When is it time to change shocks?

How long do they usually last? I'm asking this in line with my previous 'Carrera Maintenance' post. Can I assume that shocks are fine as long as they're not making any weird noises or allowing the car to 'bounce around?' Just wondering-

------------------
Adam Nitti
ajnitti@mindspring.com
www.adamnitti.com
'85 911 Carrera Coupe
PCA member, Peachstate region

Adam,

Check out Superman's post on this link.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/008952.html

Nick.

------------------
_ _ __ _ _
Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com
PCA -- Rocky Mtn. Region

In addition to the other excellent comments, I'd just add that even the standard Boge shocks are excellent quality, and its not unusual for these to last 100,000+ miles on a 911.

Because of the stiff torsion bar set-up, the well designed and located A arms, and the fairly limited suspension travel of the 911, the shocks don't have work as hard as in most other types of car.

To test your shocks, "bounce" each corner of your car until you get a good ossilating motion (this will take a fair bet of effort if you are slightly built like me). Then release the corner and watch. The car should go up and down once and then immediately settle.

You can also check visually for leaks - after a couple of nice dry days take the wheels off and look at your shocks, specifically the "gap" where the upper and lower struts telescope into each other. Any signs of fluid means the shock is leaking and needs replacing.

What kind of shock do you have? The vast majority of 911s are fitted with Boge units as standard. These are black (usually) although I had a friend in the UK with a '67 911 E that had grey ones (!).

Konis are red or bright orange. You can adjust these although its a bit of hassle as you have to remove the shock first.

Bilstein units are green in colour.

Always replace your shocks in pairs, and always stump up the cost of an alignment when you've messed about with the front suspension.

Good luck!

- roGER