Is my shock absorbers finshed? see pictures

CraigsBMW

New member
Hi Guys

If you look at the pictures I took of my rear shock absorbers, do you think I need to replace them?

Any help would be much appreciated





 

OppositeLockMT

Active member
I'm not a mechanical whiz, but can you honestly tell whether your shocks are gone just buy their looks alone rather than operation?
 
D

Dippies

Guest
Pm moranor he will advise you.

Also take a Marker and mark the position of the shock. Then Put your two hands down and push downward on the Body of the vehicle. Check the marking that you made if it returns to the mark it mite still be ok and if not ITs gone Just as a Guideline not actual test.
 

444YYY

Honorary ///Member
Seems to be fluid surrounding the shock, indicating a leak.
How many km have these shocks done?
 

Riaan335

Member
He is refering to the oil on the shocks. Oil should be inside shocks, not on the outside. So I guess your shocks are done with this life.
 
S

SP33DYV

Guest
They sure look like they need replacement. A shock absorber should not leak oil at all. :nono:
 

Ralf*

///Member
from the images I don't really so much fluid leakage, I have found shocks that leak leave a lot of fluid marks on surrounding structures, which I don't see here.

The time old test is to actually be on the outside and give the car a hefty downwards push, shock absorbers should dampen any oscillations, ie the car should return to its normal position after an upsetting body push in one possibly two motions only and it should be reasonably solid and delibirate motion that the car does returning to its neutral position....any prolonged oscillations and wishy-washy motions whilst returning to its neutral position is an indication that the shocks are "gone south",

I have actually seen a workshop attach a sensor to the bodywork near the tyre and then a manual push down, the sensor measures the oscillations and G-force that it undergoes during its recovery phase to advise if the shocks are gone.

However, the pics don't tell me enough, but if there is evidence of oil in the wheel well area, on the surrounding suspension components and on the shock absorber itself, then it would be safe to say that the shocks require replacement.
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
from the pics it looks like oil has leaked out and dust has stuck to the outside?
if that much oil has leaked out then they are shot...
general rule is dampers last about 100 000km

looks like an e46 from the pics best bang for buck is Koni STR.T nice upgrade from stock and way better than any of the cheaper options

e46 STR.T
Rear R 1640 a Pair

I have other options if you on a higher budget :rollsmile:
 

CraigsBMW

New member
Thanks for all your input guys :) Yes its an 323i e46 with 210 000km so I'm sure they are going to need to be replaced. I'm removing the sub frame this weekend to repair the cracks. I will post how I repaired it and show you guys :)

Moranor I will be in contact :)
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
my 323 subframe ripped out... do you have subframe bushes?
if you interested in powerflex i can see if there is stock in JHB

Rear subframe Front bushes R 1435 a pair
Rear subframe Rear bushes R 1435 a pair

powerflex have lifetime warranty...

have these fitted to my car
they might me letting more diff noise into the car but that could also be in my head because i was listening for any extra noise :roflol:
 

CraigsBMW

New member
I have already bought the rear diff mount bushing, but I was hoping to get the 2 front ones that hold the diff and the 4 that hold the diff carrier. After that long weekend my budget is not looking good, what about Meyle?
 
Top