Rear shocks

[BigDaddy12t]

Ok, need some help on the rear shock. I have one that the rubber boot is completely ripped apart, and the rear suspension wont hold air. I pumped it up before I left work, drove 30 miles, let it sit for half hour, and it was down to one bar on the gauge. Also there is a fluid leak in the back, and it looks like it is coming from the shock. Will replacing the shock solve all of these problems? And if so, does anyone have a step by step on how to replace it? I dont know much about these bikes, but its time I try to tackle something on them.

[neoracer]

the shock seals can be replaced which will stop the leaking but if the shocks have alot of miles then the best remedy is to replace the springs too,the seals are an easy replacement,the springs a little harder,best pictorial on seal and spring replacement is here:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=14189&forum_id=1&highlight=gl1200+shocks">http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/vie ... 200+shocks</a><!-- m -->

for a bolt on replacement,progressive suspension has new units available and is a good value at about an average of $325

[Burnout]

If your gonna keep the bike for a while and want an improved ride and better handling, get the Progressives. Vast improvement !

[SIR tricky]

Yes Progressives front and rear
They are old...... 25 years thereabouts
Did you get 25 years out of your car suspension?

[BigDaddy12t]

Thanks guys! If I were to replace the bad shock with progressive shock, do I just replace the one side, or should I do both sides on the back.

[neoracer]

you have to replace both shocks on the progressives,they require a different air hookup kit that adapts to their airline setup

[BigDaddy12t]

the shock seals can be replaced which will stop the leaking but if the shocks have alot of miles then the best remedy is to replace the springs too,the seals are an easy replacement,the springs a little harder,best pictorial on seal and spring replacement is here:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=14189&forum_id=1&highlight=gl1200+shocks">http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/vie ... 200+shocks</a><!-- m -->

for a bolt on replacement,progressive suspension has new units available and is a good value at about an average of $325

The bike has about 55,000 on it. Will replacing the seals fix both the fluid leak and the air leak?

[Siberiancat]

yes the shocks chamber the air in the same place as the fluid

[admin]

Ok, need some help on the rear shock. I have one that the rubber boot is completely ripped apart, and the rear suspension wont hold air. I pumped it up before I left work, drove 30 miles, let it sit for half hour, and it was down to one bar on the gauge. Also there is a fluid leak in the back, and it looks like it is coming from the shock. Will replacing the shock solve all of these problems? And if so, does anyone have a step by step on how to replace it? I dont know much about these bikes, but its time I try to tackle something on them.

At the shocks is not the only place the air can leak out. The air lines, fittings and the valve at the switch can all leak. The easiest way to check all this is to pump up the air pressure, use water and liquid soap in a spray bottle on the entire system and watch for bubbles. If the shocks are leaking I recommend a change up to Progressives because they make a fantastic difference on the GL1200.