Shocks Bad?


Waldo

Waldo

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Sep 7, 2005
770
Fort Worth, TX
Gents,

While in the process of completing some routine maintenance, I removed the rear tires and noticed an oily grime on both rear shocks.



To be honest, I haven't had the rear tires off of the car in a couple of years, so I can't say how long the oily grime has been on the shocks. Is this somewhat normal, or are my rear shocks toast? The GT has just over 12,000 miles. Any insight would be appreciated.

Best Regards,
Waldo
 
Unfortunately it's done. Not rebuildable. Will have to source another OEM shock or get Scott Ahlman's Ohlins!
 
bonehead said:
Unfortunately it's done. Not rebuildable. Will have to source another OEM shock or get Scott Ahlman's Ohlins!
Click to expand...

Darn it. I was afraid of that. As much as I would love to install Ohlins or Penskes at all four corners, that isn't in the toy budget right now.

I appreciate the quick reply.

Best Regards,
 
Waldo ,
Here is your chance to buy Scott Ahlman’s shocks.A truly superior replacement.Everyone who has em loves em! On the other hand you may be able to find some used stock ones.
Hope retirement is treating you well ! Hope we get to see you at R10 in Detroit!
My best regards,Ron
 
Shock seals go bad from not being driven regularly enough. Don't let it happen again! Lol.
 
And some more bad news, but could be good news. My Ford dealer just had the only rear shock in the USA (in Memphis) sent to them for my one leaking shock. More than one bad I would go to Scott's set (50K miles on mine).
 
And Scott's are rebuild able also.
 
A little leakage does not necessarily mean the shock is done. You don't have to replace this right now. Keep driving it, and if it gets to the point where oil is dripping out, then it's done. You can wait and watch to see if anyone has take-off OEM shocks for sale.
 
PeteK said:
A little leakage does not necessarily mean the shock is done. You don't have to replace this right now. Keep driving it, and if it gets to the point where oil is dripping out, then it's done. You can wait and watch to see if anyone has take-off OEM shocks for sale.
Click to expand...

True. I drove on mine for a good 7K miles after the leak was noted. But regardless, the shock will eventually fail and it is not repairable.
 
Shocks begin to wear out / fail in three modes... termed "weeping", "seeping " and then finally "leaking".
A certain amount of oil moving past the seal lips acts as a seal and a lubricant.
Looking at the photo, I would classify the shock as "seeping".. best I can tell from the photo.
This should not affect the performance... yet . It may not get any worse for many thousands of miles.
I would not replace until they are actually 'leaking' ... wet oil / possible drip on bottom, or until you notice a performance degradation.

andy (ajb)
 
Pete, Andy,
Thanks. I'll take a "seeping" shock with a few more miles in it versus a "leaking" shock that needs to be replaced right now. I'll keep an eye on them while I'm saving my pennies for a set of shocks from Scott Ahlman.

Ron,
It isn't so much retirements as it is a new job. But, the new job is going well. I will do my best to make it to the rally. It's been far too long since we've been able to trade stories while enjoying a cocktail.

Cheers,
Waldo
 
Waldo ,
Whats the new job?
Would love to see you at r10!
 
roketman said:
Whats the new job?
Click to expand...
F-35 simulator instructor "pilot"
 
The Master teaching the rookies!
I can only imagine that your’e great at it!
 
I'll give you a whole set of shocks for a few hours in that SIM.


Ask around some more. There has to be alot of these laying around.
 
Interesting that it always seems to be just the rear shocks with reported leaks.
 
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