I'm replacing the oil in my S4 forks. Showa Fully Adjustables.
When I tipped the old stuff out I noticed that there were a number of shards of white plastic.
Looking at the parts diagram I suspect that its the Centering bush that's started to break up. Non of the other plastic bits showed any signs of wear or damage.
I asked my local suspension guru about it, and he said that it was a common with these forks, and that it should not affect the performance of the forks.

Has anyone seen this before? Got any comments on the guru's advice?

I'm replacing the oil with Ohlins 22 cst oil and re-springing with Ohlins springs.

I 'm also getting the Sachs rear unit re-sprung (Ohlins).

With the suspension finally sorted I can relax a bit and enjoy the ride. 

I don't think a small amount would hurt, there are some plastic retainers ( I guess thats what I'd call them ) in there that could rub a little. When replacing the fork oil, did you pump out the cartridge also?

Quote from: printman on July 03, 2008, 03:39:06 AM
I don't think a small amount would hurt, there are some plastic retainers ( I guess thats what I'd call them ) in there that could rub a little. When replacing the fork oil, did you pump out the cartridge also?

Yep. I've got the S4 workshop manual and LT Snyders Manual. So I'm doing a proper job

If plastic parts get stuck in the valving, that's not good.

How much do you weigh, and what rate of fork and shock spring did you get?

Quote from: Speeddog on July 03, 2008, 06:28:33 PM
If plastic parts get stuck in the valving, that's not good.

+1
IMO it's best just to remove those plastic "guides" altogether. They're really not needed.
Not to mention with some aftermarket springs they get in the way.

I"ve got SBK forks on the front of my bike and those little guides came out a while ago.

All they're good for is leaving little shards of plastic in your fork oil. You dont' need them.

Quote from: Speeddog on July 03, 2008, 06:28:33 PM
If plastic parts get stuck in the valving, that's not good.

How much do you weigh, and what rate of fork and shock spring did you get?

All up I weigh 108kg, 240lbs.

Rear was 7.9 now is 9.5
Front was 8.0 now is 9.0 - Should be 9.5 but Ohlins don't do a spring of that rate.