peeling off. It seems like it would be silly to not change this bushing. How do you remove them? I have seen a couple of threads where people talk about changing them out but wondering if this is something better left to someone with experience.

[docc]

While I was repairing image links on the forum today, I ran across this excellent Öhlins fork thread by Chuck. Check it out:

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19782&p=216930

[MontGuzzi]

Thank you for posting that, Docc. That thread is fantastic. I referred to it several times while taking things apart. He didn't mention anything about the bushings. I am finding references about replacing the bushings but seems that a special tool is needed--a press or hammer to get them out. With that teflon coating peeling off I am afraid the stanchion surface would be at risk. Perhaps it is time to send this one off for service. Any recommendations on who could do this?

[Scud]

If you have to ship it, consider a shop that has on Ohlins specialist on staff. I think Chuck spoke highly of Ducati of Indiana. Many Ducati or Aprilia dealers would probably be willing to service the forks. There is a very well regarded suspension shop in Northern California: Kyle Racing. Dan Kyle is known as sort of a Ohlins guru. I had a good experience buying parts from him - he will also accept shipped components.

[docc]

+1 on Dan Kyle.

 

And for shipping, my V7 son just had to send forks back and forth and the dealer recommend using a rifle case. Very cost effective and worked perfectly sent inside an outer packing box.

[MontGuzzi]

Thanks much for the suggestions. The rifle case is a great idea for shipping and I just happen to have one here already. I went for a ride with a group on the Eldo this morning and as luck would have it, I met a guy that is a certified Ohlins servicer. Never thought that would happen up here in Missoula, great luck! I will keep Dan Kyle's name in the back pocket if needed. You all are great, I haven't posted much here but have spent a fair amount of time digging through the archives and have really appreciate all the know how and experience you've shared. Cheers!

[mznyc]

Also Pro Pilot in NJ,did the recall and tuning on my bike (before I owned it) and it is the best handling bike I've ever owned

[guzzi323]

In the process of changing out seals on the Ohlins forks on my Nero I discovered (or maybe buggered it up myself) that the teflon coating on the lower bushing is peeling off. It seems like it would be silly to not change this bushing. How do you remove them? I have seen a couple of threads where people talk about changing them out but wondering if this is something better left to someone with experience.

I just did this about a week ago when I replaced my tubes (80k miles wore through the titanium nitriding). If you've ever replace fork bushings before, it's pretty much the same thing. The issue is you need something long enough. I turned a piece on my lathe and screwed it onto a piece of 3/4" black pipe. Whatever you use can't have too rounded an edge or it'll have difficulty getting purchase on the thin bushing.