Progressive 440s

[Rocketon]

I bought myself a strap wrench to adjust my 440s. When I turn the top cap to adjust, the whole upper section rotates, spring, and bottom spring cup. Can someone explain to this muppet what I am doing wrong. I have tried this with the bike weight on the shocks and when it is up on a jack. :?
I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a way to repair these shocks as well. I have only had them a year and the LHS is leaking already.

 

[NativeOne]

Mike: That should not be the instance. They should not turn in the upper portion at all, only the lower portion should rotate. The leaking also should not be happening. I would contact Progressive directly, through their online website and explain to them what is happening and they should warranty their product!

Native One

 

[Rocketon]

I have just read on their website that the top cap easily rotates to adjust preload. There are no markings to tell if they are both adjusted the same or what their current setting is. I cant work out how I can be adjusting them if all but the inner rod and bolt fixings are turning. Weird :?

 

[owl]

Mike - the markings are a series of lines or rings etched into the top of the shaft, just above the top chrome cover and below the nut & bolt.

Hence, "adjusted to 3 rings" etc

 

[NativeOne]

Mike: It's my understanding, and I may be wrong, that the top plastic adjustment which on my 418's is white in color, is for pre load. The bottom adjustment which requires the wrench you are speaking about, should not turn the entire unit, it should only turn and tighten the spring itself. If the entire upper end is turning, something appears wrong.

Native One

 

[Rocketon]

Thanks both of you. I have redeemed myself and am no longer a muppet. I found that if I kept turning the top cap it slowly compresses the spring via a fine thread on the top section of shock body and as Owl kindly pointed out, a set of ring markings become apparent the further the top cap is turned. What I was originally looking for was the crude stepped adjuster type, common to FVQ shocks and the like. I am sadly still of an old school mind.

 

[owl]

Sorted 8)

 

[Rocketon]

I have E-mailed Progressive and they have replied to me stating that the shocks have a life time warranty All I have to do now is find the invoice from a year ago

 

[GreyFox]

MY left hand 440 hd's also leaked after I put 10K on them (on top of what was already there) Got the same response and can't get the receipts. Ordered another pair anyway. Let me know if a dealer can duplicate a receipt- would like to get the rebuilt.

 

[owl]

Mike - will you have to send them back to the USA?