Topping up standard rear shocks

Post by **mal** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 7:54 pm

Been doing a bit of routine maintenance between shows and decided to check the rear shocks, is there an easy way to top them up without removing them from the car as recommended ?
thanks Mal

Post by **Cam** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:15 pm

Use a large syringe with a bit of rubber tubing on.

Post by **mal** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:22 am

Will have to have a word with the local druggies re;syringe

How do I obtain the correct level Cam ?

thanks Mal

Post by **Cam** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:10 am

You'll need a bigger syringe than used by the local druggies.

Even ours in Stoke have not got THAT stupid yet!!

Mine was from a hopsital and I think it would have been used for washing Saline into wounds our some such thing. It's quite big and very handy for car work as it's graduated too so you can measure exactly how much you are putting in/taking out.

I'm not sure as to the recommended level officially, but I just top up to the top.

Post by **Blunt** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:32 am

what do you top them up with?

Post by **ColinP** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:42 am

http://shop.morrisminorspares.co.uk/pro ... 2dc46c397a

That's what I've used.

Colin

Post by **mal** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:04 pm

You'll need a bigger syringe than used by the local druggies. Even ours in Stoke have not got THAT stupid yet!!

Don't worry Cam, they will soon be in your area

Thanks for your advice Cam, will have a go tomorrow, been out enjoying the sunny weather today

Mal

Post by **salty_monk** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:31 pm

If stuck you can use Hydraulic Jack oil....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 12:05 am

One side can be filled on the car - but the other is at too great an angle to get it properly filled - you need to take it off. Best to drain out the old oil - it gets mangled by the constant pumping action and the long-chain molecules literally get ripped apart ! I use EP90 oil in my dampers - but engine oil works well too. Both give much improved damping - and have given me NO trouble over 7 years now.

Post by **Cam** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:08 am

Mal, Stick to the jack oil as it's the one specified by the manufacturer and is suitable for the units as designed. Bmcecosse of course has had no problems with different oils but if I were you, I'd stick to the recommended oil. Certainly for top-ups as you don't want to be mixing it!

After all this time it's not a bad idea to drain out the existing oil and replace it, but only if you feel the need to.

One side can be filled on the car - but the other is at too great an angle to get it properly filled

Why is that then? is the exhaust in the way?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:14 pm

It's just the angle it's mounted at - the top plate leans back at a fair old angle. Oil in dampers is again personal choice - I just explain how I have successfully upgraded mine ! But I would urge the draining and refilling - whatever oil you use.
But why are you 'topping up' - the oil level can only go down if they are leaking - and if leaking will fail MOT and so they need re-newing !!

Post by **mal** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:00 pm

But why are you 'topping up' - the oil level can only go down if they are leaking - and if leaking will fail MOT and so they need re-newing !!

I was basically just checking while I was doing a bit of a service, don't know when they were last checked and I've had the car nearly a year now and it's one of those 'little' jobs that get overlooked

Just done the offside rear, during a good grease round & clean etc; no sign of any leaks but did put 6 small drops of jack oil in, other side tomorrow

Mal

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:41 pm

Six small drops !!