Thread: ABS Accumulator from Overseas

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

If anyone is considering purchasing an ABS accumulator from overseas - I suggest you don't, or find alternative transport arrangements.
I've tried to order a new one ex UK and a second hand one ex USA, both of which have been confiscated via the Global Shipping Centre as prohibited transportation - I guess because the unit is under pressure and air travel not "recommended?"

That's weird. Citroen spheres have no problem at all get posted all over. They are an "accumulator" with about 75bar of nitrogen in them.

eg:

Citroen Xantia Full Set of 6 Spheres Brand New Top Quality | eBay


Don't tell me these things are going to be impossible to get next time I need set

I looked at getting one of these from Rimmerbros when I did my last overseas order and it's made pretty clear on their site that it's restricted to mainland UK post only. Not sure if they would arrange ground shipping, I didn't ask. I think you also can't order gas shock absorbers either, for some time.

Originally Posted by Chivalry

I think you also can't order gas shock absorbers either, for some time.

A few years back, before I wento the USA, I ordered a set of 4 gas Bilsteins for the P38A for delivery to Seattle to rrtoadhall of RangeRovers.net.

Before I returned I tried to find out from Qantas if I could put them in my carry on luggage. They didn't know so I decided not to risk it. I went to a post office in Richmond (San Fran) and posted them back. They arrived back in Oz before I did. (The chick behind the counter couldn't have been more helpful once she heard my Aussie accent - the first she'd ever heard in person.)

Ive bought 3 I can remember from island 4x4 in the UK, with the most recent being in Jan last year.

strangely they wouldn't send shockers with that order so I got them locally.

Must be cracking down.

And the bit I forgot to mention - on both occasions, they said they would NOT be returning the item to the seller!!
For the second attempt (the used/pre-loved version), I pre-warned the seller, who said thanks for the warning, but that he hadn't had any problems sending them to AU prior - but I assume he still got caught out - ouch!

Originally Posted by Chivalry

I looked at getting one of these from Rimmerbros when I did my last overseas order and it's made pretty clear on their site that it's restricted to mainland UK post only.

It's hard to work out what conforms to the shipping rules and what does not. Much seems to be inconsistent.

Was after some D4 replacement airbags (integrated gas shocks) just a few weeks ago. As you say, Rimmer would not accept the order. Advanced Factors, however, were happy to accept. Was sent via DHL, no problems.

A few weeks before that, was after a rear drive shaft. Island 4x4 initially accepted the order but later cancelled it because they claimed the shipper they use (Fedex) would not carry something that long. Rimmer, however, had no problem sending it via DHL.

Funny thing was, a mate had ordered front drive shaft from Island 4x4 only the day before I placed my drive shaft order - Island 4x4 shipped it using DHL.

Can't work it out.

This issue came out about 10? years ago.

I checked the IATA rules and things with only a small amount of gas in them like shock absorbers were exempt from the air freight ban.

BUT the air freight forwarders like DHL decided it was too much risk and blanket banned anything with gas in it.

You can still get oil filled shocks air freighted AFAIK like Konis.
Regards PhilipA

This is a NZ CAA page. there is another forum reference by a DHL worker from 2013 which says that they may be able to be air freighted if taken to a DHL distribution centre as they have to have the correct sticker attached. BTW on an IATA site the stickers cost USD19 each.

Shock absorbers | aviation.govt.nz

Regards PhilipA