Rear Suspension Element

Move the rear swing arm down carefully. In doing this, take care that you don't bend or stretch any cables.

Remove the spring from the suspension element and put in the exchange spring. Make sure that the new spring has the same diameter and length as the old spring and that it lies safely on the adjustment ring.

Put back the slotted rear spring retention disc on the piston rod. If necessary, compress the spring a little bit with a screw driver.The spring retention disc has to match its seating at the rear end of the suspension element.

Secure the spring by tightening the adjustment ring until the spring doesn't have any play any- more. If there is a safety ring, push it back into the slot on the thread.

Move the rear swing arm back up and connect the rear end of the suspension element with the rear swing arm with the bolt. Lubricate the bolt thoroughly.

Secure the screws of the suspension element with LOCTITE and tighten the screw with 6-8 Nm.

In case you have a suspension element with adjustable damping put back the adjustment knob on the small rod, turn it so that the screw fits exactly and noticeably to the flat part of the rod and tighten the screw again.

After having exchanged the spring you have to readjust the spring pre-load as described in the chapter on "Adjusting your new bicycle" on page 18.

Cleaning and lubricating

Do clean the suspension element, especially the polished piston rod, if it is dirty. Remaining dirt and sand can damage the seals of the hydraulic system and so shorten its life consider- ably.When you often use dirty roads you can protect the suspension element from dirt with an elastic cover that you can buy at your local dealer.

From time to time grease the thread for the spring pre-load with a drop of acid-free oil. Thus, you can always turn the adjustment ring easily by hand. Once a year you have to grease the pivots of the suspension element. For that purpose dismount the suspension element as described under "Changing the Spring" on page 45.

Remove the plastic spacers and pull the metal tube out off the bushing. Lubricate the bushing and the tubes with grease. Finally remount the suspension element.

The bushings of the rear spring element need to be lubricated once a year.

46HPVelotechnik