Rear Shock Oil Replacement

[ndbigfish]

Somewhere in the WWW I saw an article on how to change the oil in the stock Nomad Showa shocks. Now I can't find it. I thought it was on Gadget's site, but I can't find it. It involved using three hose clamps to collapse the springs, remove the clip and draining the oil. I can't remember how much oil went back in the shock. Anybody seen this and if so where is it?

[ringadingh]

I remember seeing it also a long time ago, As for the amount of oil I think its around 3 ounces or so.

[sharps45100]

i think this is it
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gw_shockfill.htm

[ve3hzz]

Originally Posted by sharps45100

i think this is it
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gw_shockfill.htm

That's it. I did mine last spring. Worked out quite well actually. I used 20w fork oil. I'd make sure you wear old cloths when doing the removal of the old oil. Also get the syringe they sell in the auto section of most stores (even Walmart has them) that are for mixing gas/oil and a piece of clear tubing when putting in the fresh fluid. Also when putting in the fresh fluid have it completely collapsed and slowly extend it as you push in the fresh fluid using the syringe. Any other questions after reading the how to on the link just ask, if I can remember ::)

Scott

[ndbigfish]

Thanks for the link.

Scott,
What do you think of the ride and performance after changing the oil? I seem to "bottom" out really easy when riding 2-up and I'm looking to improve this. May have to go to a set of Progressive 416s.

[ve3hzz]

Originally Posted by ndbigfish

Thanks for the link.

Scott,
What do you think of the ride and performance after changing the oil? I seem to "bottom" out really easy when riding 2-up and I'm looking to improve this. May have to go to a set of Progressive 416s.

Well the oil helps with rebound and dampening when you also have them aired up. Before I changed they seems to be a bit soft as some times even with what should have been enough air they were spongy, and would bottom on even the little pot holes. After I changed to the 20wt fork oil and resealed the valve stem and new cores and aired up to the proper amount, they do go over much bigger bumps without bottoming out and the ones they do it's not as pronounced as it was. Also due to that (and a new rear tire) there is less wallow in corners as there once was. Seems more planted, and I've had the air balance from Progressive for years so know it had to be the oil recharge that is the difference. As for new shocks, yes I think a new set would help but of course they should. I however with this think I've extended the useful life of these shocks for maybe a few years so to me it was worth the small investment in my time. I still like air shocks, but without an air balance not sure I'd go that route if non available. Heard some good things about the 416's so maybe in future may opt for a set? A few more mods to do on this one, but right now concentrating on my new throttle (HC PRO) and my fuel processor (finally it arrived) and see how that goes. So it's kinda maybe a plan for NEXT winter.....all depends on my MOD FUND and what I do with that (or can get away with...LOL)

All in all I think it's worth trying. What do you have to loose if it doesn't solve the problem your out a few $ for some oil and a few hours of your time on a rainy afternoon!!! WIN WIN to me!!!

Just my .02 on this "fix"


Scott

[asterix]

Hey all, i am looking at doing this change this winter. Even with me and 35 lbs of air, the motorcycle bottoms out with just me. I remember reading about a bladder in these shocks, do the oil and air both sit inside the bladder or after removing the valve is there something i have to move out of the way.

I would love to upgrade to progressives but 500 is a lot of cheddar...

Also any other tips for doing the oil exchange or lessons learned would be great.

[ringadingh]

I beleive the oil and air sit together since the valve is the only way to add either.

[asterix]

ok thanks, i just don't want to really screw my stuff up. I'm really good mechanically but i have learned that motorcycles are not for mechanically inclined but those touched by god to have it work right the first time.

[pooker]

What year is this rebuild for?
Mine is a 2008 and my shocks look different than the ones on Gadgets page.
Thanks

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by pooker

What year is this rebuild for?
Mine is a 2008 and my shocks look different than the ones on Gadgets page.
Thanks

I think gadget's bike was a 1500 that's why the shocks look different on the outside.

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by ringadingh

I beleive the oil and air sit together since the valve is the only way to add either.

The gif image on gadgets page shows the air and oil chambers are separate.

Check it out.

[ringadingh]

Perhaps they are, but to replace the oil you put it in the same valve as the air. Perhaps the shocks are already leaking oil because of a bad oil resevoir and that method is to make them still usable if you don't want to replace them right away. Ive never had oil come out of the air valve, but others have in the past.

[ndbigfish]

Update: I skipped the oil change and put Progressive 416s on the back.........Woa its a different machine. Truly a night and day difference, just ask the pillion.

[rewindgy]

Best way to change oil on Nomad stock shock it tho throw away and buy a set of Progressive's! Just my humble opinion!