spridgets
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Shock filling

To: Lancer7676@aol.com, Jeff Boatright <jboatri@emory.edu>
Subject: Shock filling
From: Peter C <nosimport@mailbag.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1998 16:51:04 -0800
Cc: spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Reply-to: Peter C <nosimport@mailbag.com>
Sender: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Listers,
        Several questions regarding filling of shox. First point; the shox are
meant to be completely full of oil save a small pocket of air at the
highest point. If you are topping up, then squirting a suitable oil into
the filler plug (small one) with an oil can does great. As the shox sit on
the car (if you can get access) will be fine, no jacking or removing or
bleeding necessary. If they have gotten empty, then it is best to remove
them and do the work on the bench as you don't want to trap any air in the
valving (big nut). As follows: Fronts... remove the valve and the
springs... they wont fly out, but note the order. Then remove the small nut
(filler) and fill with oil through the small hole as best you can NOT
moving the arm and having the shock sitting flat on the bench. Be patient
as there are only 2 little holes that allow the oil from the filler into
the body. (It is easier to remove the 6 screws and take the lid off and
fill it with the shock turned uprite, but you risk future leaks from that
gasket.) With the shock laying flat on the bench (as it does on the car),
clamp it so you can swing the arm fully. Now pour oil into the valve hole
and when full SLOWLY move the arm in one direction whilst continuing to
fill the valve hole, then move the arm the other way and keep pouring in
oil. Repeat slowly until there are no more bubbles and the hole is full.
Now insert the valve stuff  that you've cleaned, (let the excess oil run
out) and tighten the nut. The shock should be full of oil except for that
little turret bit where the filler is. That is the air pocket for expansion.
        The rear works the same, just the clamping can be a little bit trickier.
Just remember, air rises so whatever your filling should be the highest
point. 1/4 eliptic folks have the filler on the lid and CAN overfill.
Semi-eliptoids have the filler on the body to allow for the air pocket.
        Sorry if this is too much, but I want to be clear about something I can
now do in my sleep (and have done)
        One more thing, if when you've got them all bled out and closed up but 
you
can't move the arm, then you've still got air. Fluid pressure is required
to open the valve, air can't and so it (locks up)
Good Luck    Peter C
        
Peter Caldwell
1 very rough Innocenti
(the Sprite with an accent)
among other LBCs and 4WDBCs
Contact for: The Columbia County Bonspiel
        Curling on 13 sheets @ 5 clubs in WI
        Feb 5 - 7 1999

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