2003 yz250 shock recharge

[offroadeast]

I had the shock on my yz rebuilt two years ago, but have only put about 15 hours on it. I rode it for about three hours this week and noticed that the shock was very "bouncy" and had very little damping. I checked the pressure in the reservoir and there is no nitrogen in it. No oil has leaked out around the shock shaft so I think that the seal is ok.

- could there have been any damage to the shock from riding it without nitrogen in it?

- can the nitrogen be recharged and then try it or does the shock have to be rebuilt?

- What pressure should the shock be recharged to?

Thanks for any help that you can give.

 

[pesky nz]

the bouncy feeling is most likely due to a small hole in the bladder allowing the nitrogen to leek into the oil and gas bubbles in the oil = much less damping
Probably no physical damage done to internals but does sound like another rebuild is needed and a new bladder

 

[cujet]

Try putting air in it. If it holds air pressure and no oil comes out, the bladder is probably fine. Air is not the proper thing to service with, but it's a great troubleshooting tool.