Shocks
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, GA
Shocks
I just got a set of used street glide shocks of ebay. Since I am new to the air shocks is it normal for the shocks to leak oil. They are leaking from the top connection/vavle. Would I need to refill the oil?
These will be going on a 09 Road King
These will be going on a 09 Road King
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
A tiny bit of oil is normal if the air pressure was released from these valves.
When reducing pressure from installed shocks, it is recommended to pump in a little fresh air first, then bleeding the excessive air. Keeps oil from getting into pump.
When reducing pressure from installed shocks, it is recommended to pump in a little fresh air first, then bleeding the excessive air. Keeps oil from getting into pump.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
you may have a problem ..if the previous owner allowed much of the oil to leak...the smart thing is to drain and refill both shocks with correct amount of oil and the grade of your choice.
you can find instructions on the forums by searching
removed shocks should be sealed and stored upright
if only a tiny amount of oil has leaked, fine... but if unsealed by P/O you won't know.
mike
you can find instructions on the forums by searching
removed shocks should be sealed and stored upright
if only a tiny amount of oil has leaked, fine... but if unsealed by P/O you won't know.
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
They should have been plugged before they were even removed from the other bike to keep fromm losing any oil. How can you possibly know how much has leaked out? I'd completely drain both of them and refil with Amsoil 10W shock therapy if they are pre-09 shocks , if they are 09 up shocks the 10w will be too heavy, you will have to experiment with fluid. I ended up about 60% 5w and 40% 10w Amsoil on my brothers 09. There are some threads on here about tweaking OEM shocks.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165
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From: Richmond Tx
Going to piggy back this thread. How much air is it normal for shocks to lose over time. Had them at 47psi for riding 2 up on a 09 RKC. That was a month a go rode the other day and bottomed out the GF on a bump. Checks shocks and they showed 40 PSI. We 2 up with gear are probably caring close to 500lb. I'm a big guy. I want to keep her riding but the bottoming out is a bif deal at this point. If this leakage is normal I'll just have to check it more often. If not will want to get it fixed.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
The amount of air in them is very small, so big changes in weather can affect them as well. If it is colder now than when you last checked them that will account for some of the lost pressure.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, GA
dam guys thanks for all the replies. i forgot to subscribe to thread and thought i was left out in the cold. The Shocks came off an 11' Street Glide there was noticable leakage but if that is normal then its ok. I was worried about them being bad. I'm gonna slap them on the bike this weekend and see how she rides. I need to do a bit more research on this as I ride 2 up alot and dont want to compromise the comfort of the ride then again it is sitting up too high...when I come to a stop its a hassle everytime. So maybe using better or will let me have my cake and lick it to.
thanks again for all the help
thanks again for all the help
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Tx
Does draining oil and refilling with a heavier oil make them handle heavier load better or just make them siffer over all. Don't want to ruin the ride but don't want to bottom or ruff bridge transitions either.