Thought I'd stick this question in a new thread, in case it catches anyone else's eye. I know it's getting late!

Trying to more the rear shock, I've let all the air out, cracked the air can, and removed the four bolts, but can't see how it comes away from the frame. Is there another step I'm missing, or should it just lift out?

Thanks,

R

yep it should just lift out. might be stiff if it's not been moved for a while.
try levering either end upward with a cloth-wrapped screwdriver.

I've tried the cloth-wrapped screwdriver, no luck. What I don't understand is the thread that the bolts screw into, goes from the outer edge of the mounting plates right into the centre of the shock, suggesting that there is something bridging between the frame and the shock that's stopping it coming out. But if that's the case, how did it get in?

The most likely scenario is a threaded 'sleeve' or pivot which runs through the shock's mounting boss and allows it to be threaded from each side of the frame.
What about allowing the frame some movement by changing it's position? Move the swinging arm a little. That ought to do it!

If there is a threaded sleeve (that's what it looks like), does that need to be removed? How?

Thanks!

The pivot should come away with the shock as it's removed from the frame.

Without resorting to a screwdriver, allowing the swinging arm to 'drop' (if it's currently supported) should get some movement going. It's hard from a distance and not knowing the set up but you'll probably find all that's holding in place is a build up of crap!

If all else fails walk away. Sleep on it and if still stumped, give Orange a call.

Best of luck…

If there's a sleeve in there then replace the bolt and then unscrew it a couple of turns. Give it some love with a mallet to unseat the sleeve and a little wiggling should free it.

Threaded sleeve and 2 bolts, undo bolts and only remove one of them, use the other bolt to pull the sleeve out, might need the swing arm being supported to take weight off the sleeve, I assume bike is in a stand and rear wheel removed, this helps a lot.