Replacing Showa rear shock bushes on NC31 Super Four

[CafeRacer400]

Hi everyone.

I'm currently fixing a few niggles on my 94 Honda CB400 NC31 Cafe racer project and whilst adjusting my chain tension the other night, I noticed that the bottom bushes on my rear Showa shocks where they bolt to the swing arm have some play in them.

I contacted my local Honda dealer who ordered me 4 x bushes (top and bottom for both shocks) and the only part number listed was a single part number for both top and bottom bushes - 52489-GS3-003.

I have changed the top bushings of the shocks which slip onto the frame lugs no problem.

However, the new bushes look like a completely separate part to the bottom bushing. The internal diameter where the metal bolt sleeve goes is much larger than the sleeve itself. The sleeve rattles around the inside, as opposed to being a snug fit.

I've since checked back with the original Honda dealer, as well as Fowlers of Bristol and David Silvers, who all reconfirmed that the bush is the same part for top and bottom. They felt that it is unlikely for Honda to have an incorrect part number listing after all this time.

I'm reluctant to press out the bottom bushing that is still there in case I need to fit an oversized sleeve to take up the play, but would rather pop some new bushes in and do the job properly.

Am I missing something here? Are the parts the same and its just me? Anyone else done this before?

Alternatively, can anyone recommend how to source/manufacture some bushes? MOT is due early July and I don't want to be off the road for the summer.

Thanks.

PS - I can provide photos if required.

[Mansie]

Hi, I just had a look at the parts book of my CB400 Four (1998) and the upper and lower rubber bushes have different part numbers:

Upper 52489-GS3-003


Lower 52485-KR3-003


Have a look here, they list many shock absorbers http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/H ... parts.html

[billgrundies]

hi, I've an old set of showa shocks in the garage off my 93 400 so I just popped the rubber bushes out. they are identical. they measure 16.5mm internal diameter x 24mm external x 20mm wide, tapered in the middle. will vary slightly from your new ones.

[Mansie]

Billgrundies is right, the shock bushes on the NC31 are the same. I just had a look in the parts book of the NC31 and the partnumbers for the upper and lower bushes is 52489-GS3-003.
The part number for the matching metal sleeve is 52481-MY9-003 COLLAR, CUSHION PIVOT (SHOWA). Maybe you have the wrong sleeve fitted. It is not an expensive part so you could try ordering this one

[CafeRacer400]

Cheers guys for the helpful responses...it's just me then

I'll whip the shocks and bushes out this weekend and try the other new ones I've got and hopefully get the job sorted. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

[CafeRacer400]

New collars ordered and problem sorted. It would seem that the shocks had had some other bushes fitted before by someone, so when I've fitted the proper bushes, the sleeves were wrong.

Pics of old collars against the correct new part. The collars were only a couple of quid too.

Thanks again for your helpful replies.