guide Preload Adjuster Repair

[Debs]

I have been able to repair my preload adjuster by taking it apart.. It was quite easy and here are the instructions..

These are for the late models 2010-14

First as Asif had mentioned there is a tiny pin on the reverse.

I took the adjuster off, found the pin and got to work on it with a hammer..  Small taps on a small screwdriver used for taking mobile phones apart...  I fitted it back on backwards to get a pic.



I used a metal block and hammer to tap the knob off evenly. Once off you could see all the crap inside. Notice the 2 springs and ball bearings.



Ensure you keep these safe as they are so small its easy to lose them. 



Once the knob was off I looked for the pin that would have gone in to the plastic.



Using a pair of nose pliers I got it out. Remember to keep this in a safe place.. Its about 6mm long.



I then cleaned the adjuster using my Dremel with a wire brush attachment.. I then had to use some emery paper as well. Once cleaned it looked good..  I also run the emery paper around the knob to give it that little more ease to turn.



When putting it back together ensure you put the pin in the hole first. I did try at first with the knob back in but dropped the pin. Thankfully I found it again... phew.



Next you need to insert the springs and balance the ball bearings on them.



Undo the adjuster bolt so it is nearly fully out. This makes it easier to put the knob back in. Ensure the adjuster is upside down and insert the knob. Once in I used pipe grips to push the pin back in...

All done and its really easy to turn. 

[Martin#30]

Great work Debs, thanks for trailblazing and sharing.

So which part actually seizes? It looks like the actual adjuster mechanism (the big nut) was still moving freely on yours, and I am struggling to imagine how the black plastic adjuster can sieze to the metal casing.

Martin.

[Debs]

It was the knob that hardly turned from all the crap that had got in 

Before

http://youtu.be/aUIBp2ooV90

[shaggs147]

Great work Debs, putting us guys to shame with all your repairs

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[Boomer]

Well done Debs. Luckily for me the 08/09 adjuster doesn't have that problem.

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[Alfor]

  top job!!

[100milesaway]

It was the knob that hardly turned from all the crap that had got in 

Before

http://youtu.be/aUIBp2ooV90

Debs your my hero, well done for having a go..      BUT   ya should have put some tape around the adjuster knob, so that when you had finished, it didn't look like a dog had chewed it     

[Kwikasfuki]

Excellent work there Debs! I knew that pin had to be there for a reason! Thank you for taking the risk and getting to the bottom of the problem. And thanks for taking the pics as well.

Has anyone taken apart the 08/09 model adjuster? Keen to see what the difference is.

Once cleaned out, would there be any harm in packing it with grease? That way its a one off maintenance job.

[Debs]

Debs your my hero, well done for having a go..      BUT   ya should have put some tape around the adjuster knob, so that when you had finished, it didn't look like a dog had chewed it     

Niel (sirtou) just said the same thing to me on Facebook... Said I should have used a tea towel...
I will get the knob cleaned up on a buffer.. 

Has anyone taken apart the 08/09 model adjuster? Keen to see what the difference is.

MG has.. The 08/09 has an extra part that comes out with the bolt.
The bolt will not come out on the later ones. 

You could pack it out with grease, but it wouldn't take much as the knob goes all the way in. The bolt travels up and down the centre of the knob as it's turned.

[Stephen.Stallebrass]

Job well done. Thanks for sharing.

[viper]

top job debs 

[Ros]

Blimey! I always wondered what you lot were on about with the preload adjuster seizing!

Great tutorial and v interesting vid. I hope mine doesn't do that!

Ros

[Lonewolf]

That really explains and simplifies the procedure for potentially fixing the shock, excellent, many thanks for that Debs.

[Zebedee]

Again thanx Debs


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[Debs]

Im going to get some Silkolene Pro RG2 Synthetic Grease as it will be good for the 2 bearings and its a good water repellant. Hopefully that will stop it happening ever again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SILKOLENE-PRO-RG2-SYNTHETIC-RACING-GREASE-1-x-177-g-/370303719369?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5637d257c9