Rear Suspension Adjuster Stuck

[GSX550]

Hi All

So I have been playing around with my new 84 GSX 550 and the rear suspension seems a bit soft. I notice that it has an adjuster on the side to set the preload and go to give it a few turns. No go. It is stuck solid. It moves maybe a mil or two in either direction, but I think that it just some play in the knob.

Any ideas? Could it just be stuck, because it hasn't been moved in a long time? Will brute force work or should I pull it all out and disassemble?

cheers
Scott

 

[Billy Ricks]

I think your setup is basically the same as my 700 was stock. One adjuster for preload and another with 4 positions for damping. The preload is hydraulic and the damping is cable actuated. You probably have some corrosion behind the knob. Pull the screw out of the center and check the condition of things behind the knob. It's about the only thing that could be causing your problem. Avoid removing the hydraulic line for now so you don't lose any fluid.

 

[salty_monk]

It could also be the other end... the collar on the shock that moves under the hydraulic pressure could be rusted to the shock body.

 

[Billy Ricks]

It could also be the other end... the collar on the shock that moves under the hydraulic pressure could be rusted to the shock body.

Just thinking since it won't turn at all it might be up top. You could be absolutely right though.

 

[salty_monk]

I'm inclined to agree or maybe a combination of both if it's not moving at all....

By the way - even perfectly free you have to put a bit of effort in to turn it!