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techtalk:ref:tools137 [2019/12/02 00:28]
hippysmack [Rear Shock Tools]
techtalk:ref:tools137 [2024/01/24 04:01] (current)
hippysmack
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 \\ \\
 ====== Spring Adjusting Cam Spanner ====== ====== Spring Adjusting Cam Spanner ======
 +This is an original HD REAR SHOCK SPANNER WRENCH (94700-52B). \\
 +Used to adjust rear shocks for more or less spring compression. Fits all 1966-earlier rear sprung K, KH, FL and 1967-1974 Sportsters. \\
 +
 +{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​shock_preload_adjuster_94700-52b_pic1_by_jrsvintageharley1990.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, jrsvintageharley1990. [[https://​www.ebay.com/​str/​jrsvintageharleyparts?​_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] )) 
 +{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​shock_preload_adjuster_94700-52b_pic2_by_jrsvintageharley1990.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, jrsvintageharley1990. [[https://​www.ebay.com/​str/​jrsvintageharleyparts?​_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] )) \\
 +
 These C-clamp pliers make a good tool to adjust the spring cam height if you don't have the proper spanner. The ends were ground to an angle using an angle grinder. \\ These C-clamp pliers make a good tool to adjust the spring cam height if you don't have the proper spanner. The ends were ground to an angle using an angle grinder. \\
 Then you simply adjust the jaws to fit opposite holes in the cam with very light clamp pressure on the tool and turn the spring cam where you want it. \\ Then you simply adjust the jaws to fit opposite holes in the cam with very light clamp pressure on the tool and turn the spring cam where you want it. \\
  
-{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_rear_shock_spring_adjusting_cam_spanner_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_rear_shock_spring_adjusting_cam_spanner_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ||+{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_rear_shock_spring_adjusting_cam_spanner_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_rear_shock_spring_adjusting_cam_spanner_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ​\\ 
 + 
 +====== Shock Mounting Bolts ====== 
 +The top acorn nut on a 98 1200S (probably other year models) is a 9/16" 6 sided hex nut. The threaded stud is welded to the frame. \\ 
 +The lower mounting nut and bolt are both 3/4" six sided hex heads. The rear nut takes an open end wrench due to little room between the nut and frame. \\ 
 + 
 +{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​98_1200s_shocks_pic_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​98_1200s_shocks_pic_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}} \\
 ====== Road King Shocks ====== ====== Road King Shocks ======
-The shocks are a really simple design. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\+The shocks are a really simple design. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change/​page3?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\
 Think of it as nothing but a strut assembly like the ones used on cars but with internal springs and a separate air/fluid chamber. \\ Think of it as nothing but a strut assembly like the ones used on cars but with internal springs and a separate air/fluid chamber. \\
 The main shaft is hollow and that is where damper is located. \\ The main shaft is hollow and that is where damper is located. \\
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 Too little oil and the dampers may not be filled with oil which reduces the dampening action. \\ Too little oil and the dampers may not be filled with oil which reduces the dampening action. \\
 Too much oil you create a hydro-lock situation where there'​s too little room for the shaft to compress into the shock. \\ Too much oil you create a hydro-lock situation where there'​s too little room for the shaft to compress into the shock. \\
-Too much oil can also cause hydro-lock and possibly blow the shock apart. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\+Too much oil can also cause hydro-lock and possibly blow the shock apart. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​145177-sg-shocks-on-the-way/​page2?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\
 This can be very dangerous if oil gets under the rear tire while trying to brake or turn. \\  This can be very dangerous if oil gets under the rear tire while trying to brake or turn. \\ 
  
-The springs and air pressure only support the weight of the bike and rider. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\+The springs and air pressure only support the weight of the bike and rider. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change/​page3?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\
  
