Fix It

The simplest job you can do on a Harley is measure the shock absorbers. Depending on the year and model of your motorcycle, replacement shock absorbers can be found in lengths from about 11 inches to about 14 inches. Commonly, aftermarket shocks are sold in pairs that are described either as stock or as some measurement, up to 1 1/2 inches, "under" standard length. Standard length of the shocks on most recent Sportsters, for example, is 13.5 inches. So a 12.5-inch-long Sportster shock absorber would be sold as a "one under." Aftermarket manufacturers do not always agree with Harley-Davidson on how shocks should be measured; this is how Harley says to do it.

Instructions

1




Unload the motorcycle. Unload the saddlebags.

2

Bounce the rear of the motorcycle up and down several times. Ensure the suspension is free and not binding.

3

Measure the distance from the center of the upper shock bolt to the center of the lower shock bolt with a steel ruler.

Some manufacturers insist that shock absorbers should not be disassembled but replaced as whole parts. Other vendors understand that the springs can be taken off. Disassembling shocks beyond that may void your warranty and cause you injury. The procedures and techniques are similar for all motorcycle shocks for all bikes including dirt bikes, sport bikes, touring models and cruisers. In a nutshell, you compress the shock absorber in a mechanical or hydraulic press and free the spring. In the United States, Progressive Suspension makes a mechanical press specifically to accomplish this job.

Instructions

1

Clean the shock absorber to be disassembled with solvent and rags.

2

Place the bottom of the shock absorber on a wooden block in the hydraulic or mechanical press. Ensure the shock is vertical and immobilize the shock.

3

Lower the ram of the mechanical or hydraulic press until it touches the top, or long eye, of the shock absorber. Slowly compress the top of the shock absorber and the shock spring until the shock absorber retainer ring and keeper plate separate.

4

Remove the retaining ring with a mechanics awl. Remove the pressure on the top of the shock and remove the shock from the press.

5

Separate the spring plate from the damper tube.

6

Line the jaws of a bench vise with rags. Clamp the long eye in the vise so the shock is upside down.

7

Loosen the long eye nut with an open-end wrench. Remove the long eye nut and the spring plate.

Rancho Suspension makes a wide variety of different types of shock absorbers, including a model called the Rancho 5000. These shocks are designed for light trucks and SUVs, like the 1998 Toyota pickup. If you own a 1998 Toyota pickup and your rear shocks are worn out, you can replace them with a set of Rancho 5000 shocks. This takes just under an hour to do with a few tools.

Instructions

1

Put a set of wheel chocks around the Toyotas front wheels. Put the jack under the rear axle, and lift up the axle and rear end of the truck until the wheels are off of the ground. Put jack stands underneath the axle, and remove the jack.

2

Remove the bolt and washer connecting the shocks to the axle with an open-end wrench. Remove the bolt and washer connecting the shocks to the frame with an open-end wrench. Slide the shock off of the mounting studs on the frame and the axle with your hands.

3

Slide the Rancho 5000 shocks onto the mounting studs on the frame and axle. Install the bolt and washer on the top of the shock with an open-end wrench. Install the bolt and washer to the bottom of the shock with an open-end wrench.

4

Pick up the axle with the jack and take out the rear jack stands. Lower the jack so the rear wheels are on the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.

Progressive Suspension shock absorbers are adjustable to preset loads and they can also be adjusted to achieve clearances on modified motorcycles that might not be allowed by original equipment manufacturers shocks. Progressive Suspension advises customers to check clearances around the shocks before installing them on any motorcycle. When necessary, the top cover can be removed. Progressive Suspension shocks can be completely disassembled with a spring compressor but the manufacturer does "not recommend" the use of lowering blocks and warns that use of a lowering kit may damage the shock and void the warranty.

Instructions

1

Remove the domed caps on the shocks by pushing the cap from the back, with your fingers, out of the eyelet cover. Reinstall the domed caps, when clearances allow after installing the shocks, by pushing them back into the eyelet covers with your fingers.

2

Rotate the offset lower shock eye in or out with your hands to gain clearance advantages.

3

Remove the upper cover on the Progressive shock by loosening the 2 retaining set screws with a .050" hex key. Further disassembly requires special tools.

4

Adjust the 5-position preload adjuster with a spanner wrench. Engage the wrench tabs into the two opposing holes in the lower chrome cover and squeeze.

5

Rotate the lower chrome cover left to increase spring preload and stiffen the shocks. Turn the wrench and the chrome cover right to decrease spring preload.

The rear shocks on your Dodge Ram can be replaced with KYB shocks. KYB offers shocks that are more durable than the stock units. Shocks should be replaced every 75,000 miles. However, the extra weight while towing in the rear will decrease the life expectancy of the rear shocks. KYB shocks may be purchased online or at any auto parts store. Because there are only two mounting bolts at each shock, installation can be done yourself.

Instructions

1

Locate the spare tire lowering tool under the seat of your vehicle.

2

Insert the end into the rotating socket found between the tailgate and the rear bumper. Rotate the tool until the spare tire is lowered to the ground. Remove the spare tire.

3

Locate the mounting bolts on the shock absorbers. Spray penetrating fluid on the bolt and the nut and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

4

Loosen and remove the bolts with a ratchet and 13/16-inch socket. There is no need to hold the nut on the opposite side with a wrench as it is designed to hold itself by utilizing a tab on the nut. Keep the bolts and nuts for re-installation of the new shocks.

5

Pull the shock from the mounting brackets.

6

Place the KYB shock into the brackets. Install the bolts and thread the nuts on the opposite sides.

7

Tighten the bolts with a 13/16-inch socket and a ratchet.

8

Repeat these steps to the opposite side of the vehicle.

9

Replace the spare tire and rotate the tool to lift it back under the vehicle. Place the tool back under the seat.

Although new to some, the Shimmy Shock has been around for quite some time. Invented by T.W. Koerner and patented in 1933 it made a substantial difference in the comfort and handling of a vehicle. The current design of the Shimmy Shock has changed considerably with improved technology.

The Problem

Cars built before the 1930s were a wonder of invention and a convenience but not without their challenges. One of the problems drivers experienced was a direct translation of the bumps in the road to the driver through the steering wheel. This vibration was fatiguing to the driver as well as hard on the cars steering system.

The Solution

T.W. Koerners invented the Shimmy Shock to eradicate or lessen the shock transmitted to the steering from the ground wheels. The original Shimmy Shock was designed as a rubber cushion inserted into a hub in the rock arm that connected to the rock shaft in the steering linkage. It was secured by a circular flange (large washer) above it and a nut bolting onto the rock shaft that extended through the rocker arm. This required a significant change in the design of the rock arm.

The Solution Today

With this same goal in mind of decreasing vibrations that travel thought the steering system to the driver consequently increasing control, improving safety and easing driver fatigue, todays technology has designed shock absorber called a steering stabilizer, steering damper or sprint damper. It is a hydraulic device mounted to the steering linkage horizontally across the front of the vehicle. When the shock or stabilizer is worn or damaged you experience vibration while steering the vehicle, resulting in greater tire wear.