Rear shock Failure

SMB

Active member
UKGSer Subscriber
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
442
Reaction score
12
Location
S/W Devon, Near Tavistock
Rear shock Failure
My 08 GS (5 Sept 2008) with less than 1200 miles has had a rear shock failure. Oil is coming out of the hydraulic adjuster spindle/plastic section. Now you can screw in the adjuster over 1/2 way before anything happens.
Hey Ho
Waiting for BMW Ass :tears:spitfire
SMB
 
Why are you slagging off the people you have called to help you?

Seems an odd way of going about a repair:confused:
 
Having reread it so do I.
I was upset that a part had failed so soon on a new bike, so I was upset with BMW not the rescue service.
Have altered the post.
SMB
 
It happens. Not sure it's a good rant though.

I suppose some N00b will be along shortly worrying about the huge problem with '08 rear shock failure rates :rolleyes:
 
If a seal has failed on the hydraulic preload adjuster reservoir then you don't have a shock failure and perhaps no real need to wait for assistance. Unless the damper has lost its fluid, which is completely separate from the preload reservoir, it will continue to function as before. You just won't get accurate spring preload adjustment. If you back off the preload adjuster it will probably stop forcing oil out. If there's little chance of getting oil on the tyre then it's likely safe to ride to the nearest dealer. At any rate this is what warranty is for.
 
If a seal has failed on the hydraulic preload adjuster reservoir then you don't have a shock failure and perhaps no real need to wait for assistance. Unless the damper has lost its fluid, which is completely separate from the preload reservoir, it will continue to function as before. You just won't get accurate spring preload adjustment. If you back off the preload adjuster it will probably stop forcing oil out. If there's little chance of getting oil on the tyre then it's likely safe to ride to the nearest dealer. At any rate this is what warranty is for.

I never realise that the hydraulic adjuster was separate from the rest of the shock. Point taken. BMW Ass will take the bike to a dealer. That side has been great. All will be fixed under warranty by the dealer, who too has been great, but still very upset/annoyed.
The unit failed when I was riding 2 up and we must have lost the preload adjustment. That it itself is no big problem but I had a mudsling on, until then it had not marked the swinging arm. Thus with 2 up & reduced preload the mudsling made contact with the swinging arm & the plastic guard and now both are marked. I should have removed it before I went out, but I just wound up the preload to 2/3 (not even full). I have ordered a new plastic guard that runs on top of the Paralever (?) - only a fiver! So it will hardly be noticeable.
Hey Ho – Shit happens.
 


Back
Top Bottom