Big Vic

A couple of questions about shocks. I notice that they loose a little oil (mostly the rear) each time that I run. Normal I'm assuming, but how often do I need to refill them?
Also, do you run limiters to keep your truck from bottoming out?
T4.1 RTR

Thanks, Vic

cielo1889

iTrader: (9)

i don't think it is suppose to lose any oil after each use. i never refill my shocks until it feels bad after one or two months.
as for limiters, it depends on the track...

blis

Make sure your shock lengths are longer than the DROOP or UP TRAVEL otherwise you'll bottom out the shocks and a common cause of oil loss and shock damage.

Remove shocks, and check with manual on the o-ring/washer install if applicable. rebuild shocks and fill ensuring there's enough bladder to accept the shock shaft's volume so it doesnt lock up when compressed. If the shock is too full it can blow out the bottoms.

With springs removed attach top of shocks to tower, put car on stand, adjust shock length using lower ball joint or whatever applicable till it's just longer than the arms in a drooped position. This prevents damaging your shock piston and by not letting them bottom out.

EDIT: Do not use down stops to adjust height, allow the bottom plate to act as a limiter, you could always stiffen up if it's too soft using springs. Your suspension system should be floating!

"AND NO... Shocks cant possibly work better upside down as you are moving the whole shock body, rather than the shaft as intended!"

Matt Ward

iTrader: (23)

You shouldn't be loosing any oil. Just wondering but which are they?

Big Vic

Maybe losing oil isn't the right term. There just seems to be dampness and grunge after a day of running.
Don't know exactly which shocks they are. Whatever came on it out of the box.

blis

I'm assuming the water might be air bubbles, and grunge can only get into the shocks in two places, the cap or the shaft and the latter being where I'd inspect my O-Rings and as mentioned earlier, refer to manual to ensure the o-rings and washers are installed in the correct order. The shaft is what moves in and out hence the most likely way for "grunge" to get into the shock, maybe a split o-ring.