i have a slow leak in my air ride, havent found it yet, the leak. biggest problem is trying to air them up, the valve stem is located in a bracket behind the left saddle bag. problem is that the bracket that holds the valve stem is so thick that i cant air the air shocks up unless i remove the valve stem from the bracket, then i air hose will fill them. is there a longer valve stem setup to i can fill them without removing it from the bracket. also i going to replace the air line but dont know what size it is, any help will be appreciated.

 

air line size should be 1/8

 

you should be able to get a hand pump on it without a problem with the saddlebag lid open
is the valve not adjusted correctly?? general a nut on the back and a nut on the front and you adjust them
so more of the valve sticks through the bracket and then tighten

as for the leak, get a small spray bottle from the dollar store some dish soap and a little water and start spraying fittings

 

1/8", thanks. the valve stem doesnt have but one nut, the one that tightens it, no nut on back side, still it doesnt come though enough to get a air line on it.

 

If this is the oem air shocks, you should never be using an air hose from an air compressor. You need to purchase a pump specifically made to adjust the air pressure. An air line has too much pressure & too much volume to properly set the air ride correctly. It'll blow out the lines/fittings & cause bigger leaks.

 

Those air shocks are junk. I had a shock leaking oil a few months after purchase. (16 Ultra) The support they give with a passenger sucks as well. Most of us go aftermarket shortly after purchase. It felt great ripping out the air lines after putting some Progressives on.

 

It sounds as if your bike does not have the original air valve. I have to agree that Wisenheimer16 has put his finger on it - those shocks are not worth spending any effort on. The season of good will is almost on us and you could treat your bike - and you - to a set of nice new 'normal' shocks, which don't need air. However if you are determined to sort yours out and can post a photo of the valve we can probably help. You can check this parts website, which shows what your stock setup is.

 

 

If you still haven't fixed it yet you may try a valve stem extension from the parts store used on dual wheels . But really it would be better to just rebuild or have a proper repair done for your safety

 

this is the valve, looks

a standard aftermarket valve to me.