Testing preload

[unibar]

Today I went to wind up the preload as the Missus deemed it warm enough for her to take a ride
The adjuster was super stiff. It's not used much but was fine last summer when the shock was overhauled by abe
Took the knob off wd40 to the thread. And wound it in and out a few times knob back on
Fully wound it does not feel like its much higher. Conventional wisdom would say its working due to the fact it's hard to wind in

Is the any non scientific way to see the adjustment happening without taking the shock off ?
Thanks


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[unibar]

Bump as I am working from home this week and have the chance to try some stuff for a change.. given a suggestion or two that is.
Bollocks what have i done there

 

[Timolgra]

You may need to refill the preload hydraulic adjuster.
Use a fairly thin jack oil or similar, try winding the adjuster right out, remove the pipe at the shock end and try to get the air out with the adjuster then back it off again and refill, repeat a few times.

 

[Neil W]

Full adjustment on the preload compresses the spring by less than 10mm, as you turn the adjuster you can see the moveable portion hydraulic adjuster on the shock body extend down from the fixed ring on the shock. Should be visible if you look close enough.
Difficult to remember after three years but almost 100% you can see it with the shock on the bike

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I would have thought that with the bike unloaded on the centre stand you should be able to measure an increase in height between say the top of the wheel and base of the seat when on min & max preload - dunno how much but maybe 10-15mm?
Also the difference between min and max should be quite noticeable when sat on the bike stationary and then lowering and raising yourself on the seat?

Andres

 

[Pekkavee]

Have a look in here

Pekka

 

[unibar]

Thanks guys

I noticed the movement and sussed out how it works when I took it out to be refurbed, its stiff right from the get go, and was only serviced 10K ago... Odd.
I may well whip off the adjuster and refill from there as I have no garage / workshop and getting the shock off is a chore if it starts raining!
Though with it being stiff already I don't hold out much hope... I do however have some hydraulic fluid i bought to fix a pallet truck!


Paul