The Hodaka Club Forum

Here is an update on my bike , I got my new brake pads installed and cleaned the hub inside out very well and it rolls perfectly now and brakes instantly I'm super happy. Now I have to do the same to the rear brake because the water has also corroded the rear brakes to where they are locked. Thank you guys for all the great advice and support !

Can u guys tell me what I should soak my tires in like some kind of oil or something? Thanks rylan

I mean shocks

ill jump. i sat down and put the radio on. got some white vinegar, rags, soft bristle brush, a brass brush from harbor freight. and just started cleaning them up got in all the nooks and crannies and it took awhile , thats why the radio try advenure rider radio and listen to the iron butt pod cast with bob lilly that will keep you at it for a good hour or more ,just keep at. when your done hot soapy water and rinse out good then make sure there dry. im having trouble with my pictures but they came out pretty nice they were like yours or maybe little worse. thats what i did worked for me.... albert

If you are feeling industrious you can always take the shocks apart and clean each part separately. That involves punching out the rolled pin from the top mount area. Then compress the spring and just under the top mount there is a nut. Put a wrench on the nut and a large screwdriver through the upper bolt hole and unscrew the nut and the top shock mount. (Be very careful doing this as the spring is under a lot of tension and if it comes loose can cause damage/injury). Once the top mount is off the spring and other parts just slide off and each can be cleaned separately. Re-assemble is reverse and don't forget to line up the shock shaft and the hole for the roll pin and put the pin in last.

One method that works really well is to clean them with soap and water to remove any oil residue. Then lay them in pan of Evaporust. Put just enough liquid in the pan so that about a third of the shock is under the surface.

After 24 hours. Remove the shock. Clean the soaked surface with a soft brass brush and then a little soap and water and return it to the Evaporust for the next section.

Once clean, wipe them down with a good penetrating oil.

If you keep the Evaporust from getting contaminated with oil and crud then you can use it over and over again.

With a little patience, these shocks will look like new.

I noted the surface of the front plastic fender is in tough condition. If you wish to save and use it, there is a method to restore it back to "good" condition. There are many videos on YouTube. It involves back scrapping it with a razor blade and/or sanding it and then an electric heat gun to bring the gloss back to the surface. It is easy and it works.

Thank you guys !!!!