1100 seized damping adjuster

[MattW]

I've never felt the need to adjust the damping on my 1100 until I had a recent two up loaded trip which needed a quite large preload adjustment and it wallowed slightly and felt like it could do with more rebound damping.

However, when I tried, the adjuster is seized solid. I didn't force it and it was ok on the trip - just a bit floaty on undulating roads. Having got back, I've tried a little more force and all the usual tapping with a hammer, plus-gas etc but it aint moving.

Has anyone successfully 'unseized' one of these adjuster screws or is it time for a rebuild? It's an original '94 shock, just coming up to 40k - seems to feel ok, but then I've no real comparison. However now I'm doing more two up loaded stuff, I really would like to be able to wind up the damping slightly.

If it is rebuild time, any recommendations / ball park prices and turnaround times?

ta

 

[Stewart H]

The one on my bike was seized when I got the bike, I removed the outer plastic knob and was able to get into the thread, wire brushing and penetrating oil left me with an adjuster that turns so freely the wind can increase my preload

Stewart

 

[Aussie]

Have you tried giving it a good soak with penertrene (spelling) or some other light oil then give it a good bash . Wot sort of shock is it ?. I don't think the stock one is rebuildable, it may be a good time to get yourself an Ohlin .

 

[MattW]

The one on my bike was seized when I got the bike, I removed the outer plastic knob and was able to get into the thread, wire brushing and penetrating oil left me with an adjuster that turns so freely the wind can increase my preload

Stewart

The damping adjuster (little cross shaped screwhead near the bottom shock mount) is the problem, preload is fine

 

[MattW]

Have you tried giving it a good soak with penertrene (spelling) or some other light oil then give it a good bash . Wot sort of shock is it ?. I don't think the stock one is rebuildable, it may be a good time to get yourself an Ohlin .

I've seen a few postings on here regarding rebuilding OEM 11xx shocks - I think they need a fitting brazing onto them to enable re-gassing but I believe it can be done. However I'm not sure if all shocks are doable - mine is an early one - '94

I'd love an Ohlins but I haven't got Ohlins money unfortunately

 

[Wrigsby1]

I would take it off and apply some heat and spray on the horizontal. I had one like this on a K but they are a bit more exposed to get to. The main thing is patience and not buggering up the cross head.

Also get a big new screwdriver head and a bit more leverage as being gentler with big levers is more successful than being heavyweight with less.

I have fitted hex s/driver heads to small sockets in the past. It will probably go with a bit of a snap and then be fine for the next 40k

 

[Steptoe]

The damping adjuster (little cross shaped screwhead near the bottom shock mount) is the problem, preload is fine

very common problem.

The problem is the shite design of the adjuster. It's grossly inadequate for the job it has to do and understrength, it has a very small cut out type of steps which adjust as you turn the screw.

Fine when it's new, but over time the other end of the adjuster seizes in place in the shock body (opposite side to the screw), so when you turn the adjuster the rod snaps at one the very thin steps.

 

[MattW]

Fine when it's new, but over time the other end of the adjuster seizes in place in the shock body (opposite side to the screw), so when you turn the adjuster the rod snaps at one the very thin steps.

That's exactly what I'm concerned about - I've put all the pressure I dare on it. I guess it might be worth removing the shock and trying gentle heat / releasant but if it actually seizes at the other end of the screw then it's probably a futile exercise.

Would a seized or broken screw make the shock un-rebuildable?

 

[Vern]

Make a little plastacine bucket to stick to the bottom of the shock so that when you fill it with WD or whatever your choice of goo,the adjuster is covered by it,then leave it as log as you can before you have a go at moving it.

Worked for me.I think the hot air stripper came out as well.

 

[MattW]

Good idea Vern.
I think I'll take the shock off this weekend and try soaking it in something releasy

 

[Steptoe]

.

Would a seized or broken screw make the shock un-rebuildable?

It's still rebuildable, (the internal adjuster is a spindly inadequate thing that breaks easily), but afterwards you'll no longer be able to adjust the setting.

But you can set it to what ever setting you like before re-assembling the shock.

 

[MattW]

It's still rebuildable, (the internal adjuster is a spindly inadequate thing that breaks easily), but afterwards you'll no longer be able to adjust the setting.

But you can set it to what ever setting you like before re-assembling the shock.

Thanks Steptoe
I've ordered another tin of plusgas. I'll take the shock off this weekend and give it a soaking and try a bit of heat before looking into rebuilders.

 

[Benjah]

Mine was seized when I first got the bike. I just sprayed a bunch of CRC onto it and left it for 2 days or so. I was then able to easily turn it.

I guess it wasn't seized to badly.

Good luck

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

both of mine sheared off

don't know how i managed to ride it

 

[MattW]

both of mine sheared off

don't know how i managed to ride it

Like I said, it doesn't stop me riding it but more damping would be good when I've got the preload cranked up for two up loaded stuff.

 

[Micky]

I wouldn't bother trying to adjust it, it'll not make any difference

Once, while at Maxton, Ron Williams had an almost new 1100 rear suspension unit on the test rig, any adjustment of the damping screw made no noticeable difference whatsoever

 

[Packer]

It must be about time for a rebuild or replacement.

Look here:- http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234368&highlight=Shock+rebuild, a recommended company in post 3. Let them solve the stuck adjuster issue during the rebuild.

 

[essjay]

If you have to send your's off for a rebuild, I have my original rear shock in the shed if it's any good to cover you for a while. Just send it back whenever you are finished. Has around 60k miles on it though so I doubt it's in prime condition but might do the job for a few weeks.

 

[MattW]

If you have to send your's off for a rebuild, I have my original rear shock in the shed if it's any good to cover you for a while. Just send it back whenever you are finished. Has around 60k miles on it though so I doubt it's in prime condition but might do the job for a few weeks.

Thanks for the offer essjay - very kind.

I'll see how it goes with removing the shock and trying to free off the adjuster (never got round to it this weekend - went for a ride instead )

I'm not sue what the turnaround times are for rebuilds - if it's just a week or two, I think I'll just bite the bullet and wait. If it's longer, I might be in touch

 

[Vern]

Ive got an old one if you need to borrow one while yours is being done.

edit; just seen Essjays reply.Doh!