Seized fork compression adjusters

[howardmoon]

Hi all,

Just had new K-tech springs fitted and my mechanic told me the compression adjuster screws at the bottom of the forks are seized. And he's right!  Other than applying Plus Gas daily the only way forward appears to be removing them from the forks. There looks to be a housing which will unscrew from the fork (obviously that might also be seized) , then I can work on them on a bench. Is this a sound plan? Assuming I can do this will all my lovely new fork oil pour out on the garage floor?
To be fair I haven't adjusted the compression in years, so it isn't a major issue if I have to leave them seized but it would be nice to get them working.

Cheers, paul

[Falcon 269]

I'd advise against removing the entire unit if possible.  The thread is very fine and easily cross-threaded on re-assembly.  If you can spare time to remove the forks and work on the problem, one way is to form a reservoir around the adjuster and fill it with penetrating fluid.  Leave to soak thoroughly and that should do the trick.  Obviously you'd only try to move the adjuster with a properly-fitting 'driver.

[howardmoon]

Hi Mike,

That doesn't sound like it is a good idea to remove the unit. I think as I have not needed to adjust the compression since buying the bike I'll leave it as is. I will add +Gas daily for a week or two but if still seized I'll let them stay that way.

Cheers, Paul

[PieEater]

The compression adjusters are likely seized at a setting suitable for the original springs which would have been progressive and weak. If you now have stronger linear springs the current compression damping may well be too harsh and so you may find you need the option to adjust it so I would persevere with the penetrating fluid. In the meantime you might be able to slacken off the preload a bit to compensate but I would advise putting a cable tie on one of the forks to keep an eye on how much travel you're using.

[howardmoon]

Good point, I'll do that when I get home. Is there a downside to applying heat with the adjusters in situ? Boiling the fork oil probably isn't a good idea?

Paul

[PieEater]

Good point, I'll do that when I get home. Is there a downside to applying heat with the adjusters in situ? Boiling the fork oil probably isn't a good idea?

The search facility on these forums is a little clunky but if you were to search for seized adjusters in the Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner section you'd see that this is a pretty common issue with a successful outcome not always guaranteed. From what I've read following Mike's advice of trying to bathe the adjusters in penetrating fluid and using a correctly sized screwdriver to rotate the adjusters back and forwards over a few days is the best way to go. If you don't fancy taking the forks off and setting up a reservoir it looks like Luke (DevilsYam) managed to find some rubber tubing which fitted over the adjuster housing which he topped up with paraffin (I think) with the forks in place. It looks like heat and cold have been tried but not with great results.

[devilsyam]

Silcone tubing over the adjuster held tight with cable tie

First I warmed the adjuster with a blow lamp don't over do it don't need to glow then I slipped the tube over and filled with penatrating fluid
Left over night - with a correct fitting scew driver gently work back and for ward bit at a time repeat the process heat fluid etc if still no joy then ya buggered but with patients it should work free
On another note for those with working adjusters smear them with valine to keep elements out

[howardmoon]

Thanks all, I'll have a go at this at the weekend....

Cheers, Paul