[Del]

I am an idiot and decided to follow directions when changing out the spring on my Manitou 4-Way.

I found this link through Google:

http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/technical/ANSWERTECH/swinger.pdf#search="installing rear shock spring manitou"

Yes, it's the Orange site but that's the Manitou PDF manual.

Removal of Spring

1. Remove the blue adjuster knob by loosening the small Allen head screw located in the center of the knob.

<SNAP>

This is where their directions go wrong. Step one. Apparently attempting to remove that blue knob causes it to snap in two.

I called up Manitou and the guy I talked to was really cool and understood at once what had happened. So unfortunately I am now without a ride during what will most likely be the last of the decent weather before winter. The good news is they are fixing it at no charge. Apparently the guy who wrote the manual published it online a little bit prematurely and it was then too late to correct it.

This was news to me. Some others may already know this buy I figure I'd post it just to raise awareness.

So if you are replacing your spring, don't follow directions.

 

[bdamschen]

hehehe... From manitou's service manual in bold print:

Do not attempt to remove the 2004-2005 rebound knobs by unscrewing the 3mm hex in the knob, it will break.

Service manual can be found here.