how bad did i mess it up?
 

Alright so I have a cheap fork on my Hardrock; RS J2. There is a preload adjuster on the top of the left tube. It wouldn't turn so I tried using pliers. Well, it turned. It now spins freely and feels detached. What the hell did I do? and Will it be an expensive fix?

lol when it stops turning, it means its at its limit...it doesnt mean to rip it with pliers...you just busted the adjustment mechanism is all....so i hope you like where its lol :)

It wouldn't turn either way though. Whatever, thats what I get for buying cheap forks

Yor most likely won't get much adjustment out of that fork. Just ride for a while, it'll get a lot of slop in the bushings then replace it with a better fork.

Ride it and see if has made a difference. Prolly not though, I can twist the adjuster on my GF's Haro, and there doesn't seem to change her ride at all. I think the "preload adjuster" is just a gimmick on this fork.

:)

uuuum....bad....