Progressive 440 thread lubrication

[TerryMiller]

Progressive 440 shocks can get difficult to adjust by hand. I believe I read a thread on another forum where the problem was attributed to the steel adjuster galling against aluminum shock threads. The poster stated that these threads must be lubricated.

I'm not sure if any of this is true but the shocks are much easier to adjust after lubrication. Part of it seemed to be that the spring moved more freely against the adjusting cup.

The method that worked best for me was to place a drop of oil against the high point of the adjuster cap. It'll be toward the rear of the shock a little to the right if on the side stand. The oil will run into the gap between the adjuster cap and the shock. After 10-12 drops the oil will no longer run into the gap but run around the cap and drip off the front. Run the preload adjuster up and down, it'll be noticeably easier to adjust.

[dirtydan]

Last weekend when we were in Animosa, IA we stopped in at J&P Cycles and I was playing with a progressive 440 display they had setup. I was impressed with how easy that cap on the 440 turned to adjust the preload.

I believe you when you say they get harder. However, how often do you really change the preload? Once you have them set up, do you change it very often?

[Berserker]

I never adjust my air shocks. But some people like to screw with things.

I been meaning to get a set for two years. Now its fall, and I'll probably be saying three years, in a year.

[dirtydan]

Originally Posted by Berserker

I never adjust my air shocks. But some people like to screw with things.

I been meaning to get a set for two years. Now its fall, and I'll probably be saying three years, in a year.

I adjust mine a lot. Or I did. Now that Ruth rides her own, the load doesn't vary quite as much. But I can really dial in my shocks with the air. I would like to try a pair of 416's I think they are. Progressive air shocks. I still think it's easier to adjust the air than screw down a cap to set preload.

[TerryMiller]

With just me on, 2/3 of the way down with Progressive Heavy Duty springs is ideal. 600 miles is like riding in a car that distance. Got off the ride from ES feeling fresh on friday night. Went for a long ride Saturday and Sunday with neighbors.

With Darlene I add an additional 2-3 turns. Leaving it up there is noticeably tiring after a couple hundred miles. If ya always ride long distances loaded it probably wouldn't be a big deal, but sometimes I'll do 400 mile days solo and I think making the adjustment is better than hurting at the end of the day.

The difference before and after oiling was startling.

Ya have to pull one bag off to adjust the air. Ya have to pull both off to adjust the progressives. I could never get the air set right. These are much easier for me to set.

[dirtydan]

All's I have to do is open the left side bag and the valve is right there. I've heard older models need to have the bag removed. If it didn't cost so damn much, I'd like to have an on board compressor. Then a guy could really get it right and adjust for varying road conditions.

[TerryMiller]

I almost went that route. I'm married to an accountant though. I ran through the cost/benefit ratio every way I could think of and bought the 440's. She's happy, so I'm happy.