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Failed Wilbers Rear Shock

brownie

brownie

Member
I posted this on FB....but wanted to share here also:

2 weeks ago, cruising on slab @ 75, I heard a loud BANG, I immediately became a “low rider.” Fearing a rear blowout, I slowed cautiously. No flat, bike was quite low, could not extend sidestand ! I limped to next exit, parked at Wally World, and called for tow truck (not a good story either).

Shock shaft sheared off at lower thread section. Too old for warranty. New TFX on order.....:thumb
 
I've never heard of that happening before. Certainly glad that you were not injured. The initial sound must have been rather unnerving. How did the bike handle as you slowed to a stop?
 
Shock info

Kevin & Paul...

Handling...unusually stable....fender was not hitting tire; spring kept about 1/2”. Clearance.

Shock bought new by fellow MOA member in ‘06. He had it rebuilt professionally by distributor in ‘13. I bought it used, but still in rebuild box in ‘17. 4.5 years in service, 35K miles.
 
You are very likely correct in thinking there will be no warranty like assistance, but there just may be. A complete failure is pretty unusual and may be of interest to Wilbers. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
 
Warranty gone

akbeemer said:
You are very likely correct in thinking there will be no warranty like assistance, but there just may be. A complete failure is pretty unusual and may be of interest to Wilbers. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Click to expand...

Kevin......have tried.....they say “No way Jose” :banghead
 
Sorry it happened and the OP is ok, but I doubt anyone will warranty a 14 year old shock that went through who knows what.... YMMV
 
brownie said:
I posted this on FB....but wanted to share here also:

2 weeks ago, cruising on slab @ 75, I heard a loud BANG, I immediately became a “low rider.” Fearing a rear blowout, I slowed cautiously. No flat, bike was quite low, could not extend sidestand ! I limped to next exit, parked at Wally World, and called for tow truck (not a good story either).

Shock shaft sheared off at lower thread section. Too old for warranty. New TFX on order.....:thumb
Click to expand...

Do you have a picture? 14-years is a long time for seals/valves and, perhaps, the spring, but a structural failure of the shaft/body is surprising
 
Wilbers Pic

36654 said:
Do you have a picture? 14-years is a long time for seals/valves and, perhaps, the spring, but a structural failure of the shaft/body is surprising
Click to expand...

This is the Wilbers 641
 

Attachments

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I’ve seen something similar happen to an OEM shock on a K75S. In that case, the lower eye seized on its mounting shaft and the shaft snapped. One of the reasons it’s a good idea to periodically check shock linkages and pivots to make sure they are not bound up, as well as checking the overall condition of the shocks themselves.

Best,
DeVern
 
GTRider said:
I’ve seen something similar happen to an OEM shock on a K75S. In that case, the lower eye seized on its mounting shaft and the shaft snapped. One of the reasons it’s a good idea to periodically check shock linkages and pivots to make sure they are not bound up, as well as checking the overall condition of the shocks themselves.

Best,
DeVern
Click to expand...

I like that possibility. In any case, 14 years old......rebuilt once already......is still old.
OM
 
GTRider said:
I’ve seen something similar happen to an OEM shock on a K75S. In that case, the lower eye seized on its mounting shaft and the shaft snapped.
Click to expand...

Judging by the supplied picture, I'm going to venture a guess that's what happened here. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that a bushing stuck in the stock eye?
 
GTRider said:
I’ve seen something similar happen to an OEM shock on a K75S. In that case, the lower eye seized on its mounting shaft and the shaft snapped. One of the reasons it’s a good idea to periodically check shock linkages and pivots to make sure they are not bound up, as well as checking the overall condition of the shocks themselves.

Best,
DeVern
Click to expand...

A close-up end-on view of the failed shaft might give some clue. One break all the way across (catastrophic failure) or a variation in color (fatigue). But, your suggested scenario seems viable.
 
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