Need Help removing bolt from softail shock

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Mar 7, 2010 | 01:28 PM

GHNighttrain

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Tucson,Arizona

Need Help removing bolt from softail shock

doing a lowering kit on a 2004 night train and cant get stock bolts out of shock. using ebay lowerig botls
Help

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:00 PM

hawaiian Dragon

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 27

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From: Hawaii

Did you Compress the shocks first? I believe that is the way you have to do it.

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:01 PM

Bugsplat

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 525

Likes: 0

From: Utah

Are you able to get the wrench the bolts? One guy on the forum suggested that you raise your bike, get the wrench on the bolt, then lower the bike - the weight of the bike will loosen the bolt. I used the snap-on adapter that is called out in the service manual - this worked great and I was able to torque it back on per spec.

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:02 PM

JimStro16

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

From: Lockport, NY

I used them on mine and had no trouble. Just used a wrench and vise to grip the shock and they came out. It probably helped that I did it on the bike when it was brand new. I remember I had to use a press to get the new ones back in.

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:03 PM

GHNighttrain

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Tucson,Arizona

got the shock off but cant get the bolt out of the shock. it unscrews to a point then stops.

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:04 PM

JimStro16

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

From: Lockport, NY

DId you take them out of the bike or are you trying to do this with them mounted still. I removed mine from the bike first and it was very easy

Mar 7, 2010 | 02:05 PM

JimStro16

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

From: Lockport, NY

Try compressing the spring first with a press to releive the tension then take the bolt out

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Mar 7, 2010 | 11:52 PM

kiwideuce

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 5,361

Likes: 117

From: auckland,new zealand

you need a press, to to compess shock to remove pin,so you can change bolts,not sure of the procedure,but i will be lowering my bike with the bolts very shortly, so been doing some research,if you have shocks out,hardest part done apparently,right hand shock a real hassle!! then you need a press to change bolts is my understanding!