NITROGEN SHOCK RECHARGING SETUP

[GOT WOODS?]

Anybody out there do their own shock recharging? I want to rebuild my own shocks this year on my bike and my snowmobile and I really hate sending things out to get things done when I could do it myself. I don't mind spending money on tools either as this certainly is not going to be the last time I'll be rebuilding my shocks or working on tuning them. Anyone know of any good kits out there or have a list of tools I'd need? Also any pitfalls I need to be aware of? Thanks!

[Chuck78]

To get it done really well on many shock models requires a vacuum pump and bleeding setup to bleed it quickly and fully, but it's not mandatory the majority of the time. A hand operated vacuum pump and a DIY adapter can do similar.

A basic nitrogen charging setup with a no loss type air chuck can be bought fairly affordably, and on KYB shocks with a bleed port on top, it's really pretty easy to purge all air out of the oil, so the nitrogen fill / regulator setup plus a small nitrogen tank is all you really must have.

Something like these with a no loss chuck is what you need, plus a small nitrogen tank (welding supply store) and regulator.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196543676309

https://www.ebay.com/itm/167701426648

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165378066486

I have almost the same setup here (1st link), and a hand operated MityVac Silverline Elite vacuum pump. I've thought about making a pro bleeder setup using my HVAC vacuum pump, but like I said, especially with the KYB shocks with a bleed port like the '95+ KDX's, a vacuum pump is not required.



I believe @KDXGarage has quite a bit of shock rebuilding experience and could add some more to this conversation as well.

[KDXGarage]

SAFETY GLASSES AND AN APRON!!

WEAR AN OLD SHIRT!!

I had oil in my eye working on a YZ250 shock, even wearing glasses. Consider a shield.

I don't know how oil always seems to get on my shirts. I threw several away.

I bought and assembled mine in 2005, so I am not sure what it would cost now or if the same parts are sold.

I got a tank and regulator from a local AirGas. I got a Race Tech nitrogen chuck. I got a local shop to make me a custom hose. I guess my tank is about a 4 liter or 5 liter??

One extra I bought a few years ago, but have not used yet, is the DRC cup. KYB sells them in Europe for big money. It is like what is shown in the manuals. It is a bleed cup.

I have Race Tech seal bullets, seal head push down tool, bladder cap pullers, shock bushing drivers and pick tool. They make great tools.

Read up on drilling out the peens on a KDX shock. I think I wrote it out years ago.

You have to use a lossless chuck.