Changing damper springs
- Thread starter bumpy
- Start date
bmwrich58
Registered user
Rather big ...eh? More for an auto....
The device the Dealers use is pretty slick and quick. Pay a few $$ and be done with it. Don't forget the spring compression "sag" will be different and need adjustment after the change.
Goodluck!
The device the Dealers use is pretty slick and quick. Pay a few $$ and be done with it. Don't forget the spring compression "sag" will be different and need adjustment after the change.
Goodluck!
i suspect they'll bind in the spring before compressing it enough to release.
the proper tool is more of a press arrangement.
the proper tool is more of a press arrangement.
Thunder
Registered user
Like this then from Nippy Normans
That's the sort of thing, will you be using it regularly?
Nope, just a one off really. It costs £35 and you get £20 refund if you send it back. But I might keep it (I just love tools) and offer its use to other GS'ers.
Seems quite good value!
Thunder
Registered user
Previously when I wanted to change springs the local supplier did the work for me as part of the cost of the new springs.
If you have the springs already not an option for you but otherwise worth checking.
If you have the springs already not an option for you but otherwise worth checking.
Peak Rider
Registered user
If you're changing both ends don't forget to top up the rear unit's preload adjuster reservoir when you have the spring off. if you're not sure how, or why, send me a PM.
roddy
Registered user
I know this is the 1200 section and us 1150 guys don't frequent these hallowed grounds.
But can you change the springs on the 1150 shocks or is this just a 1200 thing ?
But can you change the springs on the 1150 shocks or is this just a 1200 thing ?
Peak Rider
Registered user
Roddy, this from the Hyperpro web site http://www.hyperpro.com.
BMW R 1150 GS `99> FRONT SPRING KIT SP-BM11-SSN007
BMW R 1150 GS `99> SHOCK SPRING SP-BM11-SSB007
BMW R 1150 GS `99> COMBI KIT SP-BM11-SSL007
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> FRONT SPRING KIT SP-BM11-SSN012
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> SHOCK SPRING SP-BM11-SSB012
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> COMBI KIT SP-BM11-SSL012
Having previously owned an 1150GS I believe BMW did a better job of selecting the standard spring rates than they did for the 1200. Before swapping springs you might want to get some advice in respect of the load that the bike will expected to carry.
BMW R 1150 GS `99> FRONT SPRING KIT SP-BM11-SSN007
BMW R 1150 GS `99> SHOCK SPRING SP-BM11-SSB007
BMW R 1150 GS `99> COMBI KIT SP-BM11-SSL007
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> FRONT SPRING KIT SP-BM11-SSN012
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> SHOCK SPRING SP-BM11-SSB012
BMW R 1150 GS ADVENTURE `02> COMBI KIT SP-BM11-SSL012
Having previously owned an 1150GS I believe BMW did a better job of selecting the standard spring rates than they did for the 1200. Before swapping springs you might want to get some advice in respect of the load that the bike will expected to carry.
roddy
Registered user
cheers Mike, it was more a curiousity question than anything else as I don't remember any 1150 riders just changing the springs, normally it was the whole unit.
If people have done this to there shocks as an interesting article someone could write up a show and tell ?
If people have done this to there shocks as an interesting article someone could write up a show and tell ?
Can't you just post here please, I'd be interested in this.
dragonrider
Registered user
hi andy i have pm'd ya re the topping up...but while am here can 1150 gsa shocks be fitted to the std gs to lift it, and is the only difference between the two bikes a bigger tank, when did the twin spark come in an which 1150 model is the better one (thats just thrown the cat in the chicken house)
dragonrider
Registered user
Peak Rider
Registered user
Topping up
Sorry guys, but I should have just given this explanation earlier.
The preload adjuster on a stock rear shock is nothing more than the simplest of hydraulics. When you turn the knob in to obtain more preload it just pushes on some oil which pushes against the spring. The adjuster reservoir is completely independent and has nothing to do with damping. Over time some of the oil 'sweats' past a seal and therefore the volume of oil in the reservoir can decrease. (A seal leak is possible although in normal use that is somewhat unlikely.) When I was changing my spring there was evidence of sweating, but no leaks, when I removed the large plastic shroud that protects the shock assembly.
If oil volume has decreased then any space in the reservoir - originally completely filled with oil - is taken up by air which must be compressed before you'll get any preload action. So instead of what used to be a couple of clicks you'll find that you're turning the knob much further in before it can push firmly on the spring. The 1200GS rear spring is already a bit on the soft side so when you can't get the desired preload it might lead some to believe that the shock has gone off.
On both the White Power ('04 & '05 GSs) and later models fitted with Showa units there is a simple small screw (hex head on the WP) on the reservoir on the opposite side from the preload adjuster knob. With the preload knob fully backed out and the spring off -remember if it's still fitted it's pushing on the hydraulic fluid - remove the screw and top off the volume using a 10 weight or higher fork oil. There's not much oil in there so you'll need very little to top it off. It's just like a brake circuit in that you don't want any air in there. Replace the screw, re-fit the spring (or install an aftermarket spring) and plastic shroud and voila, back to normal adjustment where every click when turning the preload knob can be felt.
I'm about 75 kilos kitted out and with the Hyperpro springs fitted I apply no preload when solo and only need a few clicks of preload with pillion on and panniers loaded. The Hyperpro springs are true progressive springs and I can feel a difference with every click of preload. Should I still have the same bike in another year I'll probably pop the spring off and top off the reservoir once again.
What seems amazing to me is how few technicians at authorised dealers appear to be aware of this. I guess it's not a matter of repair anymore, it's just replace.
Sorry guys, but I should have just given this explanation earlier.
The preload adjuster on a stock rear shock is nothing more than the simplest of hydraulics. When you turn the knob in to obtain more preload it just pushes on some oil which pushes against the spring. The adjuster reservoir is completely independent and has nothing to do with damping. Over time some of the oil 'sweats' past a seal and therefore the volume of oil in the reservoir can decrease. (A seal leak is possible although in normal use that is somewhat unlikely.) When I was changing my spring there was evidence of sweating, but no leaks, when I removed the large plastic shroud that protects the shock assembly.
If oil volume has decreased then any space in the reservoir - originally completely filled with oil - is taken up by air which must be compressed before you'll get any preload action. So instead of what used to be a couple of clicks you'll find that you're turning the knob much further in before it can push firmly on the spring. The 1200GS rear spring is already a bit on the soft side so when you can't get the desired preload it might lead some to believe that the shock has gone off.
On both the White Power ('04 & '05 GSs) and later models fitted with Showa units there is a simple small screw (hex head on the WP) on the reservoir on the opposite side from the preload adjuster knob. With the preload knob fully backed out and the spring off -remember if it's still fitted it's pushing on the hydraulic fluid - remove the screw and top off the volume using a 10 weight or higher fork oil. There's not much oil in there so you'll need very little to top it off. It's just like a brake circuit in that you don't want any air in there. Replace the screw, re-fit the spring (or install an aftermarket spring) and plastic shroud and voila, back to normal adjustment where every click when turning the preload knob can be felt.
I'm about 75 kilos kitted out and with the Hyperpro springs fitted I apply no preload when solo and only need a few clicks of preload with pillion on and panniers loaded. The Hyperpro springs are true progressive springs and I can feel a difference with every click of preload. Should I still have the same bike in another year I'll probably pop the spring off and top off the reservoir once again.
What seems amazing to me is how few technicians at authorised dealers appear to be aware of this. I guess it's not a matter of repair anymore, it's just replace.
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