Home built shock oil vacuum tool

[aklindeman]

I just couldn't bring myself to drop $100 on a tool to vacuum out the air bubbles from shocks.

So, I grabbed a collection of hardware from the garage, a jar from the kitchen. Then bought a $15 jar pump and a few bucks for some plastic disks that fit inside the jar. A little drilling, and it's good to go!

 

[Hammer Down]

 

[RustyUs]

 

[WickedFog]

I just couldn't bring myself to drop $100 on a tool to vacuum out the air bubbles from shocks.

So, I grabbed a collection of hardware from the garage, a jar from the kitchen. Then bought a $15 jar pump and a few bucks for some plastic disks that fit inside the jar. A little drilling, and it's good to go!

View attachment 241755

Nicely done!

 

[9x19]

Nice cobble!

 

[RetroThutmose]

Oh man, you have inspired me. Been thinking of a cheap way to do this also and just realized I can use the pump for my vacuum sealed storage bags

 

[xjtorc]

I’ve been building shocks for multiple decades and didn’t even know there was a tool to vacuum out air bubbles.

I use the old finger flick on the shock body, then let it sit for a few minutes technique. I’m not really understanding how introducing air to a system you’re trying to remove air from would work. Can someone enlighten?

 

[WickedFog]

I’ve been building shocks for multiple decades and didn’t even know there was a tool to vacuum out air bubbles.

I use the old finger flick on the shock body, then let it sit for a few minutes technique. I’m not really understanding how introducing air to a system you’re trying to remove air from would work. Can someone enlighten?

Putting the shock in a vacuum chamber will create a low pressure zone outside the shock. Imagine opening a soda bottle. The soda is under higher pressure before you crack the cap open. The outside air is a lower pressure. You are recreating that environment. High pressure travels toward the low pressure. It's exactly the same with weather.

 

[xjtorc]

Putting the shock in a vacuum chamber will create a low pressure zone outside the shock. Imagine opening a soda bottle. The soda is under higher pressure before you crack the cap open. The outside air is a lower pressure. You are recreating that environment. High pressure travels toward the low pressure. It's exactly the same with weather.
View attachment 241998

Ohhhhhhhh the whole shock goes in a chamber. Makes sense.

Still too much work.

 

[WickedFog]

Ohhhhhhhh the whole shock goes in a chamber. Makes sense.

Still too much work.

You could modify a shock cap with a vacuum port in it and do them individually. But I'm with ya. When I am building shocks, there is always something else I can do while I wait for the bubbles to clear out.

Now for large scale and heavier fluids, it would likely be a godsend to have a vacuum chamber

 

[9x19]

You could modify a shock cap with a vacuum port in it and do them individually. But I'm with ya. When I am building shocks, there is always something else I can do while I wait for the bubbles to clear out.

Now for large scale and heavier fluids, it would likely be a godsend to have a vacuum chamber

I can see its utility for a racer wanting to change oil weights between heats, where time might be short.

For me, not so much. The OP's solution is priced right, but it would be one more thing I'd have to find a place to store.

 

[RustyUs]

I just couldn't bring myself to drop $100 on a tool to vacuum out the air bubbles from shocks.

So, I grabbed a collection of hardware from the garage, a jar from the kitchen. Then bought a $15 jar pump and a few bucks for some plastic disks that fit inside the jar. A little drilling, and it's good to go!

View attachment 241755

Just curious... you building bladder style shocks?

 

[aklindeman]

Some, yes. I do think the modern shocks with bleed screws are a huge improvement over the old style.

 

[WickedFog]

Some, yes. I do think the modern shocks with bleed screws are a huge improvement over the old style.

Not sure I would say they are an improvement. Just a different type of shock. They each have their pros and cons for different uses. The emulsion shocks are little harder to maintain and setup. They have a firmer feel too than bladder shocks.

 

[RetroThutmose]

Not sure I would say they are an improvement. Just a different type of shock. They each have their pros and cons for different uses. The emulsion shocks are little harder to maintain and setup. They have a firmer feel too than bladder shocks.

I agree. Bladder shocks are easier to set rebound if you want it.