Honda GL1800 Service Manual page 462

Remove the shock absorber upper mounting nut
and bolt.
Release the actuator hose from the clamp.
Remove the shock absorber assembly.
INSPECTION
Check the damper unit for leakage or other damage.
Check the upper joint bushing and damper rubber
for wear or damage.
Inspect the actuator hose and fittings for loose con-
nections, deterioration, cracks, damage or signs of
leakage.
If necessary, replace the shock absorber as an
assembly.
DISPOSAL
Center punch the damper case to mark the drilling
point.
DRILLING POINT:
40 mm (1.6 in) from the center of the upper eyelet
as shown
Wrap the shock absorber inside a plastic bag.
Support the shock absorber upright in a vise as
shown.
Through the open end of the bag, insert a drill
motor with a sharp 2 – 3 mm (5/64 – 1/8 in) drill bit.
• Do not use a dull drill bit which could cause a
build-up of excessive heat and pressure inside
the damper, leading to an explosion and severe
injury.
• The shock absorber contains nitrogen gas and oil
under high pressure. Do not drill any further
down the damper case than the measurement
given above, or you may drill into the oil cham-
ber. Then high pressure oil may cause serious
injury.
• Always wear eye protection to avoid getting
metal shavings in your eyes when the gas pres-
sure is released. The plastic bag is only intended
to shield you from the escaping gas.
Hold the bag around the drill motor and briefly run
the drill motor inside the bag; this will inflate the
bag with air from the motor and help keep the bag
from the getting caught in the drill bit when you
start drilling into the shock.
REAR WHEEL/SUSPENSION
HOCK AB ORBER
A EMBLY
ACTUATOR HO E
0 mm (1.6 in)
NUT AND BOLT
14-17