KDX Rear Shock Issues (need help)

[crooscroos]

Alright, so I have a 2003 KDX 200 that is in very good overall shape, I have always kept up on maintenance and all the bearings have been greased regularly. I let a friend of mine race it in a hare scramble and all went well, however, when I went to hop on it the other day I noticed the rear shock did'nt feel right. The suspension compresses like normal until about a quarter down and then it stiffens up. It doesnt dampen gradually. I tested my dad's KDX and it was harsh in comparison. I suspected a worn out spring so I replaced that. That did not solve anything. The shock with out the spring compresses and returns like normal and the seals arent leaking. I suspect that it could be worn out shock oil but I don't see how old fork oil could cause this problem? Any ideas?

[Foxx4Beaver]

if it's not binding on or against anything...then it sounds like it's time to be serviced.

[crooscroos]

I figured that it would come to that! Do you think new oil  will do the trick?

[Foxx4Beaver]

before we get into spending any of your money yet....did you verify if your friend played with anything 1st?...like the spring preload or the clickers?

if he didn't touch anything, then yeah...it'll need servicing.
has it ever been completely taken apart and serviced?.

[crooscroos]

My friend did not touch anything. I have already adjusted the clickers just to see if that would make a difference. I can take the shock apart and service it myself as I am fairly capable when it comes to these things, I was just hoping there was going to be a simpler fix that I may have overlooked.

[Foxx4Beaver]

yeah, other than it binding on something, I doubt you over looked anything...unless some dirt/sand got into the linkage, making things tight.

[crooscroos]

Yeah, I'll look it all over one more time then dig into the shock! Thanks for the reply!

[Foxx4Beaver]

you're welcome...let us know what you find.

[zz3gmc]

Check your linkage bearings. Had a similar problem with frozen/worn bearings.

[crooscroos]

It ended up being the bottom most bearing! Just because they looked clean doesn't mean the spin freely  I was a bit boneheaded for overlooking that bearing the first time but my KDX is back up and running with world class suspension. Thanks everyone!

[Foxx4Beaver]

cool...I usually change the upper and lower shock bearings 2-3 times a year, or as soon as I notice any play what-so-ever, because they're small, and take quite a beating.

[oldkoot]

Don't over torque the linkage bearings or they will act just like that