Symptoms of knackered rear shock?

[WaterMonkey]

Could anyone who has had a rear shock fail explain the symptoms you had please?
Marcopolo I saw your thread but it has been closed so not sure what the outcome was?

Thanks in advance..

 

[JJH]

In simple terms the shock or damper controls the natural tendency of the spring to bounce up and down in a uncontroled way. If you can bounce the bike up and down it is a fair bet that the shock is worn out. If there is oil visible it's another indication. JJH

 

[Tractors are go]

Sometimes; there is no oil visible as it is all gone.

Think what a pogo stick does, without anyone on it, then with, simplistic version of damping.

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[matchlessman]

When the damping goes the bike feels as though it has a hinge in the middle as you go over bumps when cornering and it wallows. It really isn't good.

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[CPJS]

Do you think your shock is knackered? If so what is the mileage and year and how long have you had the bike.
Shock failure from good old wear and tear tends to creep in almost unnoticed as you get used to the changes, a bit like tyres wearing out. The bike becomes soft and wallowy. This can be fixed with a re build and should restore ride quality.
Failure due to mechanical/electronic breakdown tends to be more sudden, hence, quickly noticable. the symptoms can be varied, the shock losing damping or preload or going hard and maxing out on damping and preload. these symptoms can be intermittant. Usually the only fix is shock replacement.

 

[malcopopolo]

Hi Watermonkey. Please PM me and I will update.

 

[WaterMonkey]

Hi Watermonkey. Please PM me and I will update.

I'm not a subscriber so I don't think i can. Are you able to message me?

My bike is a 2013 with 34k. I've noticed I can feel every bump a bit more than normal, the esa seems to work fine with the ride height changing ok. When sitting with the engine running and cycling through the soft, normal and hard setting I can feel a change in the rebound but the damping always seems the same, pretty soft.
I've recently had a new tyre so I'm hoping that is the reason I can feel more but I'm not convinced! Basically the rear shock feels softer than previously and sometimes the bike feels lower.

 

[CPJS]

It sonds like normal old age to me, 34K is good mileage for a shock. I needs a rebuild and maybe a new spring.
Speak to suspension specialist in your area.

 

[malcopopolo]

your shock is definately worn. there are companies that can rebuild for around 300. or alternatively source a 2nd hand replacement. there are also after market shocks but thay start from 500.

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[WaterMonkey]

Thanks chaps. Not the answer I wanted to hear but you're probably right. I'll talk to BMW and see if there's anything they can do. Out of the extended warranty by 4k miles obviously but maybe they'll let me pay a contribution!

 

[Smug]

The extended warranty only covers the shocks for a limited mileage.

 

[PDiddy]

The extended warranty only covers the shocks for a limited mileage.

30K miles if my memory is correct, I got caught out on this one on my first GSA -

 

[CPJS]

Thanks chaps. Not the answer I wanted to hear but you're probably right. I'll talk to BMW and see if there's anything they can do. Out of the extended warranty by 4k miles obviously but maybe they'll let me pay a contribution!

The only way BMW will involve themselves is to send you an invoice for about £1800.00 to replace the shock. It will of course be covered by BMW's warranty for whatever mileage they give for a shock.
I would go and get a rebuild on your own shock, at least you know the ESA works ok which is always an unknown with second hand.

 

[WaterMonkey]

I would go and get a rebuild on your own shock, at least you know the ESA works ok which is always an unknown with second hand.

Had a quote today from a company I found online, £249 to rebuild, guaranteed for a year. I'll let BMW tell me how much then I'll send it off I think!

 

[malcopopolo]

Had a quote today from a company I found online, £249 to rebuild, guaranteed for a year. I'll let BMW tell me how much then I'll send it off I think!

 

[Tractors are go]

K tech dealer quoted me £200 per shock including new springs or £120 without.

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