If they are worn on the '97, either replace them or be prepared to look for a new wheel, when the damage to the hub becomes excessive.
Rear wheel hub rubber dampers
- Thread starter ChriSTian_64
- Start date
If they are worn on the '97, either replace them or be prepared to look for a new wheel, when the damage to the hub becomes excessive.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
... I too replace them every 36T-km/22Kmiles... regularly...
Just imagine the force those parts are getting worked with, the engine torque, every change on the throttle, every clutch action, every single bump, groove, pebble on the road... unless you've tarmac as smooth as a glass table, those things are really abused... by design, sacrificial anodes if you will...
OP
OP
ChriSTian_64
Site Supporter
Just comparing prices between 3 US Honda OEM parts retailer.
Store : Rubber Damper + alum. insert = total ; x5 = grand total.
Partzilla : 18.57 + 15.26 = 33.83 ; x 5 = 169.15
PartsFish : 17.73 + 13.85 = 31.58 ; x5 = 157.90
HondaParts-Direct : 13.71 + 10.72 = 24.43 x5 ; 122.15
Note that HondaParts-Direct are about 30 % cheaper than Partzilla. Wow !
But, shipping delays can be longer. They say it could take 10-14 days to process and ship.
They say they can offer lower prices by keeping a low stock of parts in store.
Still... interesting.
On the other hand, an order on Partzilla normally ships the same day, or the day after.
So, I just ordered my rubber dampers (and alu. inserts) replacement (and the thrust bearing also), from Partzilla. To have them more quickly.
I will also order other parts (radiator hoses), that can take few more weeks to arrive, from HondaParts-Direct.
As a canadian resident, I'll have to add the exchange rate, pay a little more in shipping, and wait a little longer for custom clearance, But that is OK.
Store : Rubber Damper + alum. insert = total ; x5 = grand total.
Partzilla : 18.57 + 15.26 = 33.83 ; x 5 = 169.15
PartsFish : 17.73 + 13.85 = 31.58 ; x5 = 157.90
HondaParts-Direct : 13.71 + 10.72 = 24.43 x5 ; 122.15
Note that HondaParts-Direct are about 30 % cheaper than Partzilla. Wow !
But, shipping delays can be longer. They say it could take 10-14 days to process and ship.
They say they can offer lower prices by keeping a low stock of parts in store.
Still... interesting.
On the other hand, an order on Partzilla normally ships the same day, or the day after.
So, I just ordered my rubber dampers (and alu. inserts) replacement (and the thrust bearing also), from Partzilla. To have them more quickly.
I will also order other parts (radiator hoses), that can take few more weeks to arrive, from HondaParts-Direct.
As a canadian resident, I'll have to add the exchange rate, pay a little more in shipping, and wait a little longer for custom clearance, But that is OK.
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Plus shipping; as much as $30.
OP
OP
ChriSTian_64
Site Supporter
$ 40 US to canada. That is the cheapest option.
The other one was $ 60 !
Just for fun, I looked at the prices of new grab rails.
Mine are still OK, but there are some marks on them.
While transporting my ST from the seller, last summer, in the trailer, we wrap two straps around the grab rails, on both sides.
It left a mark. We probably tight them a little too much. Anyway, that is just a cosmetic issue.
Each of those grab rail, just a grab handle right... they worth about 120 US a piece.
One side is more expensive than the other.
Yeah. The Right Grab Rail is 120.77, the Left 139.36.
Don't ask me why.
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ChriSTian , have you /did you notice anything with the ST before you had a look at the dampers ? Mine is about the same age (75000 km) and I cleaned up in there too. I expected to find worn dampers/ cracked and ready to be replaced .But, To My eyes , the rubber looked fine ,and i closed it up again. I didn't have to use any force getting them in or out . Most rubber does get old ,regardless of miles. After reading this thread I'm starting to re- think it. I have not noticed anything , but it may well tighten up the feeling of slack between power on /power off. Who knows , I haven't driven any other ST11
That is not correct, at least not on the ST1100.
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OP
ChriSTian_64
Site Supporter
Hi @JJames.
No, I didn't had any signs or clue from driving. Nothing abnormal, everything was smooth.
But, that was just the begginning, the early stage. The inserts were not ovalised yet.
I am the owner of my ST only since last year. I am the 3rd owner, I believe.
And that seems to be the original dampers, because the rear tire that I replaced last summer, had a date code from 2002 !
That is also why I am replacing them : rubber age, as you said.
But, if yours are still looking very good and no damage... a previous owner might have already replace them in the past ?
Hum.... but you also say you could remove them and put them back in place easily, that seems to indicate that they have wear and shrink a bit.
Maybe you can wait until next winter or next tire change ?
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If the dampers are that loose that they could just fall out, they are done, or near done. Using them until you feel some clunk in the rear end is NOT recommended.
rwthomas1
Site Supporter
If I had to guess it's because people tend to slather parts with lube when told to lube something and Honda didn't want it getting all over everything. Like you said, not gonna hurt anything IF applied very sparingly.
RT
Sparingly IS the word! Too much on the splines also will end up being flung all over the inside of the hub area. A messy clean up job that I learned about the first time I lubed those splines.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
i) will a smear of G-n Plus on the pins ease the installation tremendously... otherwise the pins will stuck in the new aluminum bushings making it a bear to get seated...
ii) will mentioned definitely slow down wear on the aluminum bores; that's what the silicate plates in the paste do: accumulate as a barrier between parts, reducing direct contact of metal on metal...
And I agree, sparingly and with common sense is the key... getting any form of "grease" onto rubber is never a good idea...
(I recall using some cheap silicon spray from the hardware store as installation aid on the hub dampers once, some solvent in it actually softened the rubber, resulting in fast, premature failure... found the surface of the worn dampers kinda gooey and sticky upon removal, signs of chemical dissolving... I changed to talcum powder since, never had an issue again...)