Air Shock adjustment - Can you help?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
It sounds like you are not fully engaging the fitting on the pump to the shock(s) valve. Try screwing in on further. When the pump fitting is not screw on all the way you can still get a reading on the gauge, but it is not putting any air into the shocks.
Give it a shot... Hope this helps you out.
Give it a shot... Hope this helps you out.
If you're not getting a solid valve connection, then you might be just pumping 25# into the hose on the pump. I've seen other posts about needing to adjust the innards on the fender mounted valve because the guts were too low for the pump to engage.
I also agree that you shouldn't use a tire gauge - you'll let the air out. The shocks take very little air to reach max.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Harley sure picked an inconvienent location for the shock air valve, didn't they? Ever since the first time I checked the pressure in my shocks I've been telling myself I need to relocate the fitting. It's on my list of things to do but I haven't done it yet. When I do I'll write a thread.
In fact, it's a rainy, lazy day here... Maybe I'll head out to the garage and see if I can do this today.
In fact, it's a rainy, lazy day here... Maybe I'll head out to the garage and see if I can do this today.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
your using the HD pump incorrectly......
Screw the HD pump onto the shock COMPLETELY. Pump the shock up to the PSI level you want. then unscrew the HD pump (it has a no-loss valve setup)
By you pushing the release button on the pump you are letting out the air (the only time it should be used is when the pump is COMPLETELY screwed on to the shock and you have MORE air in the shock than what you want...press the button to release air till you achieve the pressure you want. Then unscrew the pump from the shock.
DO NOT use a standard press on tire pressure gauge to check pressure as you will LOSE pressure each time you press it on and take it off as they are not No-Loss connectors
Screw the HD pump onto the shock COMPLETELY. Pump the shock up to the PSI level you want. then unscrew the HD pump (it has a no-loss valve setup)
By you pushing the release button on the pump you are letting out the air (the only time it should be used is when the pump is COMPLETELY screwed on to the shock and you have MORE air in the shock than what you want...press the button to release air till you achieve the pressure you want. Then unscrew the pump from the shock.
DO NOT use a standard press on tire pressure gauge to check pressure as you will LOSE pressure each time you press it on and take it off as they are not No-Loss connectors
Follow Mntsnow's recommendation. The threads are very fine and you need to screw on until it stops. After you reach your PSI simply unscrew the pump. If you're still losing the air you might replace the valve stem, that was my problem a few months ago. The tool and the stems cost me about $5 at Car Quest.
Good Luck.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South central PA
Harley sure picked an inconvienent location for the shock air valve, didn't they? Ever since the first time I checked the pressure in my shocks I've been telling myself I need to relocate the fitting. It's on my list of things to do but I haven't done it yet. When I do I'll write a thread.
In fact, it's a rainy, lazy day here... Maybe I'll head out to the garage and see if I can do this today.
In fact, it's a rainy, lazy day here... Maybe I'll head out to the garage and see if I can do this today.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I started on it yesterday but I couldn't finish because I need some longer lengths of the polyurethane tubing to reach the new valve location. I couldn't find it at any of the local parts stores and Harley is closed on Mondays. I'm running down to Harley now to see if they have some. If they do I'll finish it up pretty quickly and when I do I'll write a thread.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 12
From:
Thats it
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: S E Michigan
Just a couple of cents...Before attaching the pump ensure that the pump handle is fully extended (this ensures that you don't suck out any oil upon commencement to air up). Cycle pump to required pressure and then leave handle fully retracted, again to ensure the oil remains in the shock. As well, if the pressure is too high and you want to reduce, fully screw in pump with handle fully extracted. Press pressure release button to lower pressure to a few pounds below your ideal target pressure. Then, finally pump back up to the target pressure pushing the oil back into the shock stopping with the handle fully retracted. Just unscrew from shrader fitting. The pump has a no-loss valve installed within.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
I started on it yesterday but I couldn't finish because I need some longer lengths of the polyurethane tubing to reach the new valve location. I couldn't find it at any of the local parts stores and Harley is closed on Mondays. I'm running down to Harley now to see if they have some. If they do I'll finish it up pretty quickly and when I do I'll write a thread.
If anyone knows where the lines and valves can be bought, besides H-D, I'd be interested. I still want to do the FLHTK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
I relocated mine too but when I looked for the lines they weren't available in the correct size/diameter. I went to H-D and found out I need to buy the complete kit, including the lines and air valve. The price was ridiculous (I forget exactly but something like $50.) so I simply rerouted the existing lines. My air valve is now mounted under the seat (On the RKC.) and the Corbin seat has a key for quick removal. Way easier access than the stock location.
If anyone knows where the lines and valves can be bought, besides H-D, I'd be interested. I still want to do the FLHTK.
If anyone knows where the lines and valves can be bought, besides H-D, I'd be interested. I still want to do the FLHTK.