Air ride installed...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
Finally got my compressor relocated to the side of the fender behind the the right side saddlebag. Much easier than under the seat and trouble shooting will be way easier. Right now im running a distribution block but decided to switch to brass tees instead. Main reason is i suspect that's where ive been loosing air. Bought the brass fittings from lowes, and the 1/4 air lines from fright props. The issue i'm having is it seems the inside diameter of the tubing is to small. I'll post pictures tomorrow to explain better, but in a nutshell there is a brass hollow piece with a flanged end that is supposed to go inside the air tube, then a sleeve goes over the tube and it all gets compressed when the nut is tightened on the threaded end of the tee. Problem is i have to really force the tube inside the air line and it makes the outside diameter of air line bigger (imagine a snake eating something larger than its body). There is no way to then get the sleeve over air line with the hollow piece inside. Never worked with brass air fittings so maybe im doing something wrong? Open to suggestions if anyone can understand this long *** post.
Toby
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 324
Likes: 2
From: Central Valley, CA
Clark the piece you insert inside the tube is called an insert. The purpose of the insert is to keep the plastic line from collapsing or kinking during the tightening process. What size line are you running? I believe 5/32 is the smallest insert they make. They don't make an insert for 1/8" tubing. Do you have a picture of how you mounted the compressor to the fender? I mounted mine in the fairing but I would love to mount mine closer if possible. I guess I missed where you said 1/4" air line. The insert should not increase the diameter of the airline. It should slide easily but firmly inside the tubing. If it is tight or hard to insert you probably have the wrong size tubing or insert.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 84
Likes: 2
From: Clarksville, TN
One question I have is belt tension. So are you setting belt tension at ride height and weight? Has anyone snapped a belt? I know they are plenty strong, but is belt tension affected by this variable range in reide height? I am a racer and know about pinion angles, and front end geometry and spring rates blah blah, but I would like to know any feedback from experience air ride guys or any Harley techs here in DIY air ride land.
Thanks and ride on!
Thanks and ride on!
Stage III
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Well I gave in and tried this set up. Had a leak I couldn't find. Replaced check valve and double checked dump valve. Turns out to be a bad weld on the top of one of the shocks. Couldn't find it until I put the shocks in the sink.
My question is have I missed anything?? Do the shocks need to be shimmed or are they simply bolt on. I was just wondering if maybe I put them in a bind or if it just happens to be a faulty set.........
Coolerman I'd love to get in touch w you to get some personal insights on this. If your willing to do that please let me know!?!
My question is have I missed anything?? Do the shocks need to be shimmed or are they simply bolt on. I was just wondering if maybe I put them in a bind or if it just happens to be a faulty set.........
Coolerman I'd love to get in touch w you to get some personal insights on this. If your willing to do that please let me know!?!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
One question I have is belt tension. So are you setting belt tension at ride height and weight? Has anyone snapped a belt? I know they are plenty strong, but is belt tension affected by this variable range in reide height? I am a racer and know about pinion angles, and front end geometry and spring rates blah blah, but I would like to know any feedback from experience air ride guys or any Harley techs here in DIY air ride land.
Thanks and ride on!
Thanks and ride on!
