Air shock problem
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 93
Likes: 3
From: Auckland
Air shock problem
people please help,
07 Road king (police) having issues with shocks not holding air,, I pump up with hand pump (with gauge) seems to go up OK,, as soon as valve undone it losses preasure,, I have replaced inner valve,, no better, makes me think it valve unit,, do these fail? Can the pump be the problem? Know people are going to say replace shocks but budget is an issue at moment, any advise is much appreciated thanks in advance cheers from nz
07 Road king (police) having issues with shocks not holding air,, I pump up with hand pump (with gauge) seems to go up OK,, as soon as valve undone it losses preasure,, I have replaced inner valve,, no better, makes me think it valve unit,, do these fail? Can the pump be the problem? Know people are going to say replace shocks but budget is an issue at moment, any advise is much appreciated thanks in advance cheers from nz
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 7,271
From: OH
people please help,
07 Road king (police) having issues with shocks not holding air,, I pump up with hand pump (with gauge) seems to go up OK,, as soon as valve undone it losses preasure,, I have replaced inner valve,, no better, makes me think it valve unit,, do these fail? Can the pump be the problem? Know people are going to say replace shocks but budget is an issue at moment, any advise is much appreciated thanks in advance cheers from nz
07 Road king (police) having issues with shocks not holding air,, I pump up with hand pump (with gauge) seems to go up OK,, as soon as valve undone it losses preasure,, I have replaced inner valve,, no better, makes me think it valve unit,, do these fail? Can the pump be the problem? Know people are going to say replace shocks but budget is an issue at moment, any advise is much appreciated thanks in advance cheers from nz
assuming you have a no loss pump, I would first remove the nuts and air line connection at top of shock. Inspect end of line for a groove created by compression fitting.
If groove is visible, cut off nice and square and reinstall
test for leaks
likely culprit and costs nothing to try
jmo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
pump the shocks up and test all fittings and lines with soapy water....look for air bubbles. Or just replace lines and fittings. If I remember right, these are a small kit and aren't really expensive. If that doesn't work, then check your shocks and their air bags.... you may have a worn bag.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 780
From: Manitoba
I've never had air shocks on a bike but deal with a lot of air leaks on trucks. Just get a litre spray bottle with a hand pump put a dab of dish washer soap in it fill with water and start spraying. You'll soon find your leak.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 780
From: Manitoba
pump the shocks up and test all fittings and lines with soapy water....look for air bubbles. Or just replace lines and fittings. If I remember right, these are a small kit and aren't really expensive. If that doesn't work, then check your shocks and their air bags.... you may have a worn bag.....
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
How do you know it's loosing pressure?
If you're using a conventional tire pump, it won't work right on the shocks. It requires the special no loss type of pump. The air in the shocks is tiny, so even the slightest of loss while uncoupling results in tremendous pressure loss. You don't need the Harley one, there are numerous aftermarket types that do the same.
If you're using a conventional tire pump, it won't work right on the shocks. It requires the special no loss type of pump. The air in the shocks is tiny, so even the slightest of loss while uncoupling results in tremendous pressure loss. You don't need the Harley one, there are numerous aftermarket types that do the same.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If all else fails secondhand ones are widely available, partly because there are two different lengths (short and stock) and new owners like to swap over, so there is no shortage of decent replacements! Yours are pretty old now and have probably earned their pension and there are also far better alternatives out there. Harleys and new shocks are a marriage made in heaven - with careful choice!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,420
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From: Lititz Pa
pump the shocks up and test all fittings and lines with soapy water....look for air bubbles. Or just replace lines and fittings. If I remember right, these are a small kit and aren't really expensive. If that doesn't work, then check your shocks and their air bags.... you may have a worn bag.....
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I replaced my single line wth individual fittings in each shock. Was able to buy them at a local hardware store. So now each shock has it's own air supply. Cost was minimal, Pain in the but is just a tad higher.
I also drained and refilled the oil.
These shocks are ok when fully loaded but they are difficult to tune in with trunk removed and empty saddlebags.
I also drained and refilled the oil.
These shocks are ok when fully loaded but they are difficult to tune in with trunk removed and empty saddlebags.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
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From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Touchdown..... seems I got one from Harley dealer. Most larger auto parts stores should have as well. These are basically air fill kits for automotive air shocks. They can take quite alot before they fail... pretty dependable.