 One other internal item is the rubber bottom stops. On older shocks they have a tendency to turn to mush. \\ One other internal item is the rubber bottom stops. On older shocks they have a tendency to turn to mush. \\
 When this happens, the loose gooey material can work it's way into the damper holes plugging them up and restricts the flow. \\ When this happens, the loose gooey material can work it's way into the damper holes plugging them up and restricts the flow. \\
  
-You can also weigh the shocks to see how much oil is in them to start with. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\+You can also weigh the shocks to see how much oil is in them to start with. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​145177-sg-shocks-on-the-way/​page2?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\
 However, that may or may not be correct if some has leaked out. \\ However, that may or may not be correct if some has leaked out. \\
 There is no exact spec from Harley on how much oil to add. \\ There is no exact spec from Harley on how much oil to add. \\
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 Leave the air fitting open and bottom out the shock to push out all the excessive fluid to ensure the shock does actually bottom out. \\ Leave the air fitting open and bottom out the shock to push out all the excessive fluid to ensure the shock does actually bottom out. \\
  
-The shiny lower shaft that you attach to your swingarm is actually the damper housing. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905&​page=4)) \\+The shiny lower shaft that you attach to your swingarm is actually the damper housing. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change/​page4?​t=1038905&​page=4)) \\
 It's hollow with 4 (approx 1/8" diameter) holes about a 1/2" down from the top that allow the oil to fill and expell from the damper. \\ It's hollow with 4 (approx 1/8" diameter) holes about a 1/2" down from the top that allow the oil to fill and expell from the damper. \\
 Inside the housing is the dampening piston/​actuator that's attached to the damper shaft. \\ Inside the housing is the dampening piston/​actuator that's attached to the damper shaft. \\
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 If you take your time and do the compress, hold, slow release for about 20 strokes you should be able to drain at least 95% of the old oil out of the shock.\\ If you take your time and do the compress, hold, slow release for about 20 strokes you should be able to drain at least 95% of the old oil out of the shock.\\
 The only way to get it all out is to remove the top mount. That in itself is a totally different process. \\ The only way to get it all out is to remove the top mount. That in itself is a totally different process. \\
-===== Road King Shock Oil Replacement ===== 
  
 +===== Road King Shock Oil Replacement =====
   * If your using Road King shocks, here is a way to change the oil in them.   * If your using Road King shocks, here is a way to change the oil in them.
-  * Removing oil: Install the valve stems with the valve cores removed. Connect a piece of vacuum hose between the valve stem and a partially collapsed plastic bottle. Install only one shock upside down. Sit on the bike to force the oil out. Raise the bike to draw air in. ((tchuck of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=269898)) +  * Removing oil: Install the valve stems with the valve cores removed. Connect a piece of vacuum hose between the valve stem and a partially collapsed plastic bottle. Install only one shock upside down. Sit on the bike to force the oil out. Raise the bike to draw air in. ((tchuck of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sport-glide-sportster-motorcycle-touring/​55084-rk-shock-oil?​t=269898)) 
-  * Installing oil: Add the proper amount of fork oil in your weight of choice to the partially collapsed plastic bottle. Install only one shock right side up. Sit on the bike to force air out. Raise the bike to draw oil in. ((tchuck of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=269898)) +  * Installing oil: Add the proper amount of fork oil in your weight of choice to the partially collapsed plastic bottle. Install only one shock right side up. Sit on the bike to force air out. Raise the bike to draw oil in. ((tchuck of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sport-glide-sportster-motorcycle-touring/​55084-rk-shock-oil?​t=269898)) 
-  * **Caution** ​ You need to turn them upside down and then back right side up a few times to get the oil to drain from the inner chambers. Do not over fill them, they could blow apart. Put on one shock at a time and make it bottom out and force out all excessive oil, that is still too much because the inner air chamber will still be too small. The only way to tell how much oil is in them is by weighing them. There are several different years and models of shocks and no one knows all the specific differences. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?t=269898)) +  * **Caution** ​ You need to turn them upside down and then back right side up a few times to get the oil to drain from the inner chambers. Do not over fill them, they could blow apart. Put on one shock at a time and make it bottom out and force out all excessive oil, that is still too much because the inner air chamber will still be too small. The only way to tell how much oil is in them is by weighing them. There are several different years and models of shocks and no one knows all the specific differences. ((XLXR of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sport-glide-sportster-motorcycle-touring/​55084-rk-shock-oil?t=269898))
- +
  
