Adjusting shocks
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Middle of Kansas
Adjusting shocks
I tried to adjust the shocks on my 99 Softail Custom, and the nuts were very tight, but I got them loose OK. My problem is the left shock turned OK with the spanner, but the right one won't budge. Any body else have this problem? Kind of hate to resort to heat, but might try a heat gun on it. Maybe some WD-40 would loosen it up. Got suggestions? Thanks; Jim
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Connecticut
+1 on that, try working it back and forth
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Thanks guys; I will hit it with the penetrating lube and let it set. Then try working it back and forth. Or as an old mechanic in our town use to say; Don't force it- get a bigger hammer. LOL
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301
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From: NORTH CAROLINA
Hey Jim...not sure what you can't turn but I assume the canister end plate/adjuster. Saturate the treads with "BLASTER PB". The best i have found for freeing frozen/rusted metal parts. Available at Advance Auto and Walmart too. Reasonable price. Beware of too much heat as the softail shocks have a "plastic" spacer on the inside of the plate you are trying to turn. Good luck !!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
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From: Middle of Kansas
Thanks Woody; I will try the BLASTER PB. I shot it with WD 40 the other day, but still won't budge. Thanks for the tip about the plastic spacer. Yes, it is the end plate adjuster that seems to be stuck. Thanks again; Jim
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
When you get both shock bodies loose, turn them both one way or the other so you get an even starting point. When you adjust them, if you need to go completely one way or the other, when they stop turning, turn them back the other way just an 1/8 of a turn or so. Next time you adjust them they wont be stuck all the way open or closed.
Tom
Tom
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Middle of Kansas
Thanks for the tip Tom. I hit it with the Blaster PB tonight, and I will work with it tomorrow to see if I can pop it loose. Thanks again for all your help you guys. Jim
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Middle of Kansas
Thanks to all you guys I got my shock loose. I used the Blaster PB and made a special spanner that I could get a big wrench on and that did the trick. I think you were right Mitchell, as the one that was stuck was adjusted clear to the end. Mine also have the adjustable lowereing bolts in them, so was able to set those where I wanted as well. Thanks again; Jim
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