SHOCKS?

[cardiff996]

Hi,

1998 - R Reg - 63K miles.

How can I tell please if new shocks are needed?
due to my job I have a car every 2 - 3 years, so there is now way I can compare the Bongo to how modern cars perform.

To me it feels a bit harsh over some pot holes and the rear does'nt seem to cushion some of the speed bumps etc. As you go over your allways waiting for the BUMP!
Dont think its bottoming out though.

Thanks gang for any advice on what to look for.
Cheers

[Northern Bongolow]

if your getting a bump then your springs may be weak as well as the shocks.
ive just made a set of rear softer hitting bump stops to help with the thumping.
to test your shocks shove down hard and watch the recoil,it should be damped very quickly.
a mate has just replaced back and front struts/shocks(not springs) and recons it has transformed his motor. it now doesnt wallow on/off roundabouts,and is better around his speedbump infested town now.
non of his were showing signs of leaking, he just felt is was handling poorly.

[cardiff996]

Thanks Northern, will give it try.
I think new shocks will have to wait until next years budget, but I definatley think the handling would be improved.

Cheers again

[rita]

Hi,
I always thought that shock absorbers should be renamed Rebound Arrestors.

Cheers.

[snow_kiter]

FYI
New rear shocks were sourced from a Mazda dealer at around £66 each.
New fronts are around £85 each from Mazda but had a very long lead time for delivery. Sourced from Ebay @ £169 for the pair.

Handling has improved tremendously. Used to drop off speed bumps with a couple of rebounds but no more. Has eased the lean on cornering and braking has improved due to a lack of vibration.

[nicstrike]

Hi,
I always thought that shock absorbers should be renamed Rebound Arrestors.

Cheers.

technically "shock absorbers" aren't ...the springs are. the "shock absorbers" are actually dampers. the spring absorbs the impact and the damper controls the natural tendacy of the spring to continue bouncing.

[skater]

Cardiff996,
maybe you have lowered springs which ride stiffer than standard.

[rita]

Hi,
I always thought that shock absorbers should be renamed Rebound Arrestors.

Cheers.

technically "shock absorbers" aren't ...the springs are. the "shock absorbers" are actually dampers. the spring absorbs the impact and the damper controls the natural tendacy of the spring to continue bouncing.

Exactly