Pre-load damper adjuster stuck

[NeilF]

Just before we went to Woolacombe on Saturday, doing my Pre Ride Inspection, I found the pre-load adjuster knob stuck, about two-thirds towards "High".

Is this usual, and does it just need a wrench to 'release' it, or should I be very careful?

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[adamski49]

From what I've read previously it will most likely break inside and then spin freely offering no adjustment.

Hopefully someone will know the answer to enable you to free it without breaking.

Adam

 

[Flying banana]

Neil - be careful with this. I had exactly the same problem on my 1150 earlier this year. The adjuster knob seized up. It would move, but only with great effort. I actually removed the knob by undoing the screw on top. Underneath you will find that the knob, which is plastic, sits on a hexagonal bolt head. If you try to force the knob, it will just break the plastic. You could try turning the bolt head with the relevant spanner to see if it frees off. This is what the BMW dealers so. However, if it is like mine, it will not free off. In this case, it means a complete new shock and pre-load assemby, as they are not supplied separately. I hope your bikes in warranty in that case!
Incidentally, if you do end up having to have a new shock, it may be found that when the shock is removed from the bike, the adjuster works perfectly. Mine did, and for a few minutes the dealer were reluctant to replace it with the new one they had got. Needless to say, after some 'discussion', they did replace it!

Good luck mate

FB

 

[NeilF]

Fixed it (kinda)

Thanks FB

Undid the screw, and lifted the plastic body off. Then something pinged off the garage wall ! Seems there is a spring-and-pin arrangement, like that in a cigarette lighter, to give the sound of the "click" as we turn the dial. Anyone know what size the pin is, or an easy replacement?

Cheers,

Neil.

PS Tony - thanks for the offer, but not just yet, mate.

 

[ag1s]

Re: Fixed it (kinda)

Thanks FB

Undid the screw, and lifted the plastic body off. Then something pinged off the garage wall ! Seems there is a spring-and-pin arrangement, like that in a cigarette lighter, to give the sound of the "click" as we turn the dial. Anyone know what size the pin is, or an easy replacement?

Cheers,

Neil.

PS Tony - thanks for the offer, but not just yet, mate.

if I remeber correctly, it is not a pin but a small metal sphere, like a bearing ball of aboout 3mm diameter. However, you don't need it. I had to open my preload adjuster to add oil as there was a leak.

agis

 

[jefformston]

Rear Shock - Pre load adjuster

Mine did the same, (R1150GS 2001) seized solid and unable to turn the adjuster. I removed the plastic 'knob' and used a ring spanner to move it. Turned it fully both ways then liberally coated it in grease, filled the 'knob' with grease and refitted it. Remained stiff for a while but gradually loosened off. Now (1 year later) it is very easy to adjust, so easy that at first a thought it was broken.

 

[Flying banana]

Bollox!!!!!!!!!! forgot to mention that spring, sorry!!!! Did exactly the same to me.

FB