Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/807546
diff erent in design than the factory heim joint. Synergy calls this part their F-Bushing. It's a very simple component consis ng of two precision- machined Delrin bushings. There is a preinserted custom inner bushing with higher dynamic load ra ng than a needle roller bearing. Its main benefi t for this applica on is it doesn't rust and is greaseable. We purchased the F-Bushing with the Z-Bolt kit. The Z-Bolt is a Grade 10 Alloy Steel bolt that is hollowed out and fi ed with a zerk fi ng. This allows for greasing the lower shock pivot with a grease gun, greatly simplifying maintenance. We handled installa on of the Synergy F-Bushing literally within a ma er of minutes. Just pull the two bolts retaining the rear shock, and with a seal puller remove the stock heim joint seals. The next order of business is to pop out the two bushings with a long punch. Since we're tool junkies here at Trail Rider, we decided to order up one of Mo on Pro's super trick Heim Joint Removal/Installa on tools (part # 08-0434). This tool is a work of art and sure made pounding out the old rusty heim joint a piece of cake. We were now ready to install the new Synergy component. Since the F-Bushing is an en rely diff erent design, we used a 22mm socket fl ipped upside down on the extension to drive the new F-Bushings in squarely. The stock lower shock bolt is discarded and replaced with the Z-Bolt. It's important to note that the Z-Bolt is only torqued to 10-15 /lbs so to not pinch the Delrin material. That was it, we were done. This procedure took less than 10 minutes and that included pu ng the bike on the stand. Since the shock was already removed, we decided it was a good me to pull the rear wheel and remove the swing arm and inspect the needle bearings. It had been about 100 hours since the last service and I'm glad it was done. There was s ll adequate grease in the needle bearings but the seals were dry. We then packed the bearings with Bel-Ray waterproof grease and also packed the area behind the seals to help fend off water intrusion. There's something to be said for a good solid maintenance program. It can really save you money when components can be serviced instead of just replaced, and there's nothing like peace of mind when you're 100-plus miles from the truck! March/April 2017 21