Rear Preload Adjustment

[filbe]

Just bought a 2003 1150 (40K mileage), and can't turn the rear preload adjuster. It's either very stiff or seized. It also doesn't look like the knob in the manual! It's blue and is a sort of 4 leaf clover shape when viewed from above.
Any thoughts/advice about this?

 

[argos]

its certainly aftermarket,someone will be along to tell you what type.....

 

[Onwalkabout]

Post a photo - it's not a Wilbers unit by the sounds. Put the bike up on the main stand and see if you can get it to turn with the weight off the wheel.

 

[Stewart H]

On my WP rear shock it was the thread underneath the adjuster knob that was siezed up, I removed the knob and cleaned and lubricated the thread beneath it, there was also a 10mm hexagon on top of it, so after enough lubing I put a six sided socket on there and it now moves freely.
Stewart

 

[filbe]

On my WP rear shock it was the thread underneath the adjuster knob that was siezed up, I removed the knob and cleaned and lubricated the thread beneath it, there was also a 10mm hexagon on top of it, so after enough lubing I put a six sided socket on there and it now moves freely.
Stewart

That's sounds promising, thanks. Here's a pic btw, anyone recognise it?

 

[Sempione]

Might be a stock shock. The base of the preload adjuster looks very much like the stock one.

 

[petkostas]

It is definitely stock, but I see corrosion marks (salt?) prolly previous owner changed it because it was hard to work with all the on it.
If it feels stiff, try adding a bit of WD40 on it (carefully not to add any on your brakes or tires, use a cloth to protect dust spray falling on any of it).

 

[csd4t]

Wonderlicht bling on standard adjuster

 

[ian6760]

That's sounds promising, thanks. Here's a pic btw, anyone recognise it?

As said remove the alan bolt and the cap comes off. Place a bowl or something under it before you lift the handle off as there should be a small locating ball bearing which just falls out. You will find two small holes on top of the adjuster, a small squirt of WD40 in there will sort it. Leave it for 30 mins or so and then work the adjuster up and down until it runs free. Did it on mine only the other day.

 

[filbe]

Nice one, thanks

 

[JoeC]

Place a bowl or something under it before you lift the handle off as there should be a small locating ball bearing which just falls out.

I learnt the hard way but watched the ball bearing go bouncing on the floor and managed to locate it.
If you have a speedy brace and socket then use this a few times with WD40/oil etc and move the adjuster up/down several times. then oil it before you put the knob back on. Don't forget the ball bearing.

 

[argos]

stock?,,,,,,confused

 

[roddy]

stock?,,,,,,confused

The base of the preload adjuster and connecting pipe look standard as does the shock spring you can just see to the RHS, the blue anodised top looks like aftermarket bling