Cleaning and greasing rear shock linkages
 

I took my rear shock off to change the spring and while I?m at it I want to clean and grease all of the linkage bearings. Sorry if this stuff seems simple, I?ve never done any of these things before.
The linkage is all very dirty. What is a good way to clean them before I take the end caps off to get to the bearings? I?m worried about pushing dirt through the seals and into the bearings.

Just use generous amounts of contact cleaner, flush all the old grease out.

Put fresh grease on your finger and pack the bearings.

I've found this to be the best grease for linkages.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1500_.jpg

Thanks I will do that. Should I take all of the needles of the bearing out or just spray with them in place?

If the grease isn't dirty just pack more in. Ya can't really get that much in there but try work it through best ya can.

No need to take the needles out.

Will have to leave the bush partially in otherwise the bastards fall out everywhere!

This stuff is Great. McMaster carr is were i found it,less then $20

I have all of the linkage bearings greased and the bearing on the bottom of the shock. So I need to do the one on the top of the shock too? Do I need special tools for this one?

I'd personally just leave it be. They don't see much dirt so generally last for ages. But yeah ya need to punch out the bushes gently like a wheel bearing or use an expanding bolt(dynabolt)/bearing puller. There's a circlip to remove first like a wheel too. Heat may help. They're a spherical bearing so ya can't get much grease in 'em regardless.

Out of curiosity do you have any play in it? Rear wheel off ground & you lift rear fender up can you feel it move? Mine does even after replacing the bearing & it shits me to tears+

Ok thanks. Once I put the bike back together I will check and let you know