Rancho 9000 XL problem: knob won't turn

I read about this somewhere previously, can't find it on the search.

Rancho 9000XLs on my LJ, 3 years old. Carrying a heavy load last week, wanted to bump up the stiffness in the rear. One side turned OK, other wouldn't move from my normal setting at 3. I haven't changed the setting in about a year.

I expect this is a result of the salt used here in PA on the roads during the winter.

I read some time ago that someone else had this problem. They sprayed some lube behind the knob, and it fixed the problem IIRC.
I figure some Kroil sprayed in there should be effective.

Question: do I need to remove the plate with the allen-head screws? Just pull the knob off?
Anyone else have the stuck knob and fixed it successfully?
Thanks for any info :tea:

PS... can someone look up the Rancho tech line phone number for me and post it here?

Using the company computer, standard browser is still IE6 and the Rancho site won't even let me in with this browser.... so I can't even get their tech number Company isn't going to upgrade browsers this year, and I'm prevented from downloading any software.

 

Thanks Mike

 

Called 'em, got the scoop. Now to find time to fix them...

 

I called and talked to Rancho tech help. I'll post the answer here for future searches, because this will happen to others...

First, the knobs do not just pop off like the old 9000 series. If you try that, they will break. You need to remove the retainer plate with the 2 small screws, then the knob comes off with that. Rancho tech described the inside of the knob as a worm gear that contacts a button inside. The guy said water can get in there and cause corrosion... especially salty water...
Behind this button, sealed inside the shock body, is a needle and seat valve. The button needs to move (with pressure from the knob) to control the needle and seat valve. Corrosion/rust will prevent the button from moving freely. The tech guy suggests spraying a lube in there to clean it out, and working the button with a pencil eraser to loosen it. I've heard of people using WD-40 as the lube, but I think since I have one stuck I'll be using Kroil or something similar that leaves an oil behind.

Tech help said if you can't get the button to move, then you can either live with the one setting, or send it back for warranty if you are the original owner.

I haven't had time to work on mine yet...

Seems like it would be prudent to put some spray in there periodically as a preventive measure if you rig will see road salt, deep water, etc.

Hope this info helps someone else...

 

I just took care of that.