confusion about shocks

patrick17745 · 05-09-2009

I am trying to set the shocks on my 99 Nomad. Going by the book they say not to use more than 71 psi or you could damage the seals. I set the regulator on my compressor for 65psi pumped them up then when I checked the shocks they only had 40 psi in them. Then I set for 71psi and still only showed 40psi.

What gives? Is there something I am missing here? Is there a trick to air them? Should my passenger be on when I air them?

Thanks

Guido · 05-09-2009

I'm guessing that you are losing air when you you remove the fill hose, and when you check them with a gauge. These air bladders are very small, so the air lose when checking the pressure can be a lot. You should look into getting a zero loss pump from Progressive. It has a gauge mounted on it and works like a bicycle pump. Also check out Gadget's main site for more info on other things. Lot's of good stuff!

FAQ's

Progressive Suspension Gauge Mounted Air Pump - Motorcycle Air Pumps - CBXManMotorcycles.com

They may be cheaper somewhere else, but this gives you an idea of what your looking for.

streak07 · 05-09-2009

Supposed to use a zero loss pump. You'll never get it set or even between the sides with a standard compressor. You're also very likely to destroy them due to the pressures the compressors use.

patrick17745 · 05-10-2009

Thanks I'll look into a zero loss pump.

I just figured if I set the regulator on the compressor to 60psi it would only let 60psi into the shocks.

05-09-2009	#1 (permalink)
patrick17745 Patriot Guard Rider BTK Beginner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Posts: 103	confusion about shocks I am trying to set the shocks on my 99 Nomad. Going by the book they say not to use more than 71 psi or you could damage the seals. I set the regulator on my compressor for 65psi pumped them up then when I checked the shocks they only had 40 psi in them. Then I set for 71psi and still only showed 40psi. What gives? Is there something I am missing here? Is there a trick to air them? Should my passenger be on when I air them? Thanks __________________ 1999 Vulcan 1500 Nomad

05-09-2009	#2 (permalink)
Guido Patriot Guard Rider BTK Beginner Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 84	I'm guessing that you are losing air when you you remove the fill hose, and when you check them with a gauge. These air bladders are very small, so the air lose when checking the pressure can be a lot. You should look into getting a zero loss pump from Progressive. It has a gauge mounted on it and works like a bicycle pump. Also check out Gadget's main site for more info on other things. Lot's of good stuff! FAQ's Progressive Suspension Gauge Mounted Air Pump - Motorcycle Air Pumps - CBXManMotorcycles.com They may be cheaper somewhere else, but this gives you an idea of what your looking for. __________________ 06 1500 Classic Anniversary

05-10-2009	#4 (permalink)
patrick17745 Patriot Guard Rider BTK Beginner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Posts: 103	Thanks I'll look into a zero loss pump. I just figured if I set the regulator on the compressor to 60psi it would only let 60psi into the shocks. __________________ 1999 Vulcan 1500 Nomad

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05-09-2009	#3 (permalink)
streak07 wisdom is IQ, not post # BTK Expert Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 655	Supposed to use a zero loss pump. You'll never get it set or even between the sides with a standard compressor. You're also very likely to destroy them due to the pressures the compressors use.

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