Update - Steve came round with all the tools/blow torch. Result;

- ANOTHER busted Halfords Hex socket (im not joking!!)
- Rounded out bolt head
- ABout an hour of drilling the bolt out (after removing the pipes/balance pipe etc

And it STILL hasnt fecking come out :o

Steves popping round this morning to see if we can finish the job - what a top man (at least 'er indoors kept us fed and watered eh mate ??!!)

Incidentally..the captive nut at the end (which I assume is sleeved through he swingarm)..how far back is the 'collar' that threads through the swingarm...? From Rickys note looks like we might have to drill out bothe sides. Stupid question, but theres no thread to damage inside the swingarm castings is there ??

All going well..I will have a nice shiny new Ohlins on the bike later !!

Ah well..look on the bright side..at least I managed to flog Dave a carbon tank cap when he rang to see how it was going...:lol:

Nat

[Edited on 26-11-2005 by Nattyboy]

don't you just love bikes that have been used in all weathers :o

Nat the sleeve on the threaded collar is only about 12 to 15mm long.
I would attack it from the chain side, drill the top of the allen bolt off by working up to a 10.2mm drill. Then it's a matter of drifting the whole lot out.
Trouble is the steel bolt passes through four tight fitting collars, two on the ride height rose joint and two on the shock. Lost and lots of release agent required.

Thats it..Steves just left and weve given up...the bolt head on the laft side was so hard the drills were glowing !!! Whole things been a chuffing nightmare and 2 days wasted...:mad:

So its on the trailer and off to Louigis (where no doubt he'll have the old shock off and the new one in in 5 minutes flat!!!). Not the end of the worls as it needs a bit of welding done on the headstock to restrict the steering lock after I fitted the large capacity air tubes (dont fancy busted fingers if it gets in a wobble!!)

Thanks again for everyones advice..

Nat

Well don't like to admit defeat, but Nat that bolt wasn't going anywhere, that was more stuborn than the missus!!:lol:

Well at least I know how to strip the back end now!:o Don't think there's any danger of becoming the next BSB Airwaves mechanic :lol::lol:

I reckon the next time there's a problem, we meet in the pub 1st for several Cans, (Jerry Cans!!!).... Speak to ya later mate, good luck with the new shock, i'm off to fit me spanking fuel cap......:burn: