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[jcraig147]

Are my shocks defective.  Will slowly bleed out air (50psi to 36 psi) within a couple of days time?

Joe

[Fired00d]

Never known a pair of OEM air shocks that didn't leak down... are yours defective?? My guess if you were to try to make a warranty claim on them you would be told "that is normal" and that's why "we" sell an air pump so you can inflate them. You could check all the connections with some soapy water to see if you have any leaks which might be your problem.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Midnight Rider]

That's not terrible air loss/pressure change given that the shocks hold a very small amount of air under a relatively high pressure.  By having such a small volume of air, the ambient air temps can also cause some pressure change.  It's pretty easy to check for air leaks at the fill valve and tubing connections...just use some gas leak detector solution (very soapy water) and apply to the connection points to see if air bubbles show up...if all that checks out, then the only thing left to do is take off each shock and submerge it in a bucket of water with the air line attached and see if any bubbles rise from the shock itself.

The HD "Air" shocks leave a LOT to be desired in every respect...they are one of the first things I changed on my bike.  There are 100% better alternatives for rear suspension.  In the long run, you'd be better off to change to a different shock, IMO.

[grc]

Are my shocks defective.  Will slowly bleed out air (50psi to 36 psi) within a couple of days time?

Joe

Can't say whether H-D would call that defective, but I certainly would.  All I can tell you is that mine never lost more than 5-10 psi over the entire winter storage period, and maybe 5 psi a month max during riding season. 

Often the leaks aren't in the actual shocks, but instead are in the fittings and lines.  Do the test Fired00d mentioned on all the fittings; if you find a leak you can remove the line from the fitting and carefully trim the end of the line with a razor blade (must be a square and clean cut), then reinstall the line and retest.  Don't forget to check the schrader valve also, as those can also leak.  If you find a leak at the valve, tighten the core or replace it, you can buy replacements and the wrench at any auto supply store.

btw, what are you using to check the pressure?  The shocks are a low volume system, so any air lost while you're removing the gauge from the fitting can really affect the reading.  Check the pressure several times in a row and see if you get a noticeable and significant drop each time.  I recommend the hand pump and gauge Harley sells, it has a double seal where it screws onto the schrader valve to reduce pressure loss when you remove the fitting.


Jerry

[jcraig147]

Can't say whether H-D would call that defective, but I certainly would.  All I can tell you is that mine never lost more than 5-10 psi over the entire winter storage period, and maybe 5 psi a month max during riding season. 

Often the leaks aren't in the actual shocks, but instead are in the fittings and lines.  Do the test Fired00d mentioned on all the fittings; if you find a leak you can remove the line from the fitting and carefully trim the end of the line with a razor blade (must be a square and clean cut), then reinstall the line and retest.  Don't forget to check the schrader valve also, as those can also leak.  If you find a leak at the valve, tighten the core or replace it, you can buy replacements and the wrench at any auto supply store.

btw, what are you using to check the pressure?  The shocks are a low volume system, so any air lost while you're removing the gauge from the fitting can really affect the reading.  Check the pressure several times in a row and see if you get a noticeable and significant drop each time.  I recommend the hand pump and gauge Harley sells, it has a double seal where it screws onto the schrader valve to reduce pressure loss when you remove the fitting.


Jerry

Thanks all for the input.  I am using the Harley pump and guage to fill them up.  Guess now, I need to research the threads on suspension replacements.

 

Joe

[OBB]

I addressed this same concern when I took mine if for it's 5k service. I was told that MoCo's acceptable loss is 5-7 lbs PER DAY

[Big Dog]

I fixed my air shock leak, replaced them with 13" WORKS Performance shocks, don't have to worry no more.

[ultrafxr]

I addressed this same concern when I took mine if for it's 5k service. I was told that MoCo's acceptable loss is 5-7 lbs PER DAY

They probably updated that spec about the time they did the crank runout, lol.   

[ltank]

I have Chromed Progressive 416 that are 12.5" long. They bleed down after a week, A couple of strokes of the hand pump and it OK for an other week. I could have sent them to progressive  but I would be unable to ride it during that time so I live with it. I checked the lines and fitting but it is so small and slow it does not show up. I put a guage up by the handle bar to monitor the pressure. Alot of people mistake it for a oil pressure guage.
Ltank

[Eagle Eye]

Can't say whether H-D would call that defective, but I certainly would.  All I can tell you is that mine never lost more than 5-10 psi over the entire winter storage period, and maybe 5 psi a month max during riding season. 

Jerry

X2  Same here...

[clegg]

My 2000 SERG will go all through winter storage without any loss, front or rear. Amazing actually..... (I even let the air out to make sure it was in there because I could not believe it...)

[Rooster]

They probably updated that spec about the time they did the crank runout, lol.   

Good one Jerry, I was thinking the same thing