Rear Shock Air Pressure
Rear Shock Air Pressure
Novice
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Union, NJ
If your connection(s) are good you shouldn't have to adjust your pressure except for ambient temperature changes. At the low pressure(s) the shocks are set at, that should mean only seasonally. First: you need to locate the leak(s). Get yourself a small spray bottle and fill it with about half a teaspoon of dish detergent. Then fill it with tap water. Most leaks in air lines are at the connections, so start there. Spray the connections with your solution. Any leaks will be easily identified by the bubbles. You can get the spray bottle at a Dollar Store; 6-8 onces is all you need.
If your leak is at a compression fitting, tightening the connection should solve your problem. If not, you will have to pull the connection apart. A small application of pipe dope on the male threads of the connection should solve the problem. Tighten your connection and you should be good-to-go. You can get the pipe dope at Home Depot or Lowes.
If your leak is at a tapered fitting, you may need to get some teflon tape. Make sure both end of teh connection are "clean". The apply several wraps of teflon tape over teh male threads of teh connection. Be sure to apply the tape in the opposite direction of the way you will screw the connection together. Otherwise, the tape will start to peel and you'll have another leak. Remember; gas fittings are "righty tighty, lefty lucy". You can get the teflon tape at Home Depot or Lowes.
Also check the Schrader valve(s); they do wear out and sometimes are defective. Make sure the valve is seated all the way and that the teflon ring (the colored piece above the threads) has no flaws. Make sure you use a Schrader tool and NOT needle-nose pliers. The Schrader tool is about a buck at any car parts store. Pliers typically bend the depression pin and cause leaks.
I hope this helps.
If your leak is at a compression fitting, tightening the connection should solve your problem. If not, you will have to pull the connection apart. A small application of pipe dope on the male threads of the connection should solve the problem. Tighten your connection and you should be good-to-go. You can get the pipe dope at Home Depot or Lowes.
If your leak is at a tapered fitting, you may need to get some teflon tape. Make sure both end of teh connection are "clean". The apply several wraps of teflon tape over teh male threads of teh connection. Be sure to apply the tape in the opposite direction of the way you will screw the connection together. Otherwise, the tape will start to peel and you'll have another leak. Remember; gas fittings are "righty tighty, lefty lucy". You can get the teflon tape at Home Depot or Lowes.
Also check the Schrader valve(s); they do wear out and sometimes are defective. Make sure the valve is seated all the way and that the teflon ring (the colored piece above the threads) has no flaws. Make sure you use a Schrader tool and NOT needle-nose pliers. The Schrader tool is about a buck at any car parts store. Pliers typically bend the depression pin and cause leaks.
I hope this helps.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 918
Likes: 1
From: Bulldog Country
If you used a high pressure air hose, you may have blown a seal. Always use a hand pump. I use the HD one. A little over priced but works great. You can find take off air shocks on ebay and sometimes in the forum classifieds
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Long Island,New York
todya was the first time I used the HD air pump.. I wanted to see how much pressure was in the as soon as I turned the air pump on the air nipple it registered around 20lbs I pumped it up to around 28 or so becuause I am riding with a passenger...since I am around 150 and wife around 120.....I went to 28lbs....manual says around 30lbs for a weight of 300 lbs
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
I run 40psi most of the time and 50 when the bike is loaded up for a trip. 09 Ultra.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
