Shot Koni

banjomike · banjomike's Garage

On my way home last night and while going around a corner at a less than spirited pace, I heard a noise begin, and the steering got vauge. I got out and looked but there was nothing to see. I got back in and since I was less than a mile from my mechanic's shop I went on. I decided that the noise was a squeek that sounded like it was coming from the right front and happened when I went over bumps. So I pulled in at Hi Tec and they were still there and were willing to check it out really quilckly. Dana had me wiggle the steering while he held the each wheel (no sounds) then we bounced the corners and when he lifted the right front then pushed it down we got a squeek. He said that visually all suspension parts looked okay and told me it was safe to commute. They think the shock on the right front is shot. On the way home in addition to squeeking bumps, it really whined a few times when I was turning the wheel.

I heard him comment that I have the "stock konis with the spacer". They said it was really easy to replace.

I've looked at the pelican parts for shocks and struts and I can't figure out which one I need. I'm also curious if there is an upgrade path here?

banjomike · banjomike's Garage

I was hoping someone might be able to tell me what part is needed if the internals of the strut have failed.

Are koni sports direct replacements?

Will the presence of koni sports on the front only upset the car's handling (since the upgrade on the rear would have to wait).

What about konis that are adjustable without removing them?

Is there any complementary work I should have them do while they are in there?

Rouxzy · 11-19-2003, 01:38 PM

Banjomike,
I looked into changing out my Koni's because I thought I had a problem with them. I contacted Koni at www.Koni-NA.com. I shot them an e-mail and they answered every question I had. If I remember right the only adjustable without removing are the gas Koni's. I've also heard of guys running with yellows up front and reds in the back with no problems at all.
I would say is your best bet is to contact them find out what you need then you can go buy what you need.
The spacer you mentioned is a big thick washer that is at the top of the strut which was used in the US as part of the height issues. I took mine out when i adusted the ride height.
Tom