Sticky KS Lev. Any ...
 

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[Closed] Sticky KS Lev. Any quick fixes?

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Forgive another dropper post.

My KS Lev Intergra is playing up. It takes a good thump from by backside to get it to move (which given my Covid anti-diet shouldn't really be needed) and its pretty slow to return.

I've only ever used Reverbs, so not sure where to start with sorting out a Lev.

Short of full rebuild, I guess I can try:

Checking the seatpost clamp tension (it's a Whyte with the internal cam)
Checking the pressure
Removing the top collar and lubing the post with siicone spray.
Checking the cable

Have I missed anything obvious?


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 1:29 pm
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All my lev issues have been cable related. Take it out of the bike and see if it operates manually. Then check cable run, and condition and fix if necessary.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 2:01 pm
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They're not too hard to strip and clean/lube inside, the hardest part is getting the base of the post unscrewed, followed by getting the actuator off but if you've got a decent strap wrench it's no worse than an air can service for a shock.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 2:30 pm
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I'm with you OP - having the exact same issues with mine. Not had it long and only had Reverbs before

Takes a good arse thump to drop it then returns very slow


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 3:06 pm
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There is a good on KS/Youtube on how to strip them down.
Only time mine has been sticky is when the clamp was done up too tight and it was a real tiny amount but it made it slow to return but dropping it was ok.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 3:32 pm
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Mine drops OK, but sometimes needs a thump/bump to get it to come back again.

It got marginally better after a clean / grease with the correct, very thin grease. It stopped working completely the first time I greased it with the generic grease I use for everything else.

Would prefer a Reverb, but it came with the bike.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 5:19 pm
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air pressure correct?


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 7:36 pm
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Undo the collar and whack some grease in? Worked for mine.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 8:49 pm
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That’s indicative of needing a strip, clean and grease. Easy to do, but if you’re as lazy as me, you’ll turn the bike on it’s back, unscrew the collar and slide it down a little, pour wet chain lube into it and slide back up, and screw back into place.
Turn bike over, and press lever and cycle the post through it’s stroke a few times. Doesn’t replace a proper service obviously, but helps a great deal short term.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 8:56 pm
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Had one that used to be the same, kept it going for over a year or so,check Air, cable nice and free and clean under screw off collar, I used to use that fork juice stuff,every couple of rides.I was too lazy/cack handed to do a full internal service,flogged it on a bike, and its still going, not bad over 4 years old


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 9:11 pm
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There are good videos on the KS web site or contact Jungle Products? I’ve always found them extremely helpful.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 10:17 pm
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As all say, it needs a strip, and to get it working well you really want some suspension grease, such as slick honey or butter grease, stripping them isn't difficult if you have the right tools, i'd say having a vice with soft grips is a must, as you need to clamp the internal shaft to remove the end actuator, then it's just a case of removing the bits, cleaning it and applying the grease, put it back together and you're good for a few more rides, hardest part is having to pretty much re-apply the cable every time, as you are pretty much knackering it if you remove the barrel.


 
Posted : 16/12/2020 10:48 pm