Rear shock preload seized

[cpettifer]

I've mentioned before that the preload on my rear shock has seized. Yesterday my dealer sent of photos to the big K for a warrantee claim for a new shock, as we all expected. While I was chatting to him he said this is the third one they'll do this year! He also said it's only been a problem with the more recent ones. Previously the shock had a removable top or something which they could take off, clean out a grease up and then it was all fine. Now it's completely sealed (some kind of "upgrade") and they can't do this. So the shock looks lovely, but it's still seized, so a whole new ones gets fitted.

[Lonewolf]

On the positive side though, at least Kawasaki are honouring the claims and seem to be dealing with them in the majority of cases reasonably quickly and without too much hassle. I can't even see my shock, it has some sort of neoprene sock over it to protect it. It was on when I got the bike.

[cpettifer]

Maybe I'll buy one of those when they fit my new one (no word yet).

[Essex Boy]

Just to add my tuppence worth....on my magnesium 2010 bike the rear shock seized within about 6 months of owning the bike. Kawasaki Colchester sorted that for me and a whole new system was put on with no quibble.

Essex Boy

[100milesaway]

I think the problem is water getting into the pre-load adjuster. I think when they change mine (yes mine has also seized ) I will stretch an old inner tube over the gap between the body (silver bit) and the adjuster wheel (black bit). I am certain that water is getting  inbetween the two. I have noticed that  the adjuster  on the 010 is a different shape than the earlier ones, does anyone know why?.

[Rusty]

I don't but perhaps a little bit of ACF 50 may assist in the longevity of the PLA ....

[100milesaway]

Yes but how would you get it in? I mean what orifice would you put it in  Oh you know what I am on about.

[Martin#30]

I don't but perhaps a little bit of ACF 50 may assist in the longevity of the PLA ....

Alas my bike was ACF50'd from new, and twice a year since. My siezed shock count is 2 so far 

Not sure if the shock itself, or the preload adjuster is to blame, but I think the secret is simply to adjust the pre-load much more often to keep it working. When I have my 3rd shock fitted, I shall get into the habit of adjusting the pre-load once a week.

Martin.

[Rusty]

Strange ... especially as you have ACF 50'd it ...

[pistole]

- gentlemen , which bit is seizing ? The Adjuster or the Shock itself ?

.

[Winston Smith]

Adjuster

[Deon]

I had the same problem. Dealer just cleaned the adjuster with some Q20 (WD40 I believe is what you guys use in the UK). No problems since then. One thing is for sure, it certainly has not got the 40 clicks as indicated in the owners manual !!
Spring Adjustment
Adjuster
Position
Damping
Force Setting Load Road Speed
1st Weak Soft Light Good Low
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
40th Strong Hard Heavy Bad High

[Kwikasfuki]

I'm going to service my bike next week and might as well lube the adjuster. Is it just a case of squirting WD40 down an exposed gap, or do you dismantle parts of it first?

[Deon]

Nope, did not dismantle. Just a can with the nozzle and sprayed in where he could see a gap whilst turning the adjuster in and out. Just remember where your setting was !!!!

Deon

[100milesaway]

- gentlemen , which bit is seizing ? The Adjuster or the Shock itself ?

.

The spring pre-load adjuster, just above rear footrest. The shock itself is fine.