Simplicity CE Models, 5022285 Rear Suspension Adjustment, To adjust the spring pre-load

REAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT

The shock assembly can be adjusted in two ways to allow the operator to customize the ride according to operator’s weight and/or operating conditions. You have the option of adjusting the spring pre-load and/or the upper mounting position.

Items to consider before adjusting the suspension.

•Less spring pre-load should be used with light weight operators, which will provide a softer, more cushioned ride.

•More spring pre-load or upper mounting position #2 should be used with heavy weight operators, or when a rear-mount grass bagger system is installed, which will provide a stiffer, more rigid ride.

To adjust the spring pre-load:

1.Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

2.Raise the rear of the machine and secure with jackstands. Chock the front wheels to prevent the machine from rolling.

3.Remove the rear drive tires.

4.See Figure 26. Using the supplied spanner wrench (p/n 5022853), insert the tip of the wrench into the notch in the pre-load adjuster. While holding the wrench in place with one hand, turn COUNTER- CLOCKWISE to increase the pre-load, turn CLOCKWISE to decrease the pre-load. Make sure both shocks are set to the same amount of pre-load.

5.Reinstall the rear drive tires. Torque the lug bolts to 85-95 ft/lbs. (115-129 Nm). Remove the jackstands from under the machine.

NOTE: Spanner wrench is located under the seat on the right-hand side of the machine.

To adjust the upper mounting position:

1.Park machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

2.Raise the rear of the machine and secure with jackstands. The jackstands must under the bumper. Chock the front wheels to prevent the machine from rolling.

3.Position the jack under the cross member that ties the suspension arms together and slowly raise the rear suspension to relieve the pressure on the upper shock mounting bolts.

NOTE: This will require small adjustments to the jack’s position. The shock should move freely on the mounting bolt when the pressure is relieved.

Troubleshooting, Adjustment & Service

POSITION #1	POSITION #2
(FACTORY SET)
Figure 26. Rear Suspension Adjustments

WARNING

Use two hands when adjusting the shock springs. This will prevent the wrench from slipping while pressure is being applied.

4.Remove the upper shock mounting hardware and pivot the shock to the position #2 (see Figure 26). Adjust the jack to align the shock mounts to the shocks.

5.Reinstall the upper shock mounting hardware and tighten securely.

6.Remove the jack from under the suspension cross member.

7.Remove the jackstands from under the machine.

27