Rear Girling Shocks

Chaps, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that my rear shocks are dry or nearly dry. They're starting to squeak now (after 300 miles since the rebuild). It's fair to say that there didn't appear to be alot of damping before I assembled the units and put them on the bike. Anyway, getting to the point, has anyone successfully carried out a DIY refillling exercise on a Girling shock? (Falcon 81 in this case). A google search has suggested a couple of methods but maybe someone on here has a different way. I don't want to buy replacements as, for one, they're black and mine are obviously green, and secondly, the replicas are not exact copies. I suppose if they are dry I've nothing to lose (literally). Of course if they're not...

Steve.

You can pay good money for these but I managed to find a new pair for just over £40.00 at Stafford show 2 years ago so if you can get them for that its not worth messing. If these are like mine they are not supposed to be refilled as if they have lost the charge thay are buggered..


Ken

I see your point Ken. The suggestion (via google) was that you refill with a thicker oil with an additive to keep the seals supple. I might try stripping them down to see if the squeak is just the spring against the inside of the shrouds, or the shrouds against each other. I'm not aware of any damping issues on the move so if I can quieten them down I might be able to live with it.

While I'm on, I had a bit of a scare today reminiscient of my nipping up problem. Cruising home from work at about 50 ish suddenly all power was lost. My heart stopped momentarily as I recalled the earlier trouble. After a couple of seconds I realised the engine was still running (just about). Twisting the throttle didn't seem to do alot. I had a quick peer at the engine (as you do whilst trying to avoid rolling to a certain stop). Aha, the bloody slide on the air filter vibrated its way closed. A quick fumble with the left hand and were back in business, down into 2nd and away we go. It took all of 10 seconds....longest 10 seconds of my life as i pictured the engine in bits again.

Steve.

Pleased the engine was ok. If you going to fill these you will need to dril them as I dont think there are any plugs. Then you need to know just how much and of what to put in.

Ken