Having Trouble Checking Shock Pressure
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Having Trouble Checking Shock Pressure
I have a 2013 Ultra Ltd with air shocks. Went to check the pressure and it measured 25 psi. Checked again and it read 15 psi. Used a dial and a stem type gage but it seems every time I put a gage on it the pressure drops by at least 10 psi. Is it just me? Am I doing something wrong? is there really that small of a volume in the shocks? Gimme a little help here!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 6
From: Riverside, Ca.
There is not alot of volume in them. I use a Craftsman digital gauge and make sure I hit the schrader valve square on or you'll lose some press. How much depends on how quick you are. I've not had any problems.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
The shocks have very little volume and just checking could lose a good bit. I check with the pump as I seem to lose little air with the screw on end and I can pump a little in if needed.
If you are concerned it leaks you could pump them up to max and let it sit a day and check again? If loss then mix up a soapy water solution to apply to connections.
Over the years I have found very little air loss with the factory shocks. The connections need to be fresh cuts if you ever disconnect them. The fitting squeezes the air line and I have found that sometimes they will leak if you do not snip a little off the end.
If you are concerned it leaks you could pump them up to max and let it sit a day and check again? If loss then mix up a soapy water solution to apply to connections.
Over the years I have found very little air loss with the factory shocks. The connections need to be fresh cuts if you ever disconnect them. The fitting squeezes the air line and I have found that sometimes they will leak if you do not snip a little off the end.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
The shocks have very little volume and just checking could lose a good bit. I check with the pump as I seem to lose little air with the screw on end and I can pump a little in if needed.
If you are concerned it leaks you could pump them up to max and let it sit a day and check again? If loss then mix up a soapy water solution to apply to connections.
Over the years I have found very little air loss with the factory shocks. The connections need to be fresh cuts if you ever disconnect them. The fitting squeezes the air line and I have found that sometimes they will leak if you do not snip a little off the end.
If you are concerned it leaks you could pump them up to max and let it sit a day and check again? If loss then mix up a soapy water solution to apply to connections.
Over the years I have found very little air loss with the factory shocks. The connections need to be fresh cuts if you ever disconnect them. The fitting squeezes the air line and I have found that sometimes they will leak if you do not snip a little off the end.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 988
Likes: 1
From: Ashevegas
You need a pump with a no air loss coupling. When I had air shocks, I never lost pressure with this style pump.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 587
From: Michigan
You need a pump with a no air loss coupling. When I had air shocks, I never lost pressure with this style pump.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
That type really is the tool. It simply works. You don't need the Harley specific one, though it's not badly priced. The pressure is kept when you disconnect the pump/gauge.
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Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 50
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You need a pump with a no air loss coupling. When I had air shocks, I never lost pressure with this style pump.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-PSI-Rear-...c3e119&vxp=mtr
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
After going thru the same thing trying to check and adj my air shocks,I picked up a Harley digital pump/gauge, while picking up my Harley oil and a new Harley T, then I went riding on My Harley. Works for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
For kicks I went out and tried normal gauges on the shocks, I "lost" 2-5 lbs each time I checked. Amazing how a little psst of air drops the pressure so much. Using the suspension pump and gauge loses almost nothing.