Attention ACR guys, leaky shock?

[bloose]

I've done a fair amount of research on the Dynamic shocks that are stock on the mid-2000 and above ACRs. It's been mentioned that they can leak or they will leak, it's just a matter of time, and that they may require a rebuild. I don't think I've found pictures of the leakage and I was wondering if someone could take a look at mine and tell me what kind of shape it's in.

It looks like there is a patch of very thick grease on the threads which I think might be there to help when doing height adjustments, but I thought that could also be leakage. If it would help to have a picture before I cleaned up the suspension let me know. I didn't see any other obivous signs of anything "leaking"

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Thanks

 

[AZTVR]

While I was changing my rear springs from the 1100# originals to 850# ones, I saw what you are displaying, in addition to some clear oil on top of the shocks. I told myself that "all gas charged shocks may leak a little after a while, and this probably is no big deal." Then I did a 300 mile trip and a track day, after which the shocks were leaking badly. Lots of clear oil dripping from the top seal, and one shock "clunked" going over small bumps. I'd say that if yours aren't dripping on the floor, and the car rides/handles OK, then they are OK.

 

[bloose]

Thanks AZTVR

I'm prepping for a 200 mile drive and Viper Days at Mid-Ohio and was just checking everything over to avoid what you described.

I'm also considering the spring swap as it just feels really bouncy, but no clunking so far.

Any recommendations as to a part number or where to get the springs?

Thanks

 

[AZTVR]

I bought the replacement Hypercoil springs from Parts Rack.

They definitely improved the every day ride quality.
Sounds like you are doing exactly what I did 6 months ago.

My problem did not show up on the track at Viper Days; but, when I drove to the hotel from the track, it clunked whenever I drove over a manhole cover or other small abrupt bump. Large bumps did nothing. When I got home, I found that the upper seal and bushing on the right rear was loose. (could move the shock back and forth in the middle when car jacked up and wheel hanging down.) I'm convinced that the combination of the "weaker" spring and the trip and the track time accelerated the leak that was going to happen anyway to someone owning this car. I just happenned to be the owner at the time. Just part of the price of admission to this particular ride.

 

[Fast Freddy]

I've done a fair amount of research on the Dynamic shocks that are stock on the mid-2000 and above ACRs. It's been mentioned that they can leak or they will leak, it's just a matter of time, and that they may require a rebuild. I don't think I've found pictures of the leakage and I was wondering if someone could take a look at mine and tell me what kind of shape it's in.

It looks like there is a patch of very thick grease on the threads which I think might be there to help when doing height adjustments, but I thought that could also be leakage. If it would help to have a picture before I cleaned up the suspension let me know. I didn't see any other obivous signs of anything "leaking"

You must be registered for see images

Thanks

looks like you have the same exact viper as me. i had my front 2 shox rebuilt by carl-haas. they installed a schrader valve. the cost was $200 per shock

 

[Fast Freddy]

I bought the replacement Hypercoil springs from Parts Rack.

They definitely improved the every day ride quality.
Sounds like you are doing exactly what I did 6 months ago.

My problem did not show up on the track at Viper Days; but, when I drove to the hotel from the track, it clunked whenever I drove over a manhole cover or other small abrupt bump. Large bumps did nothing. When I got home, I found that the upper seal and bushing on the right rear was loose. (could move the shock back and forth in the middle when car jacked up and wheel hanging down.) I'm convinced that the combination of the "weaker" spring and the trip and the track time accelerated the leak that was going to happen anyway to someone owning this car. I just happenned to be the owner at the time. Just part of the price of admission to this particular ride.

AZTVR - i see that you are in chandler. i live in tucson and will be doing some track time with nasa and asra this fall at firebird and PIR. hope to see you out there

 

[Schulmann]

Same issue here ...

Question: Who rebuilds these shocks ?

 

[cgmaster]

If they are leaking you need to rebuild them now. If you let it go too long you may end up replacing worn parts in the shock which will cost more. From what I hear you need to rebuild them if the car is bouncing and you cant get it adjusted out. I would also change to a lower spring rate while you are doing this. I think somewhere between 750 and 850 depending on your car.

 

[AZTVR]

Question: Who rebuilds these shocks ?

It appears that there is just one person in the US that does this: I dealt with Alan at Carl-Haas Automobile Imports. He was very helpful, but very busy supporting race teams. Make sure that you get a clear understanding of how long it will take, so that you know what to expect.
Their email is [email protected]

 

[Schulmann]

Okay but who does this rebuild ?

 

[AZTVR]

Okay but who does this rebuild ?

I think we must have posted at the same instant and hopefully I answered your question. Alan at Carl-Haas does the work. There is also a contact in Canada listed here: http://www.dynamicsuspensions.com/contact.shtml

 

[Wojo]

I get a 'squeeking' sound from the shocks. No apparent leakage. Is the 'squeeking' normal?

 

[AZTVR]

I get a 'squeeking' sound from the shocks. No apparent leakage. Is the 'squeeking' normal?

No squeaking from mine; while leaking, or after rebuild.