GL1500 air shock

[zubby]

Has anyone ever installed a new oil seal on the right rear air shock on an ' 89 GL 1500 ? Do U need a special tool ? And do U put the fluid in before the seal or thru the little air supply hole after the seal ? Thanks in advance !!!!

[tmilam]

Never replaced a seal. I have always installed dual air shocks from Progressive. Much better ride than stock.

[detdrbuzzard]

i'm installing the progressive later today

[Waterfreak66]

I just replaced mine a couple of weeks ago on my '88. You can refill either before putting the new seal on or through the hole after installing the new seal. If you use the hole, you have to suck it in using a length of hose and something to secure the hose to the hole. I put the fluid in before replacing the seal, using a rubber plug to plug the hole to keep the new fluid from leaking out. If your retaining ring is anything like mine, you are going to want to order a new one of those as well as the oil seal. I also had to replace the ring between the seal and the circle clip as mine was broken when it came out. I think it's called the back up ring. I ordered the seal, circle clip and back up ring from the dealer and ordered a bottle Bel Ray 15W racing shock oil from the Kawasaki dealer (the Honda dealer would only order me some 15W shock oil if I ordered a whole case). The job didn't require any special tools, but getting the circle clip out can be a bit of a pain. I had to use a strong pick and a needle nose vise grip to get it out and it was mangled by the time I did. Luckily I didn't score the surface of the inner shock shaft in the process (or the new seal would surely leak). After you remove the circle clip, to get the seal out you just blow some air with a air compressor into the shock through the hole until the seal pops out. Wrap a towel around the whole thing when you do because fluid is going to spray out all over when the seal comes out under pressure.

[ewilberg]

Has anyone ever installed a new oil seal on the right rear air shock on an ' 89 GL 1500 ? Do U need a special tool ? And do U put the fluid in before the seal or thru the little air supply hole after the seal ? Thanks in advance !!!!