refillling knee action shocks

Clem Clement

Clem Clement

Well-known member
Whatta you guys use to add fluid to shocks? I have some where the filler hole is just barely above horizonal. I'm thinking eyedropper or small squeeze bottle. The wire trick won't work.

Also to some shocks need to be burped?
clem
 
I use an oil can, take off the small nozzel, pump it in.

If they got so low that the inside chamber has air drive some and check after sitting for several hours.
 
Is there someone in the know with an example that could do a tech article on this procedure for us all to reference??? Regards JG
 
I remove them and clamp them in a vise,remove cap and work the arm as I am adding fluid.Tried doing them on the car and that was a pain besides painful on the back and knees.Easier to stand up.
 
I ask in part because I faithfully charge my shocks. I've removed the shocks from my 39 and find 2 of the empty. They don't show leakage. I'm guessing they formed a bubble inthe entranceway and did not let more new fluid in.

Tellin a dumb story on me, on my 29 Pickup I faithfuly checked shocks and always complained about the hard ride. Just befroe deciding to remove some spring leaves, I did a final check. I figured out I always checked the same shock. The other 3 were solid.

clem
 
Mine had fluid but no resistance.Removed them,emptied them and used a mixture of 60% jack fluid and 40% STP. They don't leak and have a nice firm ride. I don't know how long they'll last but so far about 100 miles and they're still good.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. As I have my shocks off the 39 peeekup, I filled two on the bench. Meaning I checked, then added some fluid and then checked again so then were full to the level of the filler hole when the shock is installed. I did not drain out the old fluid. Should I have?

I think the suggestion to have a small oil can filled with shock absorber fluid is the right answer. Something with a snout that goes into the filler hole past the lip where the bubble forms. Then fill until the fluid just starts to run out of the filler hole.

BTW, what is shock absorber fluid?
clem
 
Clem, I have filled many of them with 90 wt and not had a problem.
They all need to be pumped when filling to get oil to inner chambers.
 
Clem Clement said:
Thanks for the suggestions. As I have my shocks off the 39 peeekup, I filled two on the bench. Meaning I checked, then added some fluid and then checked again so then were full to the level of the filler hole when the shock is installed. I did not drain out the old fluid. Should I have?

I think the suggestion to have a small oil can filled with shock absorber fluid is the right answer. Something with a snout that goes into the filler hole past the lip where the bubble forms. Then fill until the fluid just starts to run out of the filler hole. clem
Click to expand...

BTW, what is shock absorber fluid?
Look in the front of the green book (28-48 parts book) where the body polish, etc is and you will see 8A-19541-A shock absorber fluid (M-4633-C). It is castor oil and it does not mix with motor oil.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top