I am having trouble with my stock air shocks. They are stock and when I try to pump them up the needle on the pump raises very high. I have tried to add and remove air but cant do either. I have tried another pump and it does the same thing. Any ideas.

It is a 2007 Ultra Classic.

 

Replace valve core.
Try the pump not so deep on the stem, or a little deeper on the stem.

 

It sounds like the valve stem is stuck closed. Try using a stick or something to loosen it up by pushing it down. You can pick up a valve core tool and an extra valve stem at the auto parts place for a couple bucks. I'd try replacing it and see if that fixes your issue.

 

The air is not entering the shocks, your reading the build up of pressure in the pump hose. As stated above the valve is not depressing and opening to allow air into the shock line. Take a small screw driver and depress the valve pin and see if you hear air escaping the shocks.

 

Also, one other thought, make sure that the pump you are using is able to push down on the spring loaded valve stem. I just remembered that before I bought the harley pump, I had picked up a bicycle pump at walmart. That didn't work and thinking it was the pump, I returned it and picked up another kind from Academy. Same problem and it was because it needed to slip further down the stem in order to release the vale.

 

I had the same problem on mine last week, found out I didn't have the pump screwed down far enough on the valve. tightened up and worked fine

 

I had this problem on my air shocks also, the shock oil degrades the rubber o-ring in the air valve,go to the auto parts store and get a valve stem remover and new valves stems and replace them,costs about$5-6,cheap easy fix.on my new RK I replace the air shocks with OHLINS and got rid of the air completely,was expensive but so worth it.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Off to AutoZone.....

 

that is why i am saving up for the new premium harley shocks, i am sick of these air shocks. dumb. I like the hand dial and leave it, nor worrying about air the the lines

 

Napa also has these fittings to delete the lines. mine were kinked. easy fix. 1/8th inch NPT to air valve. cost 2 bucks

mike