Is this normal for ohlins shocks, pics

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Mar 23, 2016 | 07:13 PM

#31

hemi1300

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From: ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi1300

I hate you. One thing I did notice while adjusting the pre load is the spring will move around a bit and one side may be up against the plastic collar. A quick eyeball after adjusting and pulling the spring over seems to pop it into into place where it's centered around the shock body. Even if I had a small gap from top to bottom and the shocks weren't sitting perfectly level, I wouldn't think that would cause the spring to shift over and rub against the body

Think I got them figured out now. Un bolted the top bolt on the shock with the bottom still tightened down. There was clearly about an 1/8" gap of play up top even after using the ohlins washer/spacer, installed an additional washer at the top bolt to fill the gap, and eye balled the spring to make sure it had equal clearance around the shock body. Took another quick ride and so far the springs looked like they remained in the same spot and didn't contact the shock body, fingers crossed!

Mar 23, 2016 | 07:34 PM

#32

TSheff

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: SE Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi1300

Pretty much what Buell95 was trying to tell you as well as a couple of others. It's not a perfect world and Harley is surely not a perfect bike.
Unrelated, but just look at how rear tires align with fenders, I've seen some 1/2"-3/4" off. So, that should be a hint to check and adjust fitment before just putting parts on.

Last edited by TSheff; Mar 23, 2016 at 08:38 PM.

Mar 23, 2016 | 08:19 PM

#33

mike_oh

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From: SoCal

Back in my Shovelhead days we used to say a shimmed Harley is a happy Harley!

Mar 24, 2016 | 08:39 AM

#34

Pierre

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Quebec Canada

Hemi1300,
Do you try them ? Tell us your impressions of the shocks

Mar 24, 2016 | 09:00 AM

#35

HotVrod

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Mentor, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cpl Ed

This is my installed HD159's after 60 miles. Coil clearance all the way around the housing is approx. 1/8 inch. NO rubbing of any kind on my '04 Road King.

You really need to use one of each of those "thick" washers on either side of your eye. The large stock washer will rub and bind. Also you need to double check the Length of the bolt especially on the top mount when adding additional spacing..the bolt needs at least a 1/2" of threads into the the threaded mounting point. I bought some 1/4" longer.

Mar 24, 2016 | 09:03 AM

#36

HotVrod

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Mentor, Ohio

Also on some of the Ohlins the sleeve is different lengths from top vs. the bottom eye. They do not state that so measure the width of the eye top vs. bottom.

Mar 24, 2016 | 02:03 PM

#37

madmustang4

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From: Iowa

Sure wish someone from Ohlins would weigh in on this. They should know better than anyone.

Mar 24, 2016 | 03:32 PM

#38

hemi1300

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From: ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre

Hemi1300,
Do you try them ? Tell us your impressions of the shocks

Yes, I have maybe 100-150 miles on them and they ride incredible! Soak up the small bumps perfectly and the big hits are not nearly as harsh as the stockers. Have only adjusted the preload 1 turn more for a little less sag, they were pretty much perfectly set up. Can't wait to get more miles on them and feel how much better they ride