These are Noleen NR-1 shocks on an old Girvin ProFlex MTB. How do I get a grip on the preload adjuster? There is very little surface area & there are no notches for a typical spanner & a pipe wrench, vice grips, etc. which are sure to mar the springs if I can even get them in there to grip it. The working space on the fork shock is especially tight.

Got the answer on ******. I just grip the spring by hand and turn it which turns the collar. I have the shock manual. It would have been nice if they included that tip.

There might have been a spec open ended spanner with the correct number of notches offered, but I doubt it. large channel locks/slip joint pliers are what most shops will try. As to access space can you loosen and remove one shock end bolt and swing the shock out? Andy.

Thanks for the quick reply. The lack of notches is the problem plus the surface area of the collar is so narrow. I guess I will have to remove the shocks, clamp one end in a vice and then see if I can get a pair of vice grips on it. Problem is that I will have to keep putting it back on & off the bike until I get the proper sag. Ugh! I probably should just remove the knurled collar and see if I could get a notched adjustment collar.

There might be room to fit motorcycle spring compressors, then you could probably turn it by hand.

try turning the spring and collar at the same time, by hand....
a drip of oil on the bottom spring seat will help with this...

is the pre-sag (rider sitting on bike, not riding at the time) percentage known? have you measured it, then compared it to the total shock travel available figure?
about 25 to 30% is typical..
if the shock continually bottoms out, you probably need a heavier spring rate... if you dial in the sag, but the shock NEVER uses full travel, then you need a LIGHTER Spring rate.
i put a small zip tie or bread sack twisty on the shock shaft, and enlist a helper for sag settings.

A guy on ****** knew how. I just grip the spring by hand and turn it which turns the collar. I have the shock manual. It would have been nice if they included that tip.

Var-78?

I was thinking something similar, use in a pinch (pun intended; watch your fingers!!) -

a Strap Wrench would work, IF there was enough gripping surface available... there isn't enough grip surface available.

have you checked the Sag yet? or is the suspension bottoming frequently?
cranking up preload will only delay initial movement, can cause a harsh ride, and nervous,poor handling.
https://www.xjd.com/t-noleen-mountai...shock-springs/