Still more ESA questions - ‘08 RT

Howdy all, the ESA on my ‘08 RT is,basically, inop. For now, I’m riding it as-is, my questions are for planning future repairs/upgrades. I’ve been reading here, and watching Ted Porter’s and other videos on YT. What I think I’ve got - both damping mechanisms ( bottom of both shocks) and preload adjuster don’t operate. What I THINK I understand - damping mechanisms get “crudded up” and must be replaced, those are available; preload mechanism is not repairable and not available unless a salvage part can be found - correct?

Regarding the preload mechanism - I got the weight off the back tire, cycled through the settings, I could see no movement at the top of the shock. I have a GS911, I saw no error codes. I understand that there may be a software upgrade for the whole bike that increases allowed current to the damping mechanism motor, that must be installed by the dealer, $$. And, the software upgrade may not “fix” the damping mechanism not operating.

So - is my understanding on track? Any additional or alternate insights? Thanks in advance!

Marty

Since you have a GS-911, did you try to recalibrate it?
You would see it move and know if it works or not.

Dann said:

Since you have a GS-911, did you try to recalibrate it?
You would see it move and know if it works or not.

Click to expand...

Calibration only works with a Hall effect preload sensor, so I'm not sure a 2008 can be calibrated. When did BMW switch from the potentiometer sensor to the Hall effect sensor?

The parts fiche suggests that change took place after 7/2008, which would be the 2009 model.


Still, checking with the GS-911 is a worth a try. If calibration is not an option, the GS-911 will say so.

lkraus said:

Calibration only works with a Hall effect preload sensor, so I'm not sure a 2008 can be calibrated. When did BMW switch from the potentiometer sensor to the Hall effect sensor?

The parts fiche suggests that change took place after 7/2008, which would be the 2009 model.


Still, checking with the GS-911 is a worth a try. If calibration is not an option, the GS-911 will say so.

Click to expand...

The 08 has the Hall sensor. (At least some of them) That's the year they switched.

I replaced my 07 rear strut with one that came from a 08 and it has a Hall sensor.

IIRC I was able to calibrate my 07 strut with my GS-911 before switching to the "new" one.

Thank you, Gents!

I was aware of the requirement for the Hall Effect sensor, I’ll find out about that when I give this a try.

I have some “logistics challenges” so it will be a bit before I can attempt the recalibration, but I will give that a try, and post results for anyone else who may need the info.

Thanks again, be safe!

Marty