How to Adjust Air Shocks

Air shocks can be found on everything from trucks to bicycles. Air shocks are one of the best suspension methods because they adjust easily. The ride is controlled by air pressure. Most air shocks consist of an air chamber and spring inside a cylinder, but some air shocks or "overload shocks" found on a truck's rear suspension have only a thick rubber chamber. The versatility of air shocks makes them easy to adjust.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Air compressor
  • Air nozzle
  • Valve stem adapter
  • Frame pump
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Trucks

    • 1

      Kneel down behind the truck's rear bumper if the truck is equipped with air overload shocks. Beneath the tailgate, just above the bumper, there is an air valve stem. It is exactly like the valve stem on the truck's tires. The valve stem connects to tubes that connect to the shocks.

    • 2

      Place a tire gauge on the stem and check the pressure. If it is lower than 35 pounds, you need to add air. Turn on the air compressor and place the air nozzle on the valve stem just like you would when inflating a tire. Add a small amount of air to the shocks.

    • 3

      Check the pressure, which should be between 35 and 75 pounds. Take the truck for a ride, hit some bumps and evaluate how you want the truck to ride. Regulate the ride by adding or releasing some air. You release air exactly like you would on a tire, by inserting the tip of a small screwdriver into the valve to compress the small pin that releases the air.

    Bicycles

    • 4

      Pop the cap off the air valve on the top, or side, of the shock. If you can't find the air valve, unscrew the top of the shock. Looking straight down there will be a threaded insert. Using the adapter that came with the bike, screw it down into the threads.

    • 5

      Put the tire gauge on the valve stem, or adapter. If the gauge reads less than 50 pounds, you need to add air.

    • 6

      Place the nozzle of your bike's frame pump onto the stem or adapter and pump it by hand to add air. Add a little at a time, but do not exceed 100 pounds. Take the bike for a ride. Evaluate and regulate the ride by adding or releasing air. Insert a small screwdriver into the valve and compress the small pin to release air.