need help with my shocks

[armyguy41]

Hello everyone. I need some help if possible. I have a 2004 Roadking, Police edition. I have the factory rear airshocks on it. I was removing the rear shocks last week so I could paint them to match my bike. I lost some oil out of one of them, so I need to know how much oil to put back in. I don't know how much I lost, so I am going to have to dump all the fluid out and then replace it with the correct amount.

Question 1- how much oil goes iside the rear airshock?

Question 2- What type and viscosity of oil do I use to replace the fluid inside the shock?

I appreciate any help at all. Thank you sincerely.

[shovelmike]

Welcome to the forum, Armyguy41. I will see if I can be of assistance. I have an "02 Ultra equipped with air shocks. I checked my manual and it gave no information regarding the oil capacity of the shock.
The best remedy I can come up with is to pour the oil out of the shock from which you lost none. Carefully measure how many ounces you have and go by that for capacity. Make a crude viscometer by punching or drilling a small hole in a plastic cup or similar container. Measure out a few ounces of the oil and time how long it takes for it to run out. Get a variety of fork oils, automatic trans. fluid etc. and see which is the closest match in viscosity. Either the ATF or fork oil, or hydraulic jack oil for that matter will do fine.
As a side note, if you have any tears in the boot I know of a guy who used a CV boot he picked up at an auto parts store. I hope this helps, and thanks for your military service. Ride safe and God bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

[ssc89]

Man, that was a good answer!

[armyguy41]

Your answer is greatly appreciated friend. I called a buddy today and he told me that Harley used the same oil in the front forks, so that is what I will use. I am in Germany and all Harley fluids are at an absolute premium, you gotta pay to play over here.

Thanks for the viscosity tip. I will remember that trick for future use as well.