Should EAS shockers be "wet" ?

[Rockylizard]

Gday...

I have 2006 TDV6 SE Auto - 160,000km on the clock. I noticed this morning that the "shocker" that sticks out below the "air reservoir" is damp. On all four shocks. Car handles the same, good ride, no wallow - but sometimes there is a 'slight inconsistent clunk' when I hit a series of bumps (eg rocky road, corrugations)

If it was a 'normal' shocker I would say the shocker is on the way out (slow fluid weep) and I should prepare to part with some cash.

Is this the case with the EAS "shockers"?

Cheers - John

[Epic pooh]

Yes the theory is the same the difference being that instead of a spring you have an airbag. The shock is a conventional shock absorber. If it is the shock you can either change the whole strut including airbag or change the shock only.

[Rockylizard]

Gday...

So before I approach the local dealer service desk should I renew my script for heart medication?

Any ideas of price for four 'shocks' and/or for four struts complete?

Would it be more prudent to renew whole struts - given perhaps they have a "life" as well ;)

Cheers - John

[BigJon]

I think it would be unusual for the outside of the strut to be damp. The only likely place for a leak is the seal where the rod comes out of the damper body. That is inside the airspring and thus sealed.

When I replaced the struts on my Dad's RRS recently one front and one rear airbag had oil in them (I left them upside down to drain) but there were no external leaks evident.

I would replace the entire spring / strut assemblies every time. They are pretty easy to do (on a hoist). Where abouts are you?

[Rockylizard]

Gday...

The "air reservoir" part of the strut is quite dry on each corner of the vehicle. It is only the actual 'shocker' sticking out the bottom that is damp. Black with dust and oil.

I travel full-time and I am in Sale Gippsland Vic at the moment. I have had services and had the air compressor replaced with an AMK one last year with Massaro Motors in Morwell. They have been good. Their head 'technician' is an old Landy bloke and is knowledgeable and approachable.

I would think, that it would be sensible to replace the strut at 160,000km, given the shocks have 'worn' - the 'air' strut is probably 'worn' as well.

Cheers - John

[Epic pooh]

As BigJon says, it would be unusual for oil to be seeping down, it usually stays within the bags. Are they the original shocks at 160,000 km ?

I would recommend a portable defibrilator if you were going to get the stealer to do it - but the parts can be sourced relatively easily from other places (either in AU or UK) then fitted by any mechanic / handy person quite easily. I forget how much the complete struts are (memory could be faulty, backs are more expensive than the fronts). Take a look at some of the UK parts sellers to get an idea of price + freight (eg. lrdirect.com - lots of others) and then hunt around the Australian parts suppliers for comparison. There was a lot of price variation when I got mine and I got them ex-UK in two shipments.

For replacement struts, you have options of genuine LR, Delphi (part OEM, LR branded but in a Delphi box, maybe different shocks according to some reports) and allmakes (Dunlop branded). HTH and good luck !

[Graeme]

I was unimpressed to discover significant cracks on the inner folds of my D4's rear airsprings after less than 100K kms. Get the assemblies.

[Rockylizard]

As BigJon says, it would be unusual for oil to be seeping down, it usually stays within the bags. Are they the original shocks at 160,000 km ?

I would recommend a portable defibrilator !

Gday...

Yes, original suspension. Searched for some prices as suggested. Consequently, I have ordered a defibrilator on fleaBay - have also advertised for a pretty young nurse to operate the defibrilator :D

Certainly gonna flatten the bank to get all four corners renewed - without including labour :(

Time to do some dedicated research praps. Thanks to all for the advice.

Cheers - John

[BigJon]

The labour will be the cheap part. 2-3 hours tops.