Rear shock adjusters seized/broken

[black14]

Hi guys,
The rear shock preload adjusters on my 2008 K7 seem to be in bad shape. The right hand one turns fairly freely but indefinitely and doesn't seem to do anything. The left one is stiffer butt seems to have definite stops.
Know there were some threads on the old forum re. this issue so wondering if anyone has any ideas/solutions.
Cheers,
Ian.

[gsxbarmy]

And so there is here

http://gsx1400owners.org/forum_test/index.php?topic=130.0

Look at the stickies in the  section you posted your question in 

Also available in the Download section - Go To Downloads / General - "How to fix a leaking rear shock" (Downloads is across the top menu)

We are gradually getting all the old tech info loaded - just takes me time!!!!

[black14]

Yeah - thanks - I had seen that, but mine are not leaking - just seem to be seized (stiff) or broken. Turning either adjuster doesn't seem to move the spring preload at all. Is it possible to remove the adjuster completely? Not clear to me how this is held in... Maybe removal and a bit closer inspection will help.

[gsxbarmy]

Sometimes WD 40 is your friend, but it sounds to me like yours may need a strip down possibly. Getting off and refitting the black knob is the problem, from memory, there is a small pin that holds the black knob on which you have to knock through - to refit I think one method I saw was to use a small drill bit as a new pin and then cut off flush once knocked in.

[black14]

Ok - thanks - will pull em off and check it out!

[black14]

Well - pulled em off and had a look - could see the drain plug but not any way to get the black plastic knob off.
Gave them a good bath in WD40, both the plastic knobs and the part of the shockers that slide (where the rings are) and worked the knobs back and forth - lots of times!
Good news - they are now freed up and appear to be working correctly.
Just a short 50kms commuting run this morning but they don't seem to have moved from where I set them - 2 rings out.
I'll wind em up to 3 out and take it for a lap around the hills on the weekend to make sure all is well and, I think, make sure I keep em freed up in the future.
Thanks for your help - appreciated!
Cheers,
Ian.

[gsxbarmy]

The little pin for removing the black knobs is very small, if you do take them off again (hopefully not!), the turn the knob slowly and look towards the inside, it's hard to spot - but is there!

Good news that they have freed up though, lets hope they now start working properly again

[Michael Whitney]

I know this is an old(ish) thread and I have started a new one but not having much replies atm and need to sort my shocks out asap. My left one will turn fine and it moves the shock up and down as expected however halfway between 3rd and 4th mark/ring the knob locks up and I can no longer turn it clockwise. It will however turn anti-clockwise and the shock will lower. The right side is completely fine and goes to the 5th mark with out an issue. Both knobs click and feel the same in terms of stiffness when turning them it's just that left one locks up after the 3rd ring.

Anyone got any idea on how to solve this? I doubt WD-40 would help but will give it a try.

[mlivkovich]

I know this is an old(ish) thread and I have started a new one but not having much replies atm and need to sort my shocks out asap. My left one will turn fine and it moves the shock up and down as expected however halfway between 3rd and 4th mark/ring the knob locks up and I can no longer turn it clockwise. It will however turn anti-clockwise and the shock will lower. The right side is completely fine and goes to the 5th mark with out an issue. Both knobs click and feel the same in terms of stiffness when turning them it's just that left one locks up after the 3rd ring.

Anyone got any idea on how to solve this? I doubt WD-40 would help but will give it a try.

Just repaired right one on my K2. Had the same problem. Syringe is the key!  Now I can turn it to the 5th mark.

[mlivkovich]

 

[Kiwifruit]

Good result well done