The place to "speak geek"
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Ron
- Posts: 366
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:21 am
- Location: Edinburgh
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by Ron » Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:11 pm
Hi chaps,
Just looking for advice on when/if to change my front dampers. The rears were changed 1 year ago due to a leak. The car has done 58000 and i've no idea if the fronts are originals. There is no visible leaking, they just look tired.
So my question is should i leave them until they fail/leak or replace them now? And if i replace can i just swap the springs over or do i have to get new ones?
Cheers a lot

Utrinque Paratus
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Rich H
- Posts: 9314
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 10:11 pm
- Location: Preston
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by Rich H » Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:22 pm
Nitron Reds? No point not upgrading while you were there...

1994 Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress
1980 Porsche 924 Turbo - Funky Interior Spec
2004 Smart Roadster Coupe - Hers
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MacK
- Posts: 2071
- Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:27 pm
- Location: Edinburgh
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by MacK » Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:37 am
Ron wrote:Hi chaps,
Just looking for advice on when/if to change my front dampers. The rears were changed 1 year ago due to a leak. The car has done 58000 and i've no idea if the fronts are originals. There is no visible leaking, they just look tired.
So my question is should i leave them until they fail/leak or replace them now? And if i replace can i just swap the springs over or do i have to get new ones?
Cheers a lot

My understanding is that a shock absorber is basically a 'sealed' unit, so doesn't deteriorate gradually over time, if it leaks or fails it needs replaced, if it isn't leaking then it is working.
There are a few threads dealing with spring removal from shock absorbers, not something to do unless you have the correct tools and experience. But a decent garage should be able to do it for you if required.
They are easy enough to take off, so you could always take them off to check them and clean them up if you wish.
Green Subaru Impreza Turbo, a 'classic'.
Silver Jeep Cherokee 2.5 TD, on SORN spec...
Black Disco 3, black van man spec...
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Andy G
- Posts: 11390
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:27 am
- Location: Dirleton/Gullane
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Contact:
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by Andy G » Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:05 am
do you track it much?
One of the best things i did to my 111r was to change the suspension. The RLC was on Niton, 1 way adjustable, bloody marvellous, but pricey.
Reds are meant to be a better option for the less track obsessed

AMG GT-R
Atom 4 - CM425
Lotus Esprit S4S
G30 M5 Comp
Ferrari 599
Lotus Elise S1 "Shed" spec