1985 GSX 550 (UK) front forks - missing components!

[frosti2k2]

Hi all.

I have bought a 1985 GSX550 and one of the jobs needed was new oil seals and fork oil for the front suspension. Only problem is once I took the forks apart I realised there was some components missing from one of the forks.

The parts in question are an arrangement of three washers(per fork) which slide onto the bottom of the damper rod right where the rod seat/oil lock piece goes. It is a plain washer sandwiched between two wave/spring washers.

My question is as follows:- Does any one know what the purpose of these washers are? What would be the effect of having them missing on one of the front forks?

We cant work out if they are used as a safety feature to help prevent the damper rod allen bolt coming loose or if they are somehow part of the suspension function.

I have attached the part diagram. Part 19 is the plain washer and part 20(2 off) are the leaf spring/wave washers.

Cheers

[Agemax]

cant really see from the tiny picture but i guess if suzuki fitted them in the first place then you really do need them

[p_s]

They are still available from Suzuki.

[hampshirehog]

My guess is that they are there to cushion things when the forks are on full rebound. I can't see how they would function as a safety feature.

[frosti2k2]

Yes they are on order from suzuki nr southampton. collecting them today !

Hopefully back on the road tonight

[frosti2k2]

Hi, realised when putting forks back together the studs on bottom of left fork are damaged. I am getting a second hand fork leg but need to know about compatibility before I buy it . My bike is the older model of gsx with the antidive which is controlled by the front brake fluid. can I use a fork leg from the newer model fork that has a mechanical adjustment type of antidive ? checked on bike bandit and also another site and they have ever so slightly different part number, but look exactly the same. Cheers

[frosti2k2]

I think its the '86 year that has the newer anti dive