Rear Suspension preload adjustment

[performanceguy]

There are two rings with several notches each that can be mated with two c-wrenchs that were supplied with the bike (both the same size).
I can't get either ring to budge in any direction. Their current position is (from memory) about 3/4 inch from the lowest possible setting (where thread ends).
I just put some triflow on to see if that will help.

Any pointers?

(I have experience doing this adjustment on a Vespa which is a series of ridges and you just pop it up and up until you've enough preload.)

 

[subcyclist]

Tip #1 - wear some type of work gloves to prevent bloody knuckles! One slip of the wrench could result in some lost skin.

The 'upper' ring, which is in contact with the spring is locked in place by the lower spring - the lock ring. It all works with tension and friction. You may have attempted this already, but I recommend first turning the lower/lock ring to loosen it, or back it away from the upper ring. Even if you want to turn the upper ring to add preload, which would move it away from the lock ring, tension between the rings could prevent this. Also, if your bike has the center stand, it would be beneficial to put your bike up on it, to reduce the pressure applied by the spring on the rings (upper one directly).

If you have not already thought to try what I suggested here, I hope this has some positive effect to loosen the rings on your bike, so that you can make the adjustment you want. If you have tried these ideas, let us know, and we can brainstorm some more.

 

[performanceguy]

Thanks subcyclist. I will try again in a day or two focused on the lower ring. hopefully triflow has worked it's way in. I'll also look at ways of getting more leverage on the wrench.

 

[performanceguy]

Had another go last night but no movement. Read the manual and I'm doing it right.
Will wait until someone else shares a successful experience.

 

[performanceguy]

Got it done. Once I got it free, by only turning the lower ring it spun easily, as did the top ring.
I used a piece of pipe as an extension to make a lever, and it was free in an instant.
Works as documented otherwise.

I tightened both rings back up using both wrenches at the same time. I will check my work in a day or two.

 

[subcyclist]

Got it done. Once I got it free, by only turning the lower ring it spun easily, as did the top ring.
I used a piece of pipe as an extension to make a lever, and it was free in an instant.
Works as documented otherwise.

I tightened both rings back up using both wrenches at the same time. I will check my work in a day or two.

This is great to hear. Additional leverage was an excellent idea, and the lubricant you applied must also have helped. Congratulations! Maybe now that you have broken the rings free, future adjustments could be easier.

 

[mdanaci]

We couldn’t make it work with the technician. Mine is locked.