mbw919
Martin
Thanks to all the previous posts here about this issue, I was able to top up my rear shock preload adjuster today. I had noticed lately that I was seeing more of my hand grips in the mirrors than normal. When we ride two up, I have the preload at max. By myself, I run it ten clicks out from max. One day I forgot to turn it back down and noticed the view in the mirrors was back to normal. I suspected that the rear suspension was sagging more than normal and the tape measure confirmed it.
Starting with the adjuster all the way out, it took eight clicks in before any resistance was felt. The spring was compressed less than 1/4" at max preload. I was able to snake the preload adjuster out the right side of the bike, without removing the shock, and hold it higher than the top of the shock. This required removing the battery and flexing the battery box a little. I disconnected the hose from the adjuster body and kept it suspended as high as possible. With the preload adjuster on the bench with the hole up, I compressed the piston with a small screwdriver then filled to the top with some left over Bel Ray 10w suspension oil. I tried to add a drop or two to the hose, but it seemed to be full. After reassembly, I now feel resistance after the first click in from all the way out. At max preload the spring is compressed 3/8". This is the same as Killtimer reported in this post:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46683&highlight=preload&page=2. Ten clicks out from max now gives me the correct sag again.
I did not find any signs of leakage at the banjo fittings but the top of the shock had a slight film that maybe felt a bit oily. I bought this bike new two years ago and still have another year of warranty coverage, but don't think this justifies a claim. If this needs to be done every two years that's ok with me. I enjoy tinkering anyway. I'll keep an eye on it just in case it becomes a more frequent problem.
Starting with the adjuster all the way out, it took eight clicks in before any resistance was felt. The spring was compressed less than 1/4" at max preload. I was able to snake the preload adjuster out the right side of the bike, without removing the shock, and hold it higher than the top of the shock. This required removing the battery and flexing the battery box a little. I disconnected the hose from the adjuster body and kept it suspended as high as possible. With the preload adjuster on the bench with the hole up, I compressed the piston with a small screwdriver then filled to the top with some left over Bel Ray 10w suspension oil. I tried to add a drop or two to the hose, but it seemed to be full. After reassembly, I now feel resistance after the first click in from all the way out. At max preload the spring is compressed 3/8". This is the same as Killtimer reported in this post:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46683&highlight=preload&page=2. Ten clicks out from max now gives me the correct sag again.
I did not find any signs of leakage at the banjo fittings but the top of the shock had a slight film that maybe felt a bit oily. I bought this bike new two years ago and still have another year of warranty coverage, but don't think this justifies a claim. If this needs to be done every two years that's ok with me. I enjoy tinkering anyway. I'll keep an eye on it just in case it becomes a more frequent problem.
