Oh Dear!!

[JDNSW]

During my trip to town yesterday, I noticed the top of the RH rear spring was partly out of place in its seat, visible in the gap above the tyre.

Today I decided to reseat it, starting by jacking up under the rear crossmember to take the weight off.

Armed with a suitable pry bar I approached the now much largere gap above the tyre - and realised that the shock absorber was in two pieces. Obviously, that is how the spring got out of place.

Thinking back, the trip to town last week I noticed the ride was a bit off (maybe I put the tyres up a bit high when I checked them?)!

First thing in the morning, on the phone to order a new pair. Meanwhile looking to see if any of the ones I have lying round are at least somewhat serviceable.

[VladTepes]

Well, that's awkward.

"Customer states..."


Photo?

[discorevy]

During my trip to town yesterday, I noticed the top of the RH rear spring was partly out of place in its seat, visible in the gap above the tyre.

Armed with a suitable pry bar I approached the now much largere gap above the tyre - and realised that the shock absorber was in two pieces.

Must have come as a bit (or two) of a shock..... sorry.

How long had they been on the vehicle, how many kilometres and were they genuine, if you don't mind me asking?.
I am assuming they are not the original 38 year old 700 odd thousand kilometre ones

[JDNSW]

No, they are not original -I think they are the third lot of replacements, fitted perhaps four years/70,000km ago. Previous ones have just stopped working, usually after springing a leak.

I will get a picture of it in the morning. Ordered a pair first thing this morning from All Four x 4. They may be here tomorrow or Saturday, but quite likely not until Monday. I was assured they would be despatched today.

[JDNSW]

And here is the picture.

Without looking at it in detail, it looks to me exactly like a fatigue failure at a stress riser where the shaft has had a shoulder machined to connect to the piston.

[JDNSW]

Picked up the shocks from the CPA at 0832 (they open at 0830), and have just finished fitting them. They are the same brand as the last ones, but seem to be a bit bulkier.

[POD]

I'd be looking for a different brand and a different supplier.