RK Air Shock Oil Change

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Jan 3, 2012 | 12:10 PM

WhiskeySierra

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From: Colorado

RK Air Shock Oil Change

I recently bought some RK air shocks, and want to change the oil in them (7w Belray fork oil). I know I can drain and add new oil without removing the brass fitting, but I was thinking it might be easier and faster with the fitting removed. Especially adding the new oil.

Any reason I should not remove the fitting for changing the oil?

Here's a pic:

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Jan 3, 2012 | 12:16 PM

Certainteed

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Joined: May 2008

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From: Mount Holly, NC

yes: it'll take eternity. the passageways are for air, not fluid. when you remove the bungs and look inside you'll understand. its just simply not worth the hassle.

Jan 3, 2012 | 02:49 PM

run1fsr

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From: USA

Consider posting this question on the touring side. Lots of dudes over there that will have some good ideas.

Question - Do you want to change the oil because of miles on the shocks?

I ride an Ultra with 12" shocks. That bike is twice the weight of a Sportster, and I believe the shocks currently have 7w in them. What you have now should work just fine.

Jan 3, 2012 | 05:43 PM

WhiskeySierra

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From: Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Certainteed

yes: it'll take eternity. the passageways are for air, not fluid. when you remove the bungs and look inside you'll understand. its just simply not worth the hassle.

Makes sense - nothing to be gained, so there's no point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by run1fsr

Consider posting this question on the touring side. Lots of dudes over there that will have some good ideas.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by run1fsr

Question - Do you want to change the oil because of miles on the shocks?

The shocks came off of a 2005 RKC with 9,000 miles on them, but a small amount of the oil leaked out during shipping. Based on the stains on the inside of the box, more leaked from one shock than the other. Mainly, I thought changing the oil would be a good way to make sure they were the same AND start off with fresh oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by run1fsr

I ride an Ultra with 12" shocks. That bike is twice the weight of a Sportster, and I believe the shocks currently have 7w in them. What you have now should work just fine.

I'd been reading discussions on this site about the air shocks and 7w seemed to be what most people were happy with - but now that I think about it, that could have been in the touring section. Hmm - already bought the oil.

At the moment, I'm waiting for some axle adjuster backing plates from HD so I can remove the lowering blocks at the same time I change the shocks, so I have some time to think this over.

Jan 3, 2012 | 10:02 PM

WhiskeySierra

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From: Colorado

Actually, this looks interesting:

Edit: apparently, links to certain other forums are not allowed.

Jan 4, 2012 | 02:47 PM

Earnie1200C

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From: St. James, MO

Check out this thread, https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ur-shocks.html, from the Touring section on how to change the shock oil. This looks to be fairly simple to do using this method. I haven't tried it yet but do have a pair of air shocks in the garage that leaked during shipment that I may try using this method to drain and re-fill.