Looks like a front shocker has popped its o-glogs

[mikeonb4c]

I was puzzled about a bit of oily dampness on the kerb just about where my Bongos n/s/f wheel arch sits when parked in my usual spot. So I got the Bongo up on ramps and took a peek underneath. Looks like te shock absorber seal(s) have gone, and its pumping out its hydraulic fluid.

So it looks like a new pair of front shockers are on the cards. I'll have a search of old threads, ebay etc., but if anyone has any thoughts on good affordable options, I'd love to hear.

It will be interesting to see whether the Bongo is less 'trampy' over potholes once it has new front shockers.

Oh, and I wonder if what tipped the old shocker over the edge was having a front wheel that is slightly out of balance. It wasn't enough to fuss about from a driving point of view, but I did wonder what strain/wear an out of balance wheel might put on the shock absorber and also on the (power) steering assembly. Any thoughts? Is old age/mileage the real factor or will an out of balance wheel have triggered/accelerated the problem

[mikeonb4c]

Anyone tried these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FRIEN ... 2c58b66768

I remember a discussion a long time ago about Pro-line air shocks (that were cheaper?). Anyone able to comment on these?

[bigdaddycain]

It's an age thing mike... I think i was popping my seals quite a bit when i was 16!

[mikeonb4c]

It's an age thing mike... I think i was popping my seals quite a bit when i was 16!

Thanks for a Really Useful Techie Post Ste

[dobby]

It's an age thing mike... I think i was popping my seals quite a bit when i was 16!

http://www.myspace.com/charlieooo/music ... s-15890216

[mikexgough]

Anyone tried these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FRIEN ... 2c58b66768

I remember a discussion a long time ago about Pro-line air shocks (that were cheaper?). Anyone able to comment on these?

Mike, The Tokico shocks are great, supplied as O.E to the factory

[mikeonb4c]

Anyone tried these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FRIEN ... 2c58b66768

I remember a discussion a long time ago about Pro-line air shocks (that were cheaper?). Anyone able to comment on these?

Mike, The Tokico shocks are great, supplied as O.E to the factory

Thanks Mike. I'm just going to investigate a possible source of cheap ones but - unless they are kosher - I reckon I'll get the Tokico ones and have done with it - the old girl deserves the best treatment, and wise investment pays off soner or later.

[rita]

Hi,
I remembered Scanner getting struts from a Mazda Dealer..

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ng#p448607

[mikeonb4c]

Hi,
I remembered Scanner getting struts from a Mazda Dealer..

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ng#p448607

Thanks Rita. I'll investigate all these. I was particularly interested to read scanner saying how much better over bumps etc. the Bongo was with new struts fitted. I'm hoping that a lot of what I called teh Bongo characteristed was in fact because my shockers were tired. If I get a nice improvement in ride quality it'll make the outlay all the more worthwhile

[steviebongo]

I got a shocker from my work ( Mazda dealer) and was a lot cheaper than the bay ones £65 if I remember right plus vat.

[mikeonb4c]

I got a shocker from my work ( Mazda dealer) and was a lot cheaper than the bay ones £65 if I remember right plus vat.

Sound similar in price - the ones I linked to on ebay are asking £170 for a pair. It seems that's about as good as it gets

[scanner]

I got a shocker from my work ( Mazda dealer) and was a lot cheaper than the bay ones £65 if I remember right plus vat.

Sounds about right and no P&P to pay so they worked out quite a bit cheaper than from ebay then as the only ones I found were +P&P.

[mikeonb4c]

I got a shocker from my work ( Mazda dealer) and was a lot cheaper than the bay ones £65 if I remember right plus vat.

Sounds about right and no P&P to pay so they worked out quite a bit cheaper than from ebay then as the only ones I found were +P&P.

I'm puzzled:

Isn't (£65+VAT) x 2 going to come out rather similar to £169 per pair (postage included), unless you are able to collect because you have a dealer near you?

Snow_kiter has advised me by PM that Mazda Warrington can't get them in for a while anyway, so as time is money etc. and Warrington is £10 of fuel away, I reckon I'll just bite the bullet

[scanner]

I got a shocker from my work ( Mazda dealer) and was a lot cheaper than the bay ones £65 if I remember right plus vat.

Sounds about right and no P&P to pay so they worked out quite a bit cheaper than from ebay then as the only ones I found were +P&P.

I'm puzzled:

Isn't (£65+VAT) x 2 going to come out rather similar to £169 per pair (postage included), unless you are able to collect because you have a dealer near you?

Snow_kiter has advised me by PM that Mazda Warrington can't get them in for a while anyway, so as time is money etc. and Warrington is £10 of fuel away, I reckon I'll just bite the bullet

At the time I was looking the price I found then on Ebay/t'internet was + about £15 P&P and the total was about £20 dearer than from the Mazda dealer in Oxford who I was going past on a weekly basis I so could collect at no cost.

If the Ebay price now is £169 all in, that is (as you say) not much (£13?) different and as you can't collect for free....................... no contest.

[skater]

I've been thinking about new suspension all round.
Will be interested to hear your report.