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Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by wrouster, Jan 21, 2015.

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  1. wrouster

    wrouster Karting

    Feb 22, 2012
    52
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    William Rouster
    #1 wrouster, Jan 21, 2015
    I have a 86' 328 with fewer than 19,000 miles and am wondering if it might be time to get the shocks rebuilt. I've owned the car for three years so I don't know what it drove like when it was new, but the roads are very rough in my area, so the car rides a bit rough, including crashing a bit over larger bumps. I expect it to ride like a sports car, but I'm just wondering if the shocks might be a bit worn out after almost thirty years. I appreciate any input.
     
  2. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,731
    #2 Mitch Alsup, Jan 21, 2015
    I would venture to guess that the bushings are closer to shot than the shocks; unless thay have been replaced in the last decade.
     
  3. muk_yan_jong

    muk_yan_jong Formula Junior

    Oct 11, 2008
    569
    Full Name:
    Brian McK
    #3 muk_yan_jong, Jan 21, 2015
    Yep. Dead rubber before most else... Dealing with that on a well-cared for 2006!
     
  4. ddonzella

    ddonzella Karting

    Jun 2, 2014
    104
    Davie
    #4 ddonzella, Jan 22, 2015
    As the others suggested first check rubber bushings to see if they are dry rotted or cracked. Since 86 most likely bad. Then look for fluid leaks around shaft. If no leaks, do a bounce test on all four corners. After depressing the car should bounce once and return to normal height. However, if bushings can't be independently replaced then replace all four shocks provided they have new bushings included in kit.
     
  5. wrouster

    wrouster Karting

    Feb 22, 2012
    52
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    William Rouster
    #5 wrouster, Jan 22, 2015
    I did notice that the bushings are cracked and so I'll replace them, but will the shocks maintain their performance level for thirty years? Wouldn't there be considerable fall off regardless of the miles? While I'm replacing the bushings wouldn't it be worth it from a performance standpoint to have the shocks rebuilt as well?
     
  6. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2008
    5,502
    Madison Ohio
    Full Name:
    David A.
    #6 ago car nut, Jan 22, 2015
    If your shocks are Koni hydraulic, they can be adjusted for wear. Google Koni shock adjustment. Remove shock, bottom shaft, count turns CC to stop, then go 1/4 turn more.


    Ago
     
  7. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,026
    socal
    #7 fatbillybob, Jan 22, 2015
    The only way to test a shock is on a shock dyno. Racers feel that shocks are so important that even club racers rebuild them annually. Nothing awakens the chassis of an old car like bushings and shocks. You might have still consumer acceptable shock function but IMO those shocks are long past dead at 30 years. Ping Rob at DeltaVee and have a chat with him. He works magic.
     
  8. ceb39

    ceb39 Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2012
    483
    San Francisco Area
    Full Name:
    Chuck B
    #8 ceb39, Jan 23, 2015
    I would go with the bushing first. I had Brian Crall change all the bushings on my 87 Mondial last year and it did improve the ride and performance.

    For your information, Koni will charge about a $1000 to rebuild the shocks on your car.
     

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