quick advice needed on shock install
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 1,761
From: Atlanta, GA
quick advice needed on shock install
Guys, I'm looking for any tips or tricks that I won't find in the service manual.
Today I'm going to swap my 13" shocks on my RKC for a set of 12" SG take-off's. I have a service manual and I've talked to my tech at the HD dealership.
I know this sounds easy and it probably is. But it's the easy jobs that turn ugly if you screw up.
So far here's what I've got:
1 Jack up bike so it's level, but keep the rear wheel touching the ground.
2 Add some air 3-5 lbs. then release all the air from the shocks. The added air will help purge the lines = serv. manual.
3 Remove both shocks.
4 Loosely install top bolt on both new shocks; let them hang.
5 lower bike slightly and line up bottom bolts. use Locktite and torque per specs.
6 Install air lines and add air.
Any advice is welcome! thanks!
Today I'm going to swap my 13" shocks on my RKC for a set of 12" SG take-off's. I have a service manual and I've talked to my tech at the HD dealership.
I know this sounds easy and it probably is. But it's the easy jobs that turn ugly if you screw up.
So far here's what I've got:
1 Jack up bike so it's level, but keep the rear wheel touching the ground.
2 Add some air 3-5 lbs. then release all the air from the shocks. The added air will help purge the lines = serv. manual.
3 Remove both shocks.
4 Loosely install top bolt on both new shocks; let them hang.
5 lower bike slightly and line up bottom bolts. use Locktite and torque per specs.
6 Install air lines and add air.
Any advice is welcome! thanks!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
1.) if the rear wheel drops and contacts the ground the balancing point may change.
get someone to steady the bike for you.
2.) I use a wedge shaped block which tapers up to about 4". I put that under the rear tire and can push it forward the raise the swingarm to the shock lower mounts, and slip the bolts into place
I use the 12" in town and the 13" when touring, so I swap shocks a couple times a year
mike
get someone to steady the bike for you.
2.) I use a wedge shaped block which tapers up to about 4". I put that under the rear tire and can push it forward the raise the swingarm to the shock lower mounts, and slip the bolts into place
I use the 12" in town and the 13" when touring, so I swap shocks a couple times a year
mike
- Clean the old Loctitie off the bolts & check the threads for any damage
- If you have silicone spray, use a little on the air line nipples before you push them in.
- Before you set it down, adjust the drive belt if needed
Otherwise, Id say you're good to go
- If you have silicone spray, use a little on the air line nipples before you push them in.
- Before you set it down, adjust the drive belt if needed
Otherwise, Id say you're good to go
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 1,761
From: Atlanta, GA
Thanks guys! I love the wedge trick! Also yes I will stabilize the bike by removing the seat and using a couple of rachet straps attached to the jack.
Always appreciate all the great help here!
Always appreciate all the great help here!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
Put blue loctite for sure. Mine had none from the factory and the bolts were finger loose at 3k.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
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From: Vancouver, BC
Ill be doing this son as well... No issues with the re and re on the shocks pretty basic stuff that ive done on other bikes. I do have one question tho... What is the process for disconnecting the air lines from the old and reconnecting to the new shocks?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
I always use teflon tape on the threads of the brass connector before installing on the new shock.
