Thanks for clearing up the guide bushing keys in particular. KS Lev are very light on details on exactly how they keys are different between models. There are even revisions to the short ones you purchased that are thicker still.
Totally agree with "KS Lev are very light on details on exactly how they keys are different between models " I haven't come across a LBS or online dealer that knows anything about this.
This is the best step by step instructional video I’ve seen of the KS integra dropper. I’m getting ready to do this same service soon. Would you mind linking the parts you used in the description?
Thanks for the nice compliment. I added the part number to the description section. If you need guide keys, make sure you verify the right size for your post as KS changed the length at some point. you will either need a set of the 35mm keys or a set of 3 shorter metal keys and a set of 3 plastic keys purchased together Also, I made a video on how to solve cartridge sag and oil leaks in case it might help.. Let me know if you have any questions.
It's a good question, and I've wondered this as well in the past. It really does add to manufacturing time and cost. I don't think it really makes a difference as long as the pins are separated by one slot. I typically install the first pin at the front of the post, call it 12 o'clock, then the other two pins at 4 and 8 o'clock. I figure there's more load toward the rear of the post, so why not have more support in the area
Length should be the only difference. best to go to the KS website and verify the part number based on the model and year dropper. here is the link. the exploded view sheets have the part numbers. kssuspension.com/support/
I bought them on ebay. they are printed saft jaws made of a polyurethane (I think). they also have magnets which is nice. there are good on stuff that is delicate and doesn't;need much grip. not as good on stuff that needs lots of grip and has a slippery surface. They were less than $10 shipped if memory serves me correct.
My experience is new cartridges don't come with keys. If you end up receiving a cartridge with a different key length you will need to by new ones. I put out a video on repairing a cartridge, it's pretty easy to do and will cost you much less. Here's the link th-cam.com/video/eHUakqJKF7I/w-d-xo.html
@@zoubtubesounds good I will check it out. My lev has about 1/3" of sag. It's not terrible but enough to be annoying to want to fix. It also comes up when you lift the bike from the seat. Not sure if that is normal or not. The other question is, it seems these droppers are different diameters... are there different cartridges depending on the diameter or just the length? 30.9 vs 31.6
Thanks for the comment, I added the part numbers for all the parts to fully service this post in the description section. I would look for the lowest cost on each part number. hope this helps
Not sure what you mean. I have two videos on servicing a KS lev integra. This video is a general service video, the other video goes through the cartridge service. I didn't want people to think they have to service the cartridge regularly like they need to for a general service.
My only experience with them was back in 2015. They replaced a post under warranty. As for serving just the cartridge in these posts, I posted a separate video on performing that service. Personally, I think KS missed the ball big time with not wanting people to service their cartridges. They are actually easy to service as long as you're careful when removing the IFP cap.
Thanks for clearing up the guide bushing keys in particular. KS Lev are very light on details on exactly how they keys are different between models. There are even revisions to the short ones you purchased that are thicker still.
Totally agree with "KS Lev are very light on details on exactly how they keys are different between models " I haven't come across a LBS or online dealer that knows anything about this.
This is the best step by step instructional video I’ve seen of the KS integra dropper. I’m getting ready to do this same service soon. Would you mind linking the parts you used in the description?
Thanks for the nice compliment. I added the part number to the description section. If you need guide keys, make sure you verify the right size for your post as KS changed the length at some point. you will either need a set of the 35mm keys or a set of 3 shorter metal keys and a set of 3 plastic keys purchased together
Also, I made a video on how to solve cartridge sag and oil leaks in case it might help.. Let me know if you have any questions.
Why do they have 6 pin slots if they only take 3 pins? Seems like a waste of machining time. Does it make a difference which slots you use?
It's a good question, and I've wondered this as well in the past. It really does add to manufacturing time and cost. I don't think it really makes a difference as long as the pins are separated by one slot. I typically install the first pin at the front of the post, call it 12 o'clock, then the other two pins at 4 and 8 o'clock. I figure there's more load toward the rear of the post, so why not have more support in the area
Length should be the only difference. best to go to the KS website and verify the part number based on the model and year dropper. here is the link. the exploded view sheets have the part numbers. kssuspension.com/support/
Great video! Thanks so much. What brand are your soft jaws?
I bought them on ebay. they are printed saft jaws made of a polyurethane (I think). they also have magnets which is nice. there are good on stuff that is delicate and doesn't;need much grip. not as good on stuff that needs lots of grip and has a slippery surface. They were less than $10 shipped if memory serves me correct.
If I buy a new damper to replace a sagging one, will I need to buy new updated guide keys or the new damper comes with them?
My experience is new cartridges don't come with keys. If you end up receiving a cartridge with a different key length you will need to by new ones. I put out a video on repairing a cartridge, it's pretty easy to do and will cost you much less. Here's the link th-cam.com/video/eHUakqJKF7I/w-d-xo.html
@@zoubtubesounds good I will check it out. My lev has about 1/3" of sag. It's not terrible but enough to be annoying to want to fix. It also comes up when you lift the bike from the seat. Not sure if that is normal or not. The other question is, it seems these droppers are different diameters... are there different cartridges depending on the diameter or just the length? 30.9 vs 31.6
Any page where to buy the parts?
Thanks for the comment, I added the part numbers for all the parts to fully service this post in the description section. I would look for the lowest cost on each part number. hope this helps
Where full service?
Not sure what you mean. I have two videos on servicing a KS lev integra. This video is a general service video, the other video goes through the cartridge service. I didn't want people to think they have to service the cartridge regularly like they need to for a general service.
I hear K/S service is horrible. Easier to rebuild it yourself! Figure it out just common sense and be careful!
My only experience with them was back in 2015. They replaced a post under warranty. As for serving just the cartridge in these posts, I posted a separate video on performing that service. Personally, I think KS missed the ball big time with not wanting people to service their cartridges. They are actually easy to service as long as you're careful when removing the IFP cap.