How to add Preload/Preload Collar stuck

[farmerj]

Hi Guys,

With the bike on a stand, I tried to use a Motion Pro punch (brass end, good tool) to tighten the Preload Collar on the KYB shock. After 2 turns, it "seized up" and I can't get it to go either way.

(1) What is the right way to add preload? Do you have to remove the shock from the bike? Do I need to use a Spring Compressor?

I tried turning the spring by hand as some recommend, but no go.

(2) Is the shock punch meant only for loosening/tightening the locking collar? How do you turn the Preload Collar?

(3) Are the stock Preload Collars aluminum or steel? I think I'm going to have to replace this one. Is it possible that I put the collar in a bind with the punch and cross-threaded it?

(4) Can anyone recommend a Spring Compressor tool?

Sorry for so many questions, I've searched the internet for a couple of hours and still can't come to a conclusion. The answer is simple for those who know, but I don't!

Jeff

 

[Gasser Nate]

I detest shock punches and the like as they almost always damage the collars in some way. I do prefer to pull the shock to loosen stubborn ones as sometimes you cannot get a proper c spanner in there due to space issues.
If I do need to make fine adjustments I try to use a brass tipped punch and make sure the shock is spotlessly clean and spray a little lubricant on the collars as well. Once the lock nut is loose spin it out of the way and turn the spring with the adjusting collar. A little spray lube helps on the lower shock collar as not too many shocks run bearings and or Teflon washers.
Sounds like you need to pull the shock on yours and see what the go is.
Motion pro makes a good spring compressor set but there are a few motorcycle ones available.

 

[farmerj]

Thank you Nate. So in theory, if my preload collar is not bound up, I should be able to tighten the collar by turning the spring by hand? (that it would loosen makes sense to me).

FWIW I did pull the shock, still couldn't get the collar to budge. So I think I'll have to compress the spring so I can remove it and cut off/replace the collar.

 

[Zman]

Can you wedge two C shaped spacers from either side to raise the spring preload. You may be able to hole them in place with a hose clamp.

 

[farmerj]

Can you wedge two C shaped spacers from either side to raise the spring preload. You may be able to hole them in place with a hose clamp.

Thanks for the idea, wish I had thought of hose clamps earlier when I tried compressing the spring while on the bike

I found a cheap compressor tool, about $36 - we'll see how it works.

https://www.progressivesuspension.com/assets/files/PDF-Vtwin/shocks/3055-129-Instr-Shock-Tool.pdf

 

[swazi_matt]

I just used two pieced of rope looped through the spring either side, put a bar through and twisted the rope tight, but you need to have the shock off for this and a few extra hands helps prevent the flying propeller effect

 

[gasgasman]

With the shock on the bike.
Have someone sit on it, put two (heavy duty) hose clamps opposite each other on the coils.
Tighten clamps.
Have person get of bike.
Remove shock.
Remove spring.
Loosen the collars.
Reverse procedure to install.