Air Shock Installation
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
Air Shock Installation
I just picked up a set of stock air shocks from a member. These shocks are off of a 2005 EG, part #54565-97C. They are to replace the Street Glide 54662-02A shocks. Want to experiment with ride comfort and height. If I am correct, this would bring the Street Glide to the same geometry and ride as an EG. (I am correct, right?)
I have a few other Qs:
#1 - Does anyone have installation instructions? Most notably, the torque values of the bolts.
#2 - This looks like a simple install - remove 2 bolts from each side and swap the shocks. Am I missing something?
#3 - Are the 54565-97C shocks not air adjustable? The brass fittings look to be permanent. Or, are they just temporary stoppers? Am I supposed to remove the brass fitting and air hoses from my stock shock and install them in these shocks? Again, any tips?
Thanks in advance. John
I have a few other Qs:
#1 - Does anyone have installation instructions? Most notably, the torque values of the bolts.
#2 - This looks like a simple install - remove 2 bolts from each side and swap the shocks. Am I missing something?
#3 - Are the 54565-97C shocks not air adjustable? The brass fittings look to be permanent. Or, are they just temporary stoppers? Am I supposed to remove the brass fitting and air hoses from my stock shock and install them in these shocks? Again, any tips?
Thanks in advance. John
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Air Shock Installation
be sure to support the rear wheel - if you have Not gotten a service manual for your bike - best $$ you will ever spend... in that manual you will find everything you need... I am at work right now (firefighter) I am sure you will find someone out there that has the manual within their reach.
no big deal in the swap - if you ride solo, not much difference will be felt - two up - passenger will feel the difference more.
no big deal in the swap - if you ride solo, not much difference will be felt - two up - passenger will feel the difference more.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: Air Shock Installation
Jack up the bike and get rear wheel off the ground.
Find a way to control the drop of the swingarm before you need to.
Remove saddle bags.
Release the rear shock air pressure.
Depress the collars on the shock fittings and pull out the lines carefully.
Remove first shock.
Have someone control (maybe with leverage) the swingarm for the drop.
Remove one bolt from the second shock.
The rear shocks require locktite blue (medium) or equivalent on the bolts.
lower the arm untill you can put the new first shock bolts in.
Put in second shock.
Torque upper bolts to 33-35 ft lbs.
Torque lower bolts to 35-40 ft lbs.
Push the air lines back in , I would put a tiny bit of saliva on each to slip them in easier.
Put bike back on ground.
Put 35 lbs in the shocks and check for leaks , 35 is max for standard height rear shocks , 50 for low profile only.
If your good for leaks,try 20 lbs for general riding , I like 20lbs best.
May want to recheck belt tension.
Reinstall bags.
Enjoy new FLHXTALL edition .....hehe
.....Mick
Find a way to control the drop of the swingarm before you need to.
Remove saddle bags.
Release the rear shock air pressure.
Depress the collars on the shock fittings and pull out the lines carefully.
Remove first shock.
Have someone control (maybe with leverage) the swingarm for the drop.
Remove one bolt from the second shock.
The rear shocks require locktite blue (medium) or equivalent on the bolts.
lower the arm untill you can put the new first shock bolts in.
Put in second shock.
Torque upper bolts to 33-35 ft lbs.
Torque lower bolts to 35-40 ft lbs.
Push the air lines back in , I would put a tiny bit of saliva on each to slip them in easier.
Put bike back on ground.
Put 35 lbs in the shocks and check for leaks , 35 is max for standard height rear shocks , 50 for low profile only.
If your good for leaks,try 20 lbs for general riding , I like 20lbs best.
May want to recheck belt tension.
Reinstall bags.
Enjoy new FLHXTALL edition .....hehe
.....Mick
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: FL
Question 3
I just picked up a set of stock air shocks from a member. These shocks are off of a 2005 EG, part #54565-97C. They are to replace the Street Glide 54662-02A shocks. Want to experiment with ride comfort and height. If I am correct, this would bring the Street Glide to the same geometry and ride as an EG. (I am correct, right?)
I have a few other Qs:
#1 - Does anyone have installation instructions? Most notably, the torque values of the bolts.
#2 - This looks like a simple install - remove 2 bolts from each side and swap the shocks. Am I missing something?
#3 - Are the 54565-97C shocks not air adjustable? The brass fittings look to be permanent. Or, are they just temporary stoppers? Am I supposed to remove the brass fitting and air hoses from my stock shock and install them in these shocks? Again, any tips?
Thanks in advance. John
I have a few other Qs:
#1 - Does anyone have installation instructions? Most notably, the torque values of the bolts.
#2 - This looks like a simple install - remove 2 bolts from each side and swap the shocks. Am I missing something?
#3 - Are the 54565-97C shocks not air adjustable? The brass fittings look to be permanent. Or, are they just temporary stoppers? Am I supposed to remove the brass fitting and air hoses from my stock shock and install them in these shocks? Again, any tips?
Thanks in advance. John
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,689
Likes: 8,295
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by James666
did you ever get you answer for question #3 about the brass stopper just wondering.
....they were probably just brass plugs to stop the oil from leaking out of the shocks after removal.
Last edited by roussfam; Sep 27, 2023 at 05:01 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
I replaced shocks, I don't remember for sure, but I thought I just did it one shock at a time. Is there a reason to do both, and then have to worry about supporting swing arm?
I thought I just raised a lowered jack a tiny bit change alignment. But I can't remember for sure.
I thought I just raised a lowered jack a tiny bit change alignment. But I can't remember for sure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
the reason to do both at once has to do with the fact that he went from the 12'' to the 13''. have to take them both off to allow the swing arm to drop enough to be able to put the longer shock on.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,689
Likes: 8,295
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by M Oclaf
So youre saying probably? Since no update?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
i thought I had enough slop to go 13 to12.5, back and forth one at time