Front compression adjuster leaking oil HELP : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Lycan · 10-21-2007, 02:04 PM

I had a seized front compression adjuster a few weeks back. I used heat and oil on the outside to loosen it up. I made a minor adjustment today and oil is slowly seeping out. Do I need a new lower fork tube or what?

fast911ray · 10-21-2007, 02:50 PM

I would not think so...well not unless you used SUBSTANTIAL heat. What did you use..only a butane torch, hopefully?

If it were my bike I'd probably just remove the adjuster and see what's happening there. Perhaps a simple fix like RTV or Locktite will do the trick..

Lycan · 10-21-2007, 03:11 PM

I did not use high heat , I used a hair dryer. The adjusters will come out but with force. The outer o-ring is a bit chewed up. I am glad this happened now not at the start of the season.

fast911ray · 10-21-2007, 03:21 PM

Good choice using a hair dryer Lycan[ why did I never think of that! ]. OK, so the only thing I'd do is replace the 'O' ring..then you should be all set.

Lycan · 10-21-2007, 03:37 PM

The threads are chewed up on adjuster for some reason. You would think that you could easily remove them and put them back. I am a bit nervous about the whole scenario. The parts lists I have seen have the adjuster as part of the lower fork tube - i.e. there was nothing listed for the compression adjuster. Might be buying lower tubes off ebay....

Lycan

fast911ray · 10-21-2007, 03:46 PM

Wow, that's strange. Did you buy the bike used? Maybe the prior owned bugger the thing. You can always apply a bit of locktite which will seal it..or if your'e anal, you can have a 'Timecert' installed and recut the adjuster's threads to clean them up. That should work fine...done things like that dozens of times on my Porsche racecars..

Lycan · 10-21-2007, 04:52 PM

I just found a Canadian company that sells adjusters. Emailing them to see if they have ones for the NINE. K-tech ones look similar. Things are looking up.

http://www.acceltechracing.com/store/index.htm

Lycan

oldgreenmachine · 10-21-2007, 07:02 PM

good luck with your bike, i really like that blue... although that's off subject... hopefully that company can help you!

Lycan · 10-21-2007, 09:26 PM

Might buy after market adjusters in the end. Going to change fork fluid and maybe upgrade internals too... Need a winter project... Thanks for the color comment oldgreenmachine , I like it too. It is quite different and unique for that year in particular. Graphics are subdued... Not too flashy.