Change Shocks
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Change Shocks
I just did mine on my Street Glide. I installed Progressive 440's, and it was very easy - perhaps 45 minutes total. You just need to make sure that you recheck your drivebelt tension when finished.
Doug
Doug
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Change Shocks
It's so easy that it's not even funny. Raise the rear tire off of the ground, pull the saddlebags, and then remove 4 bolts (upper and lower shock mounting bolts - 2 on each side). You'll want to use a torque wrench when reinstalling the bolts. In a nutshell:
1. make sure you have a means of lifting the rear tire off of the ground
2. have access to a torque wrench
3. check drive belt tension when finished. Some people use the HD deflection tool, I just go by feel.
That's it!
Doug
1. make sure you have a means of lifting the rear tire off of the ground
2. have access to a torque wrench
3. check drive belt tension when finished. Some people use the HD deflection tool, I just go by feel.
That's it!
Doug
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Change Shocks
ORIGINAL: Wally
I agree it should be pretty straight forward, but, if you don't loosen the rear wheel, why would the belt tension change?
I agree it should be pretty straight forward, but, if you don't loosen the rear wheel, why would the belt tension change?
Two reasons:
1. He may be putting on a different height shock!
2. Even if swapping a 12" stocker for a 12" 440, it could change due to manufacturing tolerances. Mine did - my drive belt was tighter after installing the 440's. It takes very little difference in shock height to change the belt tension.
Doug
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 15
From: Minneapolis, MN
RE: Change Shocks
What did you torque them to and what is a good amount of slop in the belt?
Thanks a Million!!
Thanks a Million!!
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Change Shocks
ORIGINAL: 05Fatty
What did you torque them to and what is a good amount of slop in the belt?
Thanks a Million!!
What did you torque them to and what is a good amount of slop in the belt?
Thanks a Million!!
As for the belt deflection, I have a rather unscientific approach. I just check the belts on new bikes at various dealerships and go by that. Better to be on the loose side than too tight though.
Doug
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
