WP Shock question

[XT]

I have 1998 KTM300 MXC. There is a plastic piece on the rear shock body that keeps sliding off(down) when I ride. Is this an important piece of plastic? It looks like it just protects the shock body from the spring. Is it ok to just remove this piece or would it cause harm to the shock somehow?

 

[jeb]

Did you buy the bike used? I don't remember any such piece on our 98's shocks so I'm wondering if a former owner installed it. A picture, if possible, would help a lot.

 

[rollingp]

All pds shocks have the gaurd installed on the shock body.
It is there to protect the body from the spring during coil bind.

You need it.

 

[dstktmusa]

there are two small clips that hold this piece into place. if you remove the spring, you can install the clip that has fallen off.