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elementalist · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject: Suspension locking problem (?)

The missus just rang me to tell me the scoot is "beeping at her".

The warning indicator beep is sounding a tad erratically when the ignition is off and the suspension lock warning light (not the big one with a lock on it, the small one that is the same light as the seat sensor) is on.

It sounds like (from reading up on Modern Vespa) the hydraulics have dropped to low pressure.

It may be a coincidence but for some time I have noticed the concrete garage floor under the scooter being damp. I admit I disregarded it as being condensation that had dripped off the scoot after these nasty cold nights we've been having. There certainly seems to have been more liquid than could possibly have leaked out of the steering system hydraulics, but *shrug* what do I know?!

It may also be a coincidence that I recently took it to my dealer to have the steering bearings changed...

Again, from reading Modern Vespa (and the user manual) I'm pretty sure it's safe to ride (the locking system is seperate from the steering and suspension), but I thought I'd mention it here and see what you folk thought Smile

The missus thinks the oil light was 'dimly lit' too, but that may have been a trick of the light... or another coincedence...

I wish you were nearer, Cheeky T! Would love to get a mechanic I trust to know what he's doing give my poor scoot a health check Sad

Doing anything at the weekend, mate? Wink

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CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

To do the individual leg bearings, you need to release the hydraulics pressure as its fed through the section.... sounds like they didnt tighten it up enough.

Its hydraulic oil, so should feel greasy to the touch.

elementalist · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:59 pm Post subject:

Hmm I don't think it was oily. Maybe it is just dripping condensation...

Guess I can whip the front off and have a look at the reservoir later.

PMed you Mr T Wink

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CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

elementalist · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Me? Gansta? I'm more Ginsters than gansta!

That was a stray italics code, I fink.

Booyaa!
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CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

Definately check the fluid level.... if it is low fluid it will beep continuously when the suspension lock is applied, it should still partly lock, using just the mechanical section (caliper and disc) so will be slightly more wobbly than when fully locked.

As for me this weekend, working saturday... expo show sunday.

Maver · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:26 pm Post subject:

bloody hell dave, sounds like you might have to use the.......
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STAND for a while Shocked

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rainham boy · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:13 pm Post subject:

SPIKE · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:43 pm Post subject:

Whats a stand Confused

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elementalist · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:39 am Post subject:

It seems to have 'recovered' on it's own for now, but I put it on the stand. Yes, I remembered which way - the first time of getting it wrong was embarassing enough to help me remember!!!

It was stiff as fook though - that's the second time it's been used Wink

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SOELEY · Inspector Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 106

I use the stand every day at work, it's stood for 8 to 10 hours, so why not. Put it on stand and unlock the suspension, whether it's beneficial long term, i don't know Question

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Innocenti · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:40 am Post subject:

i forgot the stand over xmas period and handbrake on went to get new tyre fitted and rear wheel wouldnt move !!!! the salt off the road and crap was on the handbrake spring at the back and took ages to come loose !!!!! lesson learned use the stand Wink

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CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

Hydraulic stand is for "Short Term" use only.... its not designed to replace the stand Wink

elementalist · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:32 pm Post subject:

Interesting new symptoms discovered:

As I said, when you turn the ignition key to the Off position is when the beeping and lightshow begins. I don't think it's actually to do with the suspension lock at all, that's just the warning light that flashes most. The oil light also comes on and then stays on, but very dim and flickery (weird). Sometimes the engine light too.

Here's the really weird new information though: all the weirdness stops when you pull on a brake lever!

In summary: the bike runs fine (though the battery did flatten). When you turn the key to the Off position, some of the warning lights show (some dim and flickery) and the beeper sounds in a very random way, like there is a bad connection. Pull on a brake (either) and all the weirdness stops!

So I'm thinking now it's possibly some electrical connection corroded and when the key is in the Off position, it perhaps isn't quite and is freaking things out? (Highly technical term there).

Any ideas?
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monty9120 · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:35 pm Post subject:

The batterys flat mate
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