is my Koni shock worn out?

[Fidalgo911S]

I decided to check the status of my right rear torsion bar since that side is a little lower than the left. When I disconnected the lower shock absorber bolt, I noticed it was fairly easy to compress the shock absorber. In fact I could move it up and down without too much effort and the shock would stay in whatever position I put it in.

I don't know much about shock absorbers, but is this normal? By the way it's a red Koni; probably original since most everything on the 911S is (low mileage). Would be great to find out before I tear into the spring plate, etc. Thanks.

[vol96]

If its adjustable and set of soft then it could be OK. As I remember my adjustable Konis were not too hard to move on soft, but when set on hard (or 3/4 hard) they became very difficult to expand......its the rebound that is adjustable not the compression (unless you have double adjustable).

As far as staying in place after you move it....thats what should happen.

So I would say check the top of the shock. If it has a stem with flats then it is probably adjustable. You have to fully compress the shock to engage the adjustment stem. If you set it to 3/4 hard (recommended IMHO) be prepared to burn some calories to expand it for re-mounting.

[Zeke]

I don't think shocks are ever "easy" to move in and out if they are healthy. You might get a few miles out of the thing by adjusting it, but I think it's time for a rebuild or replacement. Konis for Porshes have a relatively soft compression, but a stiffer rebound. Still, with moderate hand applied force, they don't compress very fast.

[Hugh R]

I believe the correct pronunciation is "Are" my shocks worn out, not "Is". Just teasing you.

[911ctS]

Koni reds are fairly easy to compress. The gas red ones on the other hand are very stiff to compress. If they feel smooth as you push them up I would say that they were fine. But Koni shocks have been known to contain a rubber stop that squishes when the shocks are fully extended. This very rubber stop will break appart with old age and it will fill all of the shocks valving. you can tell this has happened when the shocks are very hard to compress. Doesnt happen all the time but I have rebuilding these things lately and see it on early shocks alot.

[Joeaksa]

Remember that if your shocks have seen better days that Koni will overhaul them. Would take your car sitting on jack stands for a week or two but believe its free for the orginal purchaser.

JoeA

[Marankie]

AS noted above, the interior sealing elements of KONI will deteriorate over time (especially older shocks) and the debris thus resulting in the oil, will clog the orifices and prevent the shocks operating as designed. Koni (and others) provide rebuilding services, which will result in better than new, tested shocks with modern elastomer formulations, and include (synthetic) oils with a more constant viscosity over lager temperature ranges. They even paint them and put a correct preriod logo on them. Of course you can also have them custom valved for racing applications. Yes I have had this done on my car and am very satisfied with the result.

Martin Jansen
Dual Sport 1970 914-6 GTR