Remove preload clip on monotubes
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 260
From: Seattle
Remove preload clip on monotubes
Alright so I installed monotubes a while back and now considering removing a preload clip. Watched some videos and tried to find some posts but haven't found my answer. Can I get at the preload clips without having to separate the slider from the upper or do I need to pull everything apart again? When I did the install about 1,000 miles ago I replaced the bushings and seals and 6mm bolt. I'd like to leave whatever intact if I can.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,237
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From: Albany, OR
Remove the forks, remove lower bolt, drain oil, remove top cap, lower the slider down until you can see the spacers, remove. Reverse. If you don't remove the lower bolt, you won't get to the spacers just by lowering the slider. You have to lower the slider and pull the assembly up and out to get to the spacers. You can reuse the lower bolts, I have a number of times and never had a leak.
I did it and then a couple days later, put them back in. It felt too soft and less control running only one spacer. YMMV.
I did it and then a couple days later, put them back in. It felt too soft and less control running only one spacer. YMMV.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 260
From: Seattle
Thanks man. In my defense I had a buddy over and I kinda got excited and I just followed the directions and slapped them together. Didn't really stop to think about much and learn from the process.
Alright so I installed monotubes a while back and now considering removing a preload clip. Watched some videos and tried to find some posts but haven't found my answer. Can I get at the preload clips without having to separate the slider from the upper or do I need to pull everything apart again? When I did the install about 1,000 miles ago I replaced the bushings and seals and 6mm bolt. I'd like to leave whatever intact if I can.
Some have tried to say "no clips". But most just have a stock feeling front end again.... Good luck.
I am guessing the clips are about 3/8" thick. Think of them as a "pre-load". I would imagine taking one clip out would lower the front end maybe an 1/8". I doubt anyone can see the height change.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
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From: SW Ohio
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Good luck.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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Likes: 260
From: Seattle
When I installed mine with 1 clip it dropped the front end 1". Rode beautifully. No wobble and tracked just fine. I lowered rear 1.5 inches roughly and front end became light. Thinking of pulling that 1 clip to see what happens. I only weigh 165 and progressive tells me those monotubes were actually designed for use without and preload clips for a 210lb rider. Frank said they added the preload clips after user complaints of reduction in ride height. These are standard length monotubes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
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From: SW Ohio
Thanks guys. It seems like it's between zero and one. I certainly don't wanna go thru all the trouble of installing the Monotubes and wind up with stock performance. That said I don't want be lowered at all. The clips control ride height?
If that's the case I may opt for straight rate springs and emulators.
If that's the case I may opt for straight rate springs and emulators.