Another spring preload question

[steveburrows]

I have wound up the rear spring preload on my 1991 XT600.
Without measuring it exactly, i would guess the thread now showing is roughly 20odd mm.
I've just looked at my PDF owners manual, and it states the maximum preload is 15mm.
I'm just wondering, surely it wouldnt be possible to overdo the preload, worst case so much you totally undid the thread?
I havent forced it, the top nut is still turning freely. I just stopped because i was concerned the shock would fall to bits on my next ride!
Thanks

[bruken]

I'd guess that you could run the risk that the spring reaches maximum compression and "bottoms" out before the shock has reached full stroke. Should this happen you could cause the spring to be damaged and even break. Have a look see if this is the case. I'd be interested to see if the spring does reach maximum compression as mine is beginning to go a bit soft as I've ....errrr..... settled comfortably into middle age....know what I mean?

[bergspre]

Did you use normal tools found in garages like wrenches to turn the nuts or did you use something special yamaha-tool? Im also thinking of making it a bit higher.

dont suppose you have a picture of your xt with that setting on the spring? (the whole bike showing seat heigh )

[BlackDogZulu]

It sounds as if you have wound the nut past the end of the thread. You can get it back with a pair of spring compressors - tighten the spring off the adjusting nut and relocate. You might need to take the shock/spring off the bike to do this.

Springs are made of very resilient material, and I would doubt if normal riding would break one by fully compressing it, although there is the possibility.