Front shocks sucking air
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Catonsville, MD
Front shocks sucking air
Hi Folks,
I recently bought a 1995 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. When I'm backing the bike down from my parking pad, the slight incline causes the front suspension to extend when I use the front brakes. As the shocks extend, I hear a loud air-sucking, slightly gurgling sound from the front suspension. When the shocks re-compress there's a slight hum, like air through a reed. Is this normal? Any thoughts whether there is something I need to address? The bike just passed my state's safety inspection, and the guy who did it said he thought the suspension felt a little mushy, but I didn't think to ask him "front or rear?"
Thanks.
I recently bought a 1995 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. When I'm backing the bike down from my parking pad, the slight incline causes the front suspension to extend when I use the front brakes. As the shocks extend, I hear a loud air-sucking, slightly gurgling sound from the front suspension. When the shocks re-compress there's a slight hum, like air through a reed. Is this normal? Any thoughts whether there is something I need to address? The bike just passed my state's safety inspection, and the guy who did it said he thought the suspension felt a little mushy, but I didn't think to ask him "front or rear?"
Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 7,444
From: OH
Your bike has air adjustable forks, ( the reservoir is either the handlebar or crashbar depending on year ) incorporated into them is an anti dive solenoid ( google it for more complete explanation)
i rather suspect this is what you`re hearing ( engines is OFF right ? )
YES , with stock springs and / or oil they are mushy
i rather suspect this is what you`re hearing ( engines is OFF right ? )
YES , with stock springs and / or oil they are mushy
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 44
From: Aarau
Aloha,
sounds like not enough fork oil in the tubes.
My bike don't make this noises when moving.
I always replace all fluids when I bough a new used car or bike.
That's why my recommendation change the oil.
It's a little more work cause the fairing but it makes absolutely sense to do.
For more pictures you can see my album where I change the fork lock and steering bearing.
sounds like not enough fork oil in the tubes.
My bike don't make this noises when moving.
I always replace all fluids when I bough a new used car or bike.
That's why my recommendation change the oil.
It's a little more work cause the fairing but it makes absolutely sense to do.
For more pictures you can see my album where I change the fork lock and steering bearing.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Catonsville, MD
Hi eighteight,
Thanks for your response. Yes, engine off. Your answer sent me to my factory manual where I only found a little help. It shows an air valve on the end of the left hand grip, but that is missing on my bike. I suspect one of the previous owners must have removed all or part of the system in order to install grips they liked better. But now I know where to start digging, so thank you.
Kerpdog
Thanks for your response. Yes, engine off. Your answer sent me to my factory manual where I only found a little help. It shows an air valve on the end of the left hand grip, but that is missing on my bike. I suspect one of the previous owners must have removed all or part of the system in order to install grips they liked better. But now I know where to start digging, so thank you.
Kerpdog
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Catonsville, MD
Hi Blumi,
Thanks for your response. Replacing all fluids is good advice, and I'm going to get to all of them in due time. Since the fairing has to come off, I'm going to stage a number of things under there... troubleshoot oil pressure gauge, try to figure out where unconnected wires dangling under the fairing might go, maybe even install the factory style of handlebars instead of the ape hangers someone put on the bike, etc. The last guy to own it was a bit haphazard in his work.
Kerpdog
Thanks for your response. Replacing all fluids is good advice, and I'm going to get to all of them in due time. Since the fairing has to come off, I'm going to stage a number of things under there... troubleshoot oil pressure gauge, try to figure out where unconnected wires dangling under the fairing might go, maybe even install the factory style of handlebars instead of the ape hangers someone put on the bike, etc. The last guy to own it was a bit haphazard in his work.
Kerpdog
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Use your FSM to follow the front fork air system. When stock there is a short rubber hose from the centre of the bars to a manifold, mounted on the fork caps. The noise you hear may simply be a leak, or due to part of the above being removed but not capped.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 7,444
From: OH
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 44
From: Aarau
Hi Kerpdog,
when I read Ape hanger than I believe this Ape has not the access for the air tube as the original one.
That explains why there is no valve at the left side.
I promise you that's all you have to fix including new oil.
Without the air tube the air in the fork can't get compressed and that makes a bad feeling and noising when moving the bike.
So next step, remove the outer fairing and check the left side for the rubber tube and if it's there.
when I read Ape hanger than I believe this Ape has not the access for the air tube as the original one.
That explains why there is no valve at the left side.
I promise you that's all you have to fix including new oil.
Without the air tube the air in the fork can't get compressed and that makes a bad feeling and noising when moving the bike.
So next step, remove the outer fairing and check the left side for the rubber tube and if it's there.
Last edited by blumi; May 4, 2021 at 12:17 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
praenomenpaul
Touring Models
8
Aug 8, 2009 01:28 PM