The lower suspension on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle consists of a swing arm bolted to the frame, and one or two gas-filled shocks bolted between the swing arm and the frame, depending on the model of Harley you ride. Over time, the shocks will start to leak, and the rear of your Harley will become very bouncy when you ride. This creates a safety hazard and could potently cause you to crash. When your shocks wear out, it's time to install new ones.
Position your Harley on a jack stand so the rear tire is suspended off the ground.
Remove the Allen bolts that secure the brake caliper to the right side of the rear frame. Pull the caliper off the rotor.
Loosen the axle bolts on both sides of the Harley with an adjustable wrench. Turn the belt-tension bolts next to the axle bolts counterclockwise until you can push the rear wheel forward enough to remove the rear drive belt from the wheel pulley.
Remove the axle nuts and drive the rear axle out of the wheel using a screwdriver and a mallet. Remove the rear wheel from the Harley's swing arm.
Remove the bolts that secure the shock to the motorcycle frame with a socket set. Remove the bolts that secure the lower part of the shock to the swing arm, using a socket set. Pull the shock off. Repeat if you have two shocks on your Harley.
Place the new shock in place and secure it the top to the motorcycle frame with the socket set. Secure the bottom of the shock to the swing arm with the socket set. Repeat if your Harley has two shocks.
Place the wheel in the swing arm and position the belt over the rear wheel pulley.
Drive the axle into the rear wheel with the mallet and thread the axle nuts into place. Turn the belt-tension bolts clockwise until the belt is tight.
Tighten the axle nuts with the adjustable wrench.
Place the caliper on the rotor and secure it using the Allen bolts and the Allen wrench set.
