Nitrogen charged shocks are commonly used in performance vehicles and race cars However, maintaining proper nitrogen pressure is crucial for ideal handling When shock pressure drops, drivers need a quick, convenient nitrogen recharge. With some searching, you can usually find a nitrogen fill station nearby.
Why Nitrogen for Shocks?
High-end shock absorbers often use pressurized nitrogen instead of regular air Nitrogen prevents pressure changes inside the shock that can impact damping performance, It also resists heating up during use,
With time, small amounts of nitrogen permeate through the seals and the pressure drops. Low pressure leads to foaming of the oil inside and shock fade.
Racers routinely get their nitrogen shocks recharged, sometimes before big events or as part of regular maintenance. Even road cars benefit from nitrogen top-offs to maintain handling.
Finding Nearby Fill Stations
Nitrogen stations used to be few and far between, but are more common now. Here are some options I’ve found for nitrogen shock recharges near me:
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Local Tire Shops – Many tire and wheel shops have nitrogen tire inflation systems and can fill shocks too. I call around to compare service prices.
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Racing and Off-Road Shops – Shops focused on racing, off-roading, or suspension work are very familiar with nitrogen shock service. They often have an on-site nitrogen generator.
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Bicycle Shops – High-end mountain bike shops use nitrogen suspension systems. Bringing in just the shock bodies is an easy job for them.
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Paintball Stores – Paintball guns utilize compressed air or nitrogen. Stores will have nitrogen bottles for fills.
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Gas Suppliers – Industrial gas suppliers like Airgas can fill nitrogen bottles and shocks, but usually for business accounts only.
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Mobile Services – Some shops offer mobile nitrogen service where they meet you on-site to recharge shocks. Very convenient but can be expensive.
Online shop locators like NitroFill’s let you search for certified dealers in your area. Cross-reference with online reviews too.
What to Expect During Fill Service
Nitrogen fill service only takes 10-15 minutes in most cases. Here’s a typical service procedure:
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Remove the shocks from your vehicle and bring them into the shop. Taking just the shock bodies saves time.
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The shop connects each shock nitrogen valve to their fill hose. Hoses pierce the valve core for rapid filling.
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Nitrogen flows into the shock until it reaches the target pressure (verify your specs). The technician may cycle the shock rod during filling to purge any air pockets.
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Once filled, the valve stem re-seals when disconnected. The shop can top off as needed to meet the pressure spec.
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Finally, reinstall the freshly charged shocks on your vehicle. The nitrogen remains sealed inside the shock body indefinitely until the next top-off.
Benefits of Regular Nitrogen Fills
Routinely getting nitrogen shock recharges from a qualified shop offers many advantages:
- Optimized handling from consistent nitrogen pressure
- No need to buy your own nitrogen tank and regulator
- Preventing pressure-related damage to shock seals and oil
- Extended shock service life between rebuilds
- Minimizing performance loss between events or service intervals
- Ensuring you have good handling for important races or drives
Running consistent nitrogen pressure as recommended by your manufacturer is the key to getting the most from high-performance shocks.
Cost Considerations
Nitrogen filling costs vary depending on shop rates and local markets, but expect to pay $15-60 per shock. Getting all four shocks serviced at once saves money over individual fills.
DIY nitrogen kits cost $400-600 upfront but pay off long term. Or find a buddy with nitro shocks to share filling duties and costs.
Consider the value of optimized handling when weighing the service costs. It’s cheap insurance against shock fade.
Handy for Any Vehicle
From daily drivers to track toys, nitrogen-charged shocks aren’t just for race cars. Many high-end production cars come equipped with them too.
Nitrogen filling services cater to all types of shocks and budgets. Whether you drive a Ferrari or a Subaru, there’s likely a shop conveniently near you for recharges.
Don’t Suffer with Low Pressure
Ignoring low nitrogen pressure risks compromised handling and premature shock failure – so refilling should be regular maintenance.
Luckily, with some research, you can easily find a qualified nitrogen fill shop nearby. Then just swing by every few months to maintain that crisp, consistent handling.
Your shocks play a crucial role in controlling the vehicle, so treat them right with routine nitrogen top-offs from a trusted dealer near you. Just search online for “nitrogen fill near me” and you’ll likely find several convenient options.
Refilling Nitrogen Shocks
FAQ
Can I fill my shock with air instead of nitrogen?
What psi should nitrogen shocks be?
Where can I get my nitrogen shocks filled?
You can get your nitrogen shocks filled at many automotive service centers and garages. These locations offer nitrogen filling services and can easily fill your shocks with nitrogen. You may find the most choices at specialized garages, such as those that specialize in race-car preparation and performance tuning.
Where can I find the best nitrogen shock tools?
Find the perfect Nitrogen Shock Tools at Schmidty Racing Suspensions. Browse our range of spanner wrenches, bleeder tools, pressure test gauges, and more.
How do you release nitrogen from a car shock?
To release nitrogen from a car shock, you simply engage the Schrader valve at the end of the reservoir. The typical nitrogen minimums are between 130 to 150 psi, and common pressure settings are around 180-200 psi once you have the shock removed from the vehicle.
How do I maintain my nitrogen shocks?
Maintain your shocks’ performance with our pressure test gauge, making sure they are always at their peak levels. From installation to ongoing maintenance, our nitrogen shock tools are built to withstand the toughest off-road conditions, giving you the confidence to push your vehicle to its limits!
Do I need a nitrogen fill needle tool?
For precise nitrogen filling, a nitrogen fill needle tool is a must-have, allowing you to fine-tune your shocks for maximum efficiency. Maintain your shocks’ performance with our pressure test gauge, making sure they are always at their peak levels.
Can I use air instead of nitrogen in shocks?
Nitrogen cannot be replaced with air in shocks. Nitrogen is used in shocks because it is less susceptible to drastic pressure and temperature changes, making it a more reliable and consistent source of air pressure.