Rear Shock Removal

This is a stub for removing the Rear Shock.

The rear shocks on Zero models are spring shocks, a common construction for many motorcycle models.

2013-2014 models feature a FastAce shock. 2015+ models have a Showa shock.

Access from the bottom is hampered by the controller heatsink on SDS Platform models, so access from the top is required.

Access to upper bolt from the bottom is hard

Video Guide

Zero DS/DSR Rear Shock Removal, by Greg Hassler:

Prerequisites

1. Make sure power key is out and motorcycle is unplugged.

   Warning:

   There are high voltage components at the motor and under the seat.

2. Remove the seat.

   I put the bolts back in, loosely, so I don't lose them.

3. Unplug controller.

   Don't force it; use a small insulated screwdriver to unlatch the clip and it should come out easily.

4. Remove the Y-shaped bridge piece under seat, to get access to upper bolt.

   I put the bolts back in, loosely, so I don't lose them.

access to upper bolt with seat and Y frame removed and controller unplugged

Tools

• 15mm (2015+ Showa), 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce), 17mm wrench or sockets.

  Low-profile wrenches or sockets.

  Ratcheting box-end are most convenient, since space above the upper bolt and nut is limited.

• Lift capable of raising the rear or the whole motorcycle while leaving the swingarms free to move.
• Ratcheting box-end or low-profile sockets are preferred due to small amount of clearance at top bolt.

  A crescent wrench can be substituted for one or the other to hold the bolt from turning.

  Bolt head is 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce) or 15mm (2015+ Showa) and nut is 17mm.

• Torx T-45 or metric Allen wrench for seat removal.
• Allen key wrench for Y-Shaped Underseat Frame Removal.

Steps

1. Use a Lift to raise the rear.

   Ensure the rear wheel is about to come off the ground, so there no force on the upper bolt that attaches the shock to the frame, or the lower bolt that attaches the shock to the swingarm.

2. Loosen the top bolt with the 15mm socket.

   Hold nut with 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce) or 15mm (2015+ Showa) or crescent wrench.

3. Loosen the bottom bolt.

   Take care to retain the spacers so they don't roll away as you remove each bolt.

   Best to put them in a ziplock bag or tie them to the shock with ziptie or string.

old shock, new shock