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Topping up standard rear shocks
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 7:54 pm
by mal
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
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:15 pm
by Cam
Use a large syringe with a bit of rubber tubing on.
Topping up standard rear shocks
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:22 am
by mal
Will have to have a word with the local druggies re;syringe
How do I obtain the correct level Cam ?
thanks Mal
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:10 am
by Cam
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.
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:32 am
by Blunt
what do you top them up with?
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:42 am
by ColinP
Topping up standard rear shocks
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:04 pm
by mal
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
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:31 pm
by salty_monk
If stuck you can use Hydraulic Jack oil....
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 12:05 am
by bmcecosse
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.
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:08 am
by Cam
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?
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:14 pm
by bmcecosse
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 !!
Topping up standard rear shocks
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:00 pm
by mal
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
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:41 pm
by bmcecosse
Six small drops !!