Suspension dampers - replace as a pair?

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 1:41 pm

One of Fenchurch's front dampers has started leaking and I think one of the rear ones is weeping a bit too. Is it worth replacing them in pairs?

Post by **Orkney** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:01 pm

not from Mog experience but would say a definite yes - anything suspension / brakes always worth doing in pairs.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 4:58 pm

If the other is ok, and you can get hold of good secondhand singles - then yes - just replace the leakers! But if buying 'new' or 'reconditioned' - then I suppose the official answer is pairs. However - if the leaks are only slight - just top them up and will keep going just fine for a long time - just wipe away any leaks before the next MOT. They are almost 'expected' to leak - hence the ability to top them up!

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 5:51 pm

How do you know when a 'slight' leak is going to turn into a 'failure'.
Mot's are a designed to be a gauge of a cars safety, and fitness for the road, so deliberately deceiving the ministry is a bit foolish in my book.
Were talking about £15 per damper to replace so just do the sensible thing and either replace or if you can recondition.
Its best to replace in pairs too.
Don't think Armstrong would design a damper that is 'expected' to leak.
Bad advise I feel.

Post by **paulk** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:14 pm

I agree with the pairs thing and would also change them if leaking but from bitter experiance don't expect to get the surcharge back.

I sent mine in and was eventually told (after about 2 weeks and 2 phone calls ) that they were worn on the bearing and so not reconditionable. This took a £30 quid job up to a £60 plus posting the old ones back job.

In my opinion assume it's a £60+ job and if your lucky you will be plesently surprised.

This was a well known Minor outfit. but I must admit not using them since.

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:25 pm

paulk wrote:I sent mine in and was eventually told (after about 2 weeks and 2 phone calls ) that they were worn on the bearing and so not reconditionable.

Ah, I thought the reconditioned ones would have new bearings...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:18 pm

I KNEW you would disagree Jonathon! The MOT is designed to test for safety - and if the dampers are damping away nicely - they are fine and safe! I am assuming a 'slight' leak - almost just a dampness, not a Torrey Canyon flood of oil that needs daily topping up!

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:30 pm

Sorry BM !

Just felt obliged to put a sensible reason for replacing failing dampers on grounds of safety rather than frugality and denial.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:41 pm

I did say the 'official' answer is pairs!! I then gave the frugal Scotsman version as an option! I'm just a bit surprised you haven't suggested it being a good time to fit tele dampers and/or coil-over wishbone suspension !!

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:06 pm

Hey what a brilliant idea ! Just thinking of how to slip it in unnoticed, give a man some time please!!!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:17 pm

Ah - you're slipping up Jonathon - I think I'm wearing you down. But there you are - I've made the suggestion now anyway!

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:23 pm

definately the latter mate, but I'll have to pass on this occasion, I'm sure we'll lock horns re servo's and drums before too long!

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 9:02 pm

I'm not convinced I need to add any extra damping - she corners well enough for me and I appreciate being able to sail over the speed bumps on my way to and from work without breaking my spine!

As for the leaky front damper, it doesn't seem to leak at rest but the pattern of fluid in the engine bay leads me to suspect it's spraying out under pressure when I drive over potholes. I need to double check the nut on the bottom is tight before I order a refurbished one.

This issue of not replacing the bearings when they refurbish the dampers concerns me a little - how much longer are they going to last if they only replace the rubber seals? Is anyone still manufacturing brand new ones?

Post by **paulk** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:05 pm

Don't know but I'm sure I read in one of the Minor Mags that they only change the seals then paint 'em Black and sling them back out again. I must admit I thought they did more than that when I first ordered the Recon ones.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:19 pm

I really don't think the 'bearings' wear very much - after all they are constantly running in oil, and even leaky ones I have looked at in the past had no noticeable 'bearing' wear. I think the idea of rejecting the return cash on account of 'worn bearings' - was being suggested as an excuse to keep the cash!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:56 pm

I've made the suggestion now anyway!

careful BMC - next thing you know you'll be recommending DISC BRAKE conversions... ;-)

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:51 am

Err - there are some limits which will not be crossed!

Post by **chickenjohn** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:07 am

I agree the best advice is to change both shocks as a pair, but I too have in the past only changed one on a car (non- Minor) as only one was leaking, and all was fine for the rest of my owner ship of that car. I've allways found the front shocks to be reliable on a Minor, it seems to be the rear ones that are leaky on the cars I've worked on.