M1842 Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 I removed the square heard bolt from the top of the shock absorber body and peered inside with a flashlight. I could see no oil so I bought some hydraulic jack fluid in a bottle with a thin pouring top. I couldn't get the oil to flow in, surface tension seemed to block the new oil and I know I didn't have anywhere for the displaced air to go. I could use some hints on how to do this . Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 I got an oil can, the old fashioned metal type with a squeeze handle with a tip on the spout small enough to go into the filler hole on my Delco-Lovejoy lever arm shocks. If the spout is flexible that is a plus. Something like this or this. I bought a new oil can and put a label on it, dedicating it to jack/shock oil. Anyway, pour the jack fluid into the oil can then pump the oil into the jack filler hole. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 5 minutes ago, ply33 said: I got an oil can, the old fashioned metal type with a squeeze handle with a tip on the spout small enough to go into the filler hole on my Delco-Lovejoy lever arm shocks. If the spout is flexible that is a plus. Something like this or this. I bought a new oil can and put a label on it, dedicating it to jack/shock oil. Anyway, pour the jack fluid into the oil can then pump the oil into the jack filler hole. For well-depleted shocks: Once each shock is full, screw plug in loosely, then drive around the block slowly to let trapped air burp past the threads, then refill, drive around the block one more time, refill and secure the plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJohn55 Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 (edited) 35 minutes ago, Grimy said: For well-depleted shocks: Once each shock is full, screw plug in loosely, then drive around the block slowly to let trapped air burp past the threads, then refill, drive around the block one more time, refill and secure the plugs. No: According to the shop manual, fill to within 1/2"-23/32" below the fill opening. This is necessary to leave some air space for expansion of fluid when hot otherwise fluid may be forced out. You will have to fashion a dipstick to dip and measure. Edited March 17, 2021 by TexasJohn55 (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 (edited) I use a squeeze trigger oil can for lever shocks as well. I like to disconnect the link at the end of the arm and pump them by hand. I avoid pulling the limit in either way. 25-75% of the range works well. You can feel the resistance build. If you see a little leakage at the the body sometimes wrapping the shaft with cotton string will help stop the gushers. Edited March 17, 2021 by 60FlatTop (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packick Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 For a dip stick, I took a Q-tip, cut off one of the cotton ends, measured 1/2"-23/32" from the cut off end and put a mark it there. Then I dipped the cut end into the fill hole only as far as the mark I made. If there is a trace of oil on the tip, you are good to go. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted March 18, 2021 Author Share Posted March 18, 2021 Thanks guys. I will try the dip stick to see where the oil comes to. Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MStuartk Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 I am preparing to check and refill the lever shocks on my 55 special tomorrow, so all of this information is golden for me. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Century Eight Posted May 31 Share Posted May 31 I have previously used flexible tubing or a bendable straw to get oil from the bottle into the oil hole on the shock. Only problem is if the shocks are dry, they are probably ready for a rebuild. So the exact oil level is a moot point when it is running out somewhere. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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