On my 88LT250...i put a gauge on it, and it read nothing...so i charged it to around 80 psi (as high as the air compresser would go) and it works better...but it takes nitrogen not air...if we get it charged, how much needs to go in it?

 

If its at zero, chnaces are its leaking. I'd get it fixed before you waste your time and money charging it. Just my .02.

 

couldnt it have eventually leaked out after 15 or 16 years of use?? im pretty sure its holding the air in the shock...but if i check it with the gauge, too much leaks out to get an accurrate reading.

 

There is no air in the shock, only oil. The nitrogen stays in the cannister. It is possible that it leaked out after 15 years. Its also possible that it held for 10 and all pissed out after that. Unless you know for sure get it checked before you fill it with nitrogen.

 

hmm...well i didnt know that...but what do i get checked? can i do it myself? i wanna do it myself for one, because i dont have the money to put it in the shop, and two, i like learning things myself. I have never put it in the shop, and dont plan to. If it can be done, please tell me what i need to check.

 

I suppose the easiest way to do it would be to charge the cannister with air (no idea how much because the manual doesnt specify anything about shocks, says they are non serviceable),maybe 30 or 40 lbs would be safe and dunk it in water and leave it under for a moment, if youve got bubbles, youve got leaks. If your convinced its may still be leaking, or the leak is so very slight that you see no bubbles, leave it for a few days and note the EXACT PSI, and if its lower then what you left it at youve got a leak. The water method should show it if its there though, its how we find leaks in tires at work. As for servicing it, youd need to know where to get parts for the shock, as they are not available from Suzuki. I believe the shocks are Showa. Not 100% on that. Otherwise good luck to you, glad to hear your a do it yourselfer. A job well done makes one feel good.

Rodney

 

In my rear shock, I put 125lbs of air in and it works great. As a kid, I accidently let all the nitrogen out, but air has been a great substitute. Chemicly speaking, Air is 80% Nitrogen.

 

The moisture in your compressed air is the killer. Thats why they use nitrogen. If you have a REALLY good air dryer, go right ahead and use air, I mean its free right?