Refilling 12" Shocks
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 16
From: Moore, OK
Refilling 12" Shocks
I have seen a few posts on changing the shock fluid in the air shocks and have an idea on how to get the fluid in and out of the shock but is there a recommendation on the type of fluid to use and the amount to use in a 12" shock?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I just did a set of 13" shocks with 10wt synthetic amsoil oil. It is very easy to do but can get messy... There are many posts in this forum that have exact descriptions and pictures.
Basically, you need a brake vacuum tool from any autoparts store. Make sure that the tool has two ports (one for vacuum and one to build pressure). You need the vacuum to remove the old oil and the pressure port to put in the new oil. You will also need an adapter to attach the vacuum hose to the shock. I could not find the right part so I got a plastic adapter from Home Depot, which I covered with electrical tape and screwed it in the chock. Not perfect but it worked...
Measure the amount of oil you remove and replace it with the same amount. If you remove more oil from one shock than the other, that's the amount you want to use when re-filling the shocks. Some shocks, same model, seem to have different amount of oil in them.
Overall, I really like the feel and the extra travel of the 13" harley shocks. The bike sits a little higher but with my new SE seat the seating height is the same as before.
Good luck.
Basically, you need a brake vacuum tool from any autoparts store. Make sure that the tool has two ports (one for vacuum and one to build pressure). You need the vacuum to remove the old oil and the pressure port to put in the new oil. You will also need an adapter to attach the vacuum hose to the shock. I could not find the right part so I got a plastic adapter from Home Depot, which I covered with electrical tape and screwed it in the chock. Not perfect but it worked...
Measure the amount of oil you remove and replace it with the same amount. If you remove more oil from one shock than the other, that's the amount you want to use when re-filling the shocks. Some shocks, same model, seem to have different amount of oil in them.
Overall, I really like the feel and the extra travel of the 13" harley shocks. The bike sits a little higher but with my new SE seat the seating height is the same as before.
Good luck.
Last edited by boom23; Jul 3, 2010 at 12:24 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 697
Likes: 2
I did my 12" shocks last year and put 10oz in each shock. 13" shocks take 11.1 oz I believe. HERE is a link to what I did. It also has links to some of the threads I used for info. BTW - don't count on both shocks having the same amount in them when you drain them. I had 1 shock with 10oz in it and the other shock with only 8 oz.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Johnstown Co.
I put Bel-Ray HVI, 10wt. racing suspension fluid in my 12in. shocks. Perfect, no bottoming out, less air.
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Road Warrior
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