Slim - Adjusting Shock preload
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 74
Likes: 15
From: Hampshire, England
Slim - Adjusting Shock preload
Got the special tool.
Checked the procedure in the manual - seemed straightforward
Adjust while on the jiffy-stand.
You've got to be f****ng kidding me!!!!
Undid the jam-nuts (that proved to be the easiest bit!)
Tried turning the cans clockwise (like it said) but the threaded rod just turned with them - just like if the nut was still tight.
Tried holding the rod still with the 9/16 spanner.
Forget it. Hardly any room, hardly any space. I like my knuckles with skin intact.
Gave up. Counted the threads visible above the nuts when done up again - both exactly the same.
Looks like the only way to do it properly would be to block the bike up & remove the shocks and do the job on the bench.
So for now I'll keep as is, for solo and riding with a passenger.
Andy
'95 XLH883
'13 Slim
Hampshire
England
Checked the procedure in the manual - seemed straightforward
Adjust while on the jiffy-stand.
You've got to be f****ng kidding me!!!!
Undid the jam-nuts (that proved to be the easiest bit!)
Tried turning the cans clockwise (like it said) but the threaded rod just turned with them - just like if the nut was still tight.
Tried holding the rod still with the 9/16 spanner.
Forget it. Hardly any room, hardly any space. I like my knuckles with skin intact.
Gave up. Counted the threads visible above the nuts when done up again - both exactly the same.
Looks like the only way to do it properly would be to block the bike up & remove the shocks and do the job on the bench.
So for now I'll keep as is, for solo and riding with a passenger.
Andy
'95 XLH883
'13 Slim
Hampshire
England
Last edited by Andyintheshed; Jun 18, 2013 at 03:45 PM. Reason: typo
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 754
Likes: 24
From: Southern Maine
Mine were "stuck" the first time I adjusted mine. I sprayed them with penetrating oil (PB Blaster here in the states) and let them sit for a couple of days. No problem after that, easy breezy! Some guys have also used heat guns to loosen things up too.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 900
From: Omaha
Being a 2013 you shouldn't need any penetrating oil to loosen anything.
If the "screws" are turning something doesn't seem right to me. Perhaps I'm wrong.
The adjustment can be made while on the ground, however patience is certainly needed and the turns are slow.
Search "shock adjustment" and you find more than enough guidance.
If the "screws" are turning something doesn't seem right to me. Perhaps I'm wrong.
The adjustment can be made while on the ground, however patience is certainly needed and the turns are slow.
Search "shock adjustment" and you find more than enough guidance.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 754
Likes: 24
From: Southern Maine
Being a 2013 you shouldn't need any penetrating oil to loosen anything.
If the "screws" are turning something doesn't seem right to me. Perhaps I'm wrong.
The adjustment can be made while on the ground, however patience is certainly needed and the turns are slow.
Search "shock adjustment" and you find more than enough guidance.
If the "screws" are turning something doesn't seem right to me. Perhaps I'm wrong.
The adjustment can be made while on the ground, however patience is certainly needed and the turns are slow.
Search "shock adjustment" and you find more than enough guidance.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Coppell
I had a hard time getting the right side shock to turn. I had to hold the spanner wrench and crack the bolt with a hammer to get it to bust loose. I let some WD-40 sit on the threads for a bit too. The left side was easy greasy. Once the right side busted loose, no problem.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
If you have an engine guard, you may be able to put a blanket on the lawn, and lay the bike on its left side for better access.
Another way is to put one wheel in the driveway, the other in the street, and work in the low spot in between (leave the bike in gear so it won't roll). Might need to put a spacer under the kick stand.
Another way is to put one wheel in the driveway, the other in the street, and work in the low spot in between (leave the bike in gear so it won't roll). Might need to put a spacer under the kick stand.
