Adjusting mechanical shock

[CGaul]

I was curious about the how to adjust a mechanical shock. There seems to be a collar that could twist and lock into a new position, but I'm not sure of the best way to do this. Is it a matter of simply musceling the spring to a compressed position then moving, or is there a better way? I attached a photo of where the adjustment on the spring seems to be. Thanks!

 

[realfast89gt]

You simply turn the bottom part that the spring is sitting on(silver piece). It is easier if there is no weight on the spring, like when it isnt installed like in the picture. I have adjusted mine with the weight of the kart on them, with a large set of pliers, but they do sell a tool made for it. It should turn fairly easy, so i dont think the tool is needed.

 

[CGaul]

It's not installed as it sits right now. So do you hold one end, like with a vice or even a screw driver then use a wrench to turn the other?

 

[anderkart]

Yep, you could clamp the very bottom in a vice and the turn the part at the bottom of the spring. Looks like your spring is adjusted to the softest setting now.

Here' what the correct tool looks like:

 

[CGaul]

Where would one find one of those? I've been trying to search for google but haven't seem to have found the right group of words to desribe it correctly

 

[OzFab]

There appears to be a hole in the side of the adjuster; could you insert a small metal bar into it to use as leverage?

 

[brandongeiger2]

Yep, you could clamp the very bottom in a vice and the turn the part at the bottom of the spring. Looks like your spring is adjusted to the softest setting now.

Here' what the correct tool looks like:

You wouldn't use a spanner for that it just looks like a bar slides into the side there and turns it like fabro said... it you want you could use a strut press to compress the spring and allow the preload adjuster to move but thats more work than necessary.

 

[Chud]

What type and size is that shock that you have posted? Because I have the same type and wanted to know more info on it.

Thanks!

-Chud-

 

[anderkart]

Where would one find one of those? I've been trying to search for google but haven't seem to have found the right group of words to desribe it correctly

There's several different styles made to fit different shocks:

You might find some for sale at motorcycle shops, or you could search for one avalible online by researching
this google search link:--> http://www.google.com/search?q=tool...nkyQG0-oG4Cg&ved=0CAUQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=556

 

[spyder1968]

these can usually be easily adjusted with a decent sized pair of channel lock pliers. just wrap a rag around the adjuster first so you don't scratch it all up.