Boing! boing! boing!

[Rooster]

Hey all, new to the VX, but a long time lover of the vehicle. I was just wondering with the "non-standard" shocks on the VX, will the front end bounce after hitting a road anomaly? My first impression is that the shocks are toast. I'm just wondering before I go out and replace/rebuild them.


If the shocks are toast, I'll most likely rebuild them. Anybody have experience with these? (BTW- I rebuild aircraft struts, I'm just looking for pertinent info)

Thanks!

[driver3]

Mine are still good at 78k.. I'm thinking they will bounce but I don't know.. my only test is when I go offroad I never seem to bottom out, i used to do that all the time with either the jeep wrangler or the cherokee when they were bad. And I never seem to bouce..I know what you mean, so I should be good.


Hey, and if you can rebuild them, you might have a good business here... Unless it costs more than the bilsteins of course, I heard they were the best replacement so far...

[Rooster]

Thanks for the reply. I also own a 97 Wrangler, I'm accustomed to some sort of bounce, but this vehicle seems excessive.

Thanks again, and what I may do is get a set of aftermarket shocks and tear into these. If I can repair for cheap money, it may be interesting!

[transio]

My back-end was bouncing like mad when I got it. Looked underneath, and the shocks were leaking big-time. I think if you're bouncing, it's likely the shocks doing it. Have a closer look and see if they're leaking.

[Dallas4u]

I would say stock shocks don't 'bounce' per say when working correctly. They are pretty stiff and not 'bouncy'.

Sounds like they might be toast. Take them in and have someone tell you for sure.

[Rooster]

Anybody have a part number for the bilsteins ?

[transio]

Originally posted by Dallas4u
I would say stock shocks don't 'bounce' per say when working correctly. Yeah, that's what I meant to say: "if it's bouncing, it's likely the [misfunction of the] shocks doing it." :)

[transio]

Originally posted by Rooster
Anybody have a part number for the bilsteins ? Check my signature. ;) You can get H2's for a softer ride or H1's for a stiffer ride.

EDIT: full part # is B46-1738-H1 or B46-1738-H2

[Rooster]

Originally posted by transio
Check my signature. ;) You can get H2's for a softer ride or H1's for a stiffer ride.

EDIT: full part # is B46-1738-H1 or B46-1738-H2

Thank you sir!!!

[t2p]

Roost .......
.
this is not uncommon .......
.
at 35K, three of my OEMs were completely shot ....... and the fourth was 98% shot ...........
.
rebuilding the OEM dampers would probably be more expensive than a set of quality replacements ....... and the reliability would still be suspect ...........
.

[Rooster]

Thanks t2p, but as I stated I rebuild landing struts for airplanes. Unfortunately I can't have a reliability problem

;)

Still, if I were to start out with inferior material...

Looks like I'll be getting some Bilsteins but I still want to take a look at the inner workings of the OEM's.

Thanks again fro the heads up

[Reg Hinnant]

Hi Rooster,
There are a few good posts on the shocks. Do a search on Shocks and you will get some good reading.
I'm just purchasing 4 new ones. The rest of the replacements are sub standard to the OEM. IMHO
There is a recent post with some one who will rebuild them and a good explanation on why the OEM shocks are very good performance shocks. But once you get a leak, they will trash themselves quick.
As everyone can attest, when the shocks are good , this vehicle is sweet handling. And yes, there is no bounce.;Dy;

[SlowPro48]

Originally posted by Rooster
Looks like I'll be getting some Bilsteins but I still want to take a look at the inner workings of the OEM's.

The OEM shock has tons of rebound damping so you shouldn't be experiencing any bounce. All that rebound damping is one of the reasons they pump themselves dry in hurry when they start to leak though.

They look like any other reservoir shock on the inside. Standard shim stack. Standard Kayaba seal head. The only thing different is they use a piston to separate the nitrogen from the oil which I'm told is standard for European shocks such as White Power, Ohlins and Marzocchi but is unusual in Japanese shocks, which normally utilize a bladder system.

The seal end is a breeze - but have fun getting that reservoir open!


;Dy;

[SlowPro48]

Originally posted by Reg Hinnant

I'm just purchasing 4 new ones. The rest of the replacements are sub standard to the OEM. IMHO

That's over $1000 - am I right? Have you given any consideration to going with rebuilt? We've got Skidplate's to use as cores so no down time for you. Just a thought. A $500 thought...

[Dallas4u]

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=48756#post48756

[Tone]

Stock tires and improper inflation has also been a big culprit often confused with blown shocks - try more air (up to max on sidewall) and see if there is any change.

[Reg Hinnant]

Once I have my new set then I will have a core set to rebuild......if its ever possible.
(more than a $500.00 thought!);)

[Rooster]

Update:

I just had the vehicle go through inspection, and of course teh shocks failed. Actually, I pointed them out to the inspector. As this was purchased last Friday, I wanted them to fail. Why should I bite the bullet, right?

Anyways, currently working with the dealer on getting the car in for repairs. I may just have them through on some Bilsteins for now and rebuld the KYB's.

[Reg Hinnant]

Why not have them replace with new original shocks?

[Rooster]

Thats my goal, but they may squak..

[Reg Hinnant]

I wouldnt settle for less! ;Dr;

[Rooster]

Well, the VX is in the shop and looks like they'll replace teh fronts for free. I asked if I could have the old ones as I wanted to see about rebuilding them. The service guy said no. I asked why not, and he said I'm getting these for free and they were looking into rebuilding them as well. No problem I said.


The Sales manager will be getting ANOTHER call on Monday. I think I deserve them for being put out like this.

Sorry, small venting going on here...

[Rooster]

Welp, got the VX back from the shop yesterday, and I must say, it definatly ride much better. Now I'm a little dissappointed that I didn't have them replace the rears as well. I can only imagine they'll go soon. I do have a 60 day warrantee. I should spend tomorrow bouncing on the rear bumper. Think I can wear them out???

:D

[raider]

Hello everyone. I bought my vx about 6 months ago and the first thing I noticed was the rear end bottoming out whenever I go ever speed bumps. I looked them over and didn't notice any leaks and had a mechanic check them out and he said they seemed fine. This is with no weight in the back. There was no hitch mounted on it when I purchased it so I'm not sure if it was used for towing prior. Seems abnormal to me but could be normal to the VX. Any comments? Thanks.

[raider]

Please disregard my question concerning my VX's rear shocks. I just noticed another post labeled "VX Shocks", duh, and it answered my question. Thanks.