Rear Shocks, not "springy"

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Vertiviper

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Hi Folks,

I've had this on going issue on my KM that i've never really solved completely. I've replaced the fluid in all 4 shocks.

Since new, when I depress the rear of the vehicle it rebounds slowly.....very.......slowly.

I was going to purchase a new set of springs (HPI) and some outerwears for them. But, before doing so wanted to get some feedback from you all.

What do you think?

Thanks
 
Hi pal, mine are usually veeeerryyyy slow but after a good few mins out they liven up and are more responsive. Do you find this too or are they always slow on rebound?
 
It's also possible that the oil is too thick or you haven't bled them correctly. I'm no expert on Baja stuff but I'd be checking those things first.
 
Mike1970 said:
I would check things first rather than fit something to overcome a problem.
Click to expand...

Got to agree with Mike. Find the original problem first.
Remove them from the car and see what they do..
Do they feel ok with springs removed?.
How old is the shock oil?.
Drain the oil and try the shocks dry to see if anything is binding up.
Are the shock shafts straight.
Make sure there is no damage to any parts at all.
Then and only then do you think about sanding or modifying parts but you shouldn't need to if all is correctly built and to spec of the original car...

Changing springs could just give you other problems and not cure the cause.
 
Try simply removing the shocks, removing the springs and seeing how free-moving the shocks are.

It might be the shock oil is way too viscous and the springs are having to work too hard - need much stiffer springs, which is probably not what you want to do.

May be that the O-rings in the end cap are fatigued, and are rubbing hard, resisting the free-movement of the piston.

May be the shaft is dirty / rusty and needs a clean.

May be a need to pre-tension the spring a bit more and it's sorted.

Just a few ideas.
Al.
 
Yeah, too many variables to answer exactly. First and foremost, what weight oil did you use? What pistons do you have in the shocks? The 12/16 hole pistons will act differently than the 2/3 hole pistons do. Did you use the HPI Baja oil or did you use silcone oil that is in smaller scale shocks? The oil type makes a huge differance as it is rated differently on the viscocity scale.

Harry, your shocks are "freeing up" after a little bit because you have them built "emulsion style", the oil is mixing with air, thinning it out.
 
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