fork air pressure

[ride_my_harley]

I was checking the air pressure for my forks on my 2000 FLHT. The pressure was 0 so I started to add air. It wouldn't take air so I checked the valve stem and oil started to come out . What is the problem?

[longshooter]

Chances are whatever you're using to add air is not depressing the valve core enough. After trying a number of air chucks and adapters, I finally broke down and bought the H-D shock air pump. No more hassles.

longshooter

[ride_my_harley]

Longshooter,
I was using a new H-D shock air pump and it worked when I checked the rear shocks. Didn't know if I've blown a seal in the forks since oil was coming out the valve core. Should I keep trying to put more air in?

[slypig]

Chances are whatever you're using to add air is not depressing the valve core enough. After trying a number of air chucks and adapters, I finally broke down and bought the H-D shock air pump. No more hassles.

longshooter

. I had the same problem getting a chuck to fit correctly.  However, I did get a small  folding bicycle hand pump with a gage from Walmart that works good. Be aware that to prevent oil loss you should pump a couple of psi into the shocks before letting air out.

Sly

[slypig]

I'm confused.  I'm only aware of air in the rear shocks.

Sly

[ride_my_harley]

Mine is a 2000 FLHT and it has a 2 valve stems on the rear right hand side of my bike one is for the rear shocks and one is for the front forks. They are marked R and F.
 

[slypig]

Ok, sorry. Not familiar with that.  I'm sure someone on the site can help. 

Sly

[smoserx1]

It is normal to get a little oil back purge out of the Schrader valves when connecting a pump to either the front fork or the rear shocks.  A blown front fork seal will not prevent air from getting into the fork, it will just not hold pressure very long, and if the leak gets bad enough (which will occur soon after failure), you will begin to see oil dripping down the fork slider.  I have had it happen to my 99 EG, as well as several Honda MCs I used to own.  Only seal replacement will cure it.

OTOH, if you can't get any air to go in, either the pump is not depressing, the Schrader valve is defective, or the air line is pinched.  I have experienced all three issues.  Remove the valve core (it is the same as one in a tire valve stem) and see if you can get air in with the core removed.  If not you have a pinched line.  if air goes in, replace the core (dirt cheap and available anywhere auto parts are sold).

[harleyjt]

I'm confused.  I'm only aware of air in the rear shocks.

Sly

Prior to 02, the forks took air also.  In 02, the world changed.
jt

[lonegoosehonking]

 I tell ya my 99flhr rides much better than the 04 flht. In my opinion the improvements between those models were a setback. When riding the 04 I un ass the seat on certain bumps on the way to work. If I ride the road king, habit has me unassing the bump and the bike just doesn't jolt much smoother ride.

[kik]

Try using a valve extender. The HD pump may not be depressing the stem far enough. I had the same problem on my 2000 FLHTC and I asked the same question. I don't remember who it was but they suggested the extender and it works fine no more oil leaking when I put air in the front.

[harleyjt]

I tell ya my 99flhr rides much better than the 04 flht. In my opinion the improvements between those models were a setback. When riding the 04 I un ass the seat on certain bumps on the way to work. If I ride the road king, habit has me unassing the bump and the bike just doesn't jolt much smoother ride.

I think the older ones rode better too.  Have considered going back to the earlier internals and adding air several times, but never done it.
jt

[War Horse]

The oil at the schrader is normal, chances are that the oil has been changed in the forks (hopefully) and most use the schrader to pull a vacuum and suck fluid into the forks.

[Jet Jockey]

In my experience if you have the bike on a lift with no weight on the front tire it will not take air.