Progressive Spring Orientation...

[Et1sw47]

Hey Gang,

I am preparing to install the progressive springs on the front forks. I have looked through the postings here but, have missed if anyone has commented on which end of the spring goes in first...

(It has got to be here, right?!)

Progressive says it does not matter... so has anyone experimented to find out if it does make any difference or not?

Thanks...

[Mr Jensee]

I don't think it really makes a difference. When we installed them in mine the progressive (tightened coil portion) of the springs were installed at the top. The entire spring compresses in the tubes as the forks move up and down so I cant see that it makes a difference.

[Et1sw47]

Thanks Mr. J!!

That seems to be the consensus from the sites I have seen...

As such, I think I will put the heavy end toward the bottom as to ever so slightly keep the COG lower..

Also, I found a post that said they were noisier with heavy end on top but, the COG makes more sense to me.

Thank you for the input.

[Et1sw47]

OK, I did it the good old boy way..

Following Jeff Barnhill's instructions.. http://www.abbikeboard.com/jeff/spring/spring.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have my front forks switched to progressives! The "good old boy way" is not removing them from the bike. I figure next winter, I will tackle removing them and replacing the seal... no leak now but, I have a new set so I may as well use them...

To flush them I drained them using an air pump, put 400mm of new fluid in, wiped off and dropped the new springs in and agitated them for about 5 min each, pulled out the springs then drained and blew out with air.

I put 350mm of full synthetic ATF. Installed the springs tight side down and finding a use for my massive girth.... I then using a ratchet handle, I got up on the bike and was able to push the springs down and install the retaining ring. I did them one at a time but probably should have done them together to work the forks up and down.


It took about three hours including beer breaks.... if anything "bad" happens I will keep you posted.

Now on to the rears!!

[Neal]

Might suggest you try the Seal-Mate before replacing the seals. sealmate.net We've seen it do the job MANY times.

[Et1sw47]

Thanks Neal! I have 2 of them coming my way!