Damper rebuilds

[mattykimbo]

Hi all, had the trophy since brand new and only use it once every few weeks as i cycle to work and back. Its just aproaching 50k miles and I've got a horrendous knocking sound from the near side front suspension area. Im thinking the sachs may need so attention as the car has just passed the mot so not thinking its bushes etc.

I live in bradford so im not far from cornering force, are people still using these guys for rebuilds as last I saw Rik was giving up the rebuilds

 

[Mikeyjp]

Hi, not sure if Rik would still do the odd set, Cornering Force are ok, might as well go to them if they are so close, otherwise there is BG Motorsports

 

[Patrick Bateman]

I used Cornering Force last year, no complaints and was less than £500.

 

[Rik Perry]

I do still do the odd set... But I am so busy with my real job at the moment I can't provide the speed of service that would keep customers happy .. Rather than disappoint I've put the rebuilds on the back burner for now ...

 

[mattykimbo]

I do still do the odd set... But I am so busy with my real job at the moment I can't provide the speed of service that would keep customers happy .. Rather than disappoint I've put the rebuilds on the back burner for now ...

What’s a rough turnaround rik, I have 2 other vechiles I can use . I’m not sure on cornering force turn around

 

[Rik Perry]

What’s a rough turnaround rik, I have 2 other vechiles I can use . I’m not sure on cornering force turn around

It'd be 6-8 weeks

 

[Patrick Bateman]

What’s a rough turnaround rik, I have 2 other vechiles I can use . I’m not sure on cornering force turn around

I was lucky with CF as it was timed conveniently when the powder coater appeared so had them back within a week. Think they said they'd typically be 2-3 weeks though.

 

[dablk]

Are your corners not firm. Sachs are pretty solid things when you push down on the front. when they go they tend to piss oilk out the top and once of the car you cannot mistake a blown set.

 

[dablk]

Also @mattykimbo you need to update your profile with your trophy number

 

[mattykimbo]

I was lucky with CF as it was timed conveniently when the powder coater appeared so had them back within a week. Think they said they'd typically be 2-3 weeks though.

I don’t think I could wait 8 weeks with car on axle stands and I wouldn’t expect you to rush as you’re so busy. I’ll have to get a quote off Corning force they do a service where you can drop the car in and they will remove , refurb refit and setup car

Are your corners not firm. Sachs are pretty solid things when you push down on the front. when they go they tend to piss oilk out the top and once of the car you cannot mistake a blown set.

cars firm on all corners not wobbly or bouncy and still cocks the back wheel it sounds almost like a side to side moce

 

[mattykimbo]

Also @mattykimbo you need to update your profile with your trophy number

Updated!

 

[BenG]

Can you share more information about the knocking you are experiencing? I wouldn’t expect the dampers to be the cause.

 

[Rik Perry]

Top mount perhaps..

 

[mattykimbo]

Top mount perhaps..

Had new top mounts but still there. Best way to describe @BenG imagine the with all 4 wheels dangling it sounds like thesuspension is moving side to side like the wheels loose

 

[mattykimbo]

Had new top mounts but still there. Best way to describe @BenG imagine the with all 4 wheels dangling it sounds like thesuspension is moving side to side like the wheels loose

It does is over potholes like the damper is dropping quickly last years mot did mention a misting of oil on the damper

 

[dablk]

whishbones/balljoints? pretty cheap to stick some new ones on.

 

[mattykimbo]

whishbones/balljoints? pretty cheap to stick some new ones on.

This mot had ball joint as an advisory but not fail mentioned a little play but not serious, there is a big gap at the top of suspension though on he turrets

 

[dablk]

there has been some chat about the wrong bits being supplied with the top mounts. incorrect spacer i think.. might be worth a google.

 

[mattykimbo]

there has been some chat about the wrong bits being supplied with the top mounts. incorrect spacer i think.. might be worth a google.

Mines worse than this

 

[BenG]

Is there any chance you can post a picture of the top mount, if you get chance?

It’s common for the top mounts to have a visible gap, so common I fact I think it’s deemed normal, I don’t think this should be the case. I replaced mine a while back with solid mounts which fasten securely to the turrets, at the time they had a gap which looked like the one in the picture you posted, I don’t recall there being any knocking at the time. If the gap on yours is quite severe then I would be concerned.

Jack the car up on the side you’re experiencing the knocking, check the damper for leaks and check that the springs haven’t snapped, they usually break on the lower 1 or 2 coils. Also check that the springs are seated correctly. Then grab the wheel and rock it side to side, there shouldn’t be any movement, if there’s play then it indicates worn wheel bearings or a loose hub nut, which is unlikely.

The ball joint will cause knocking if it’s worn, this is checked by lightly leavening a pry bay between the hub and ball joint and checking for play.

They’re the basic check I would start with before looking at replacing anything.