 |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​road_king_shock_oil_replacement_1_by_tchuck.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​road_king_shock_oil_replacement_2_by_tchuck.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​road_king_shock_oil_replacement_1_by_tchuck.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​road_king_shock_oil_replacement_2_by_tchuck.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|  Removing RK shock oil ((photo by tchuck of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=269898)) ​ |  Installing RK shock oil ((photo by tchuck of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=269898)) ​ |+|  Removing RK shock oil ((photo by tchuck of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sport-glide-sportster-motorcycle-touring/​55084-rk-shock-oil?​t=269898)) ​ |  Installing RK shock oil ((photo by tchuck of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sport-glide-sportster-motorcycle-touring/​55084-rk-shock-oil?​t=269898)) ​ |
  
 |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rear_shock_spring_compressor_by_xlxr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rear_shock_spring_compressor_by_xlxr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|Homemade spring compressor ((photo by XLXR of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=280926))|+|Homemade spring compressor ((photo by XLXR of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​56016-whittlebeast-hybrid-shock-testimony?​t=280926))|
  
 ===== Another Method ===== ===== Another Method =====
-Article and pics by LuxBlue of the XLFORUM ((http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905)) \\+Article and pics by LuxBlue of the XLFORUM ((https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change?​t=1038905)) \\
  
 Parts: \\ Parts: \\
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   * 1/2" X 2 1/2" bolts and nuts.   * 1/2" X 2 1/2" bolts and nuts.
   * 1/2" washers.   * 1/2" washers.
-  * 2 shelf straps to act as levers. \\ Any flat metal that is strong enough to overcome the pressure needed to compress the shock will be fine. \\ You'll just have to drill it for the bolts. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​ http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905&​page=8))+  * 2 shelf straps to act as levers. \\ Any flat metal that is strong enough to overcome the pressure needed to compress the shock will be fine. \\ You'll just have to drill it for the bolts. ((Gcram399 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change/​page8?​t=1038905&​page=8))
   * A piece of 3/4" plywood. ​   * A piece of 3/4" plywood. ​
  
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 ===== Using a MixMizer ===== ===== Using a MixMizer =====
-Article and pics by joesporty of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\+Article and pics by joesporty of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​110656-rk-air-shock-hydraulic-fluid-change/​page3?​t=1038905&​page=3)) \\
  
 This compression tool is made similar to the one above. \\ This compression tool is made similar to the one above. \\
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 Draw two more ounces of oil into the syringe and repeat until you've added 10 oz. \\ Draw two more ounces of oil into the syringe and repeat until you've added 10 oz. \\
 Slowly cycle each shock after the oil is in to work it into the damper and help work out any air. \\ Slowly cycle each shock after the oil is in to work it into the damper and help work out any air. \\
-Another reason to do this is to ensure that 10oz wasn't too much and that it wasn't going to come shooting back out of the shock. \\ ((photos by Otter of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\+Another reason to do this is to ensure that 10oz wasn't too much and that it wasn't going to come shooting back out of the shock. \\ ((photos by Otter of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-suspension-frame-forks-handlebars-fuel-tank-oil-tank-fenders/​145177-sg-shocks-on-the-way/​page2?​t=1575636&​page=2)) \\
  
 |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rk_shock_fluid_change_1_by_otter.jpg?​direct&​150|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rk_shock_fluid_change_2_by_otter.jpg?​direct&​185|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rk_shock_fluid_change_1_by_otter.jpg?​direct&​150|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​rk_shock_fluid_change_2_by_otter.jpg?​direct&​185|}}|