Rear shock preload seized

[100milesaway]

I am waiting on word back from the dealer(Orrell) to see what is to be done about my second seized pre-load adjuster. Me thinks that Kawasaki need to think about fitting something other than a part that is obviously not up to the job, as has been said earlier the pre-load adjuster on the pre 010 model is different to the present one and I cant recall anyone having trouble with those. 

[tommytool]

Kawasakis advice was very similar to what I did to free my adjuster except I inverted the unit and squirted WD40 down between the black adjuster and body. Then refitted, waited 24hrs and gradually movement first and then the clicks came back. I have posted this before but this is a common thread. My 2010 ran out of warranty a fortnight before I bought it and "K" would only offer me a 50% discount on a new shock - that doesn't included fitting. I was forced to find a solution without replacing shock. Don't give up - mine was absolutely solid  but did come free eventually.

[Lonewolf]

mattye, you are entitled I would suggest to a replacement shock, never mind farting about with it, soaking it in this and that.
My Kawasaki dealer simply tested it, realised it couldn't be turned and said, "Yep Thats Buggered", or something very similiar and literally within 2 days the replacement unit was there waiting to be fitted.

[O.C.]

mattye, you are entitled I would suggest to a replacement shock, never mind farting about with it, soaking it in this and that.
My Kawasaki dealer simply tested it, realised it couldn't be turned and said, "Yep Thats Buggered", or something very similiar and literally within 2 days the replacement unit was there waiting to be fitted.

Spot on, Steve

Its a fault that exists on some late 2010/2011 onwards machines. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM !

Kawasaki must sort this out as faulty units could be construed as being the cause of a safety related issue.

I simply don't see how Kawasaki can justify suggesting soaking a faulty/seized suspension adjustment unit in oil and then refitting it, they must be running out of stock of replacement units, or getting a bad response from the components OE manufacturer.

Soak in oil. .......Ba Humbug   

[mattye]

As ever thanks for all your responses.

I will bring these points up with my dealer on Monday and see what they say but I'm guessing that the problem will just re-occur in a few months time and it will need to be replaced.

[Lonewolf]

As ever thanks for all your responses.

I will bring these points up with my dealer on Monday and see what they say but I'm guessing that the problem will just re-occur in a few months time and it will need to be replaced.

mattye, when, (not if) its replaced under warranty the new part is obviously then covered under a warranty as well. If it fails again thats Kawasaki's problem not yours. You will still be entitled to a further replacement under warranty. There are many on here who have had numerous replacement front discs, same principle. I think Winston Smith had three replacement sets!

[100milesaway]

Orrell got back to me today to say that after a conversation with someone at the big K they have ordered a new shock, should be here soon. This one will last at least 6 months as after this week-end it's unlikely that the big fella will be out again until spring  .

[Lonewolf]

So that'll be your second warranty shock replacement then?

[100milesaway]

Yep, a bit irritating I know, but Kawasaki have always done the right thing so I'm not fussed really. Main thing is I just love this bike, and it will be staying in my life until I am to old to throw my withered old leg over it. I must also say that my dealer (Orrell) have been more that helpful all along.

[Lonewolf]

If it's of any help to you I saw some pink high viz bib's today and for some reason I immediately thought of you....can't think why!

[100milesaway]

Awh thats very sweet of you Steven ,        and you bought me one as a retirement present   Right ?

[nige gtr]

Hi,had mine changed too.As previously suggested,I,ve put a piece of an inner tube,as a sock,over the adjuster.Just enough to cover the body and adjuster.should work fine me thinks.Inner tube(new) was only £1.99 on fleabay.

[pistole]

- just got the new rear shock replaced , under warranty.

- bike seems to "feel" better.

- better to badger your dealers if you're still under warranty.

.

[mattye]

After my local dealer tried soaking the adjuster overnight the adjuster is still siezed so new part is on order and should be ready to fit early next week.

[100milesaway]

I'll wager the new 014 GTR doesn't come with the same pre-load adjuster as the current one. Kawasaki have probably been very embarrassed by the ones that they use at the moment, and I suggest that if everybody played with their suspension settings as I do they would have had to replace them all. It's more than likely that most people buy the bike adjust the pre-load, then never touch it again, so would never know if it stopped working. Anyway mine is going in tomorrow for its second replacement .