which way to mount aftermarket shocks?

[Joel The Biker]

After having issues with my Elka shocks(leaking oil and noisey clunking internal valving), I am searching for opinions about which is the best orientation to mount aftermarket shocks. I mounted my Elkas with the spring on the top. Now I am thinking it is better to mount them with the spring on the bottom. Here is my reasoning. With the spring mounted on top, the nitrogen gas will be accumulating near the piston seal, which could dry out while sitting and some nitrogen could leak out. With the shock mounted with the spring on the bottom. The oil will settle near the piston seal and have a lesser chance of leaking. Maybe I am overthinking this. I ordered new shocks and want to prevent the same issues I had with my Elkas.

 

[Bunson]

Elka says it makes no difference. But recommend spring down so you can get to the rebound adjustment easily.

 

[fatboy]

spring up on the m2s

 

[Mikey]

Lamonster has a video of a tech from Elka putting shocks on, and exsplains how to adjust and what not, if your interested!

 

[RayBJ]

Elka shocks have the rebound adjuster at the bottom if you ever want to adjust them after install. Also, better to reduce un-sprung weight to the minimum.

 

[Joel The Biker]

I have mine installed with the rebound adjuster on the top and the schrader valve on the bottom. Springs on top

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

After having issues with my Elka shocks(leaking oil and noisey clunking internal valving), I am searching for opinions about which is the best orientation to mount aftermarket shocks. I mounted my Elkas with the spring on the top. Now I am thinking it is better to mount them with the spring on the bottom. Here is my reasoning. With the spring mounted on top, the nitrogen gas will be accumulating near the piston seal, which could dry out while sitting and some nitrogen could leak out. With the shock mounted with the spring on the bottom. The oil will settle near the piston seal and have a lesser chance of leaking. Maybe I am overthinking this. I ordered new shocks and want to prevent the same issues I had with my Elkas.
View attachment 194809

Back in 09 I thought it didn't matter .... So after reversing mine on my 08 GS , I soon discovered that it destroyed the shock. Noy all shocks have internal seals that will allow this .... I learned the Hard way .... Your Elka's may be different . ... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[BertRemington]

It depends

Joel -- Ikon says install with adjuster UP.

Due to differing shock designs, there is no general answer to your question. But for the simple gas springs used in our Spyder trunk, seat, etc the recommendation is body down so the nitrogen seal is lubricated. But then again the springs are cheap if you can't install them that way.