So I am in the process of rebuilding the air shocks on my 2002 Road King (70k miles). I've made the tool to compress, drained the oil and ready to get compressing following this guide; http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1356875

Only one thing I am not sure about, should I have the circlip out before I compress or should it be in place?

Cheers!

 

What is it about your shocks that prompts you to rebuild them? If they are original then with that mileage they are also quite probably worn out!

 

Hey dude, trying to chase down this knock; https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/1141251-road-king-suspension-knock.html

From what I can tell I have a slight weap from the oil seal on the shock I think is causing the noise. Using a thread from XL forum to rebuild (taken from a Goldwing site. What can wear out apart from the oil and seals?
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Probably easiest to find a next to new take off set in the classifieds or ebay. When I blew a seal on my 06, I picked up a set taken off when the bike was new for $50.

Just a thought.

 

I wish I could help, but I am just learning about these shocks myself.
I only recently learned that they were even re-buildable, and I learned it reading on this very forum. I also found out that they are the same Air Shock that Honda ran on their Gold Wings for many years. Though they are by no means the worlds greatest shock, I do know with some proper maintenance, and the right fluids, people get decent results. Especially if your like me and NEED a shock with LOTS of very simple adjustment due to very diverse weight changes. Please keep us posted with info you learn. I will eventually send mine in for shortening and get rid of my Pingle Blocks, but until I get off the pot, I would love to hear what's working for folks.

 

still looking for a cheapo bicycle pump for my left side bag......only thing that's missing.

 

Second hand was my original avenue, and yes they can be had pretty cheap.....but not in the UK :-( Parts like this are not very common at all, by the time I add shipping I am up to around $100 - which again isn't crazy money, but for £13 worth of seals and some fluid I'd rather have a go - I like wrenching things :-)

 

nice that someone took the time to take pictures and post how to.

 

Progressive and Harley air shock pumps have what they call a no loss air pump. As you are screwing it one, it will seal first, then compress the schrader valve stem, opening it. When unscrewing, it will release and close the shock air valve before the seal releases. Resulting in no air loss to the shock. A progressive air shock gauge lasted me for $15 years. Kept it in a padded bag in my saddle bag most of the time.

Perhaps you could adjust the bicycle pump fittings to do the same function? I've never tried that.

 

Got the shock compressed and the top cap off, can't seem to budge the oil seal. Tried the BFH method and no joy, leaving it to soak in a little WD over night as I can see a small rust ring by the seal - potentially on the metal parts below.