Self levelling shocks not levelling

[mightbuyajeep]

Out of interest, why would they be knackered??

[drover]

Originally Posted by mightbuyajeep

Out of interest, why would they be knackered??

Shocks have some pressure and should have resistance when you try to compress or extend them if they move with little effort then the valves are more than likely shot or the gas/oil has leaked out, they do have pressure thats why they will extend if left on the bench... New shocks will have a band around them to hold them in place which makes it easier to fit, mount one end, line up the other and remove band and its easier to fit as it expands, can be difficult to try and compress a shock and slip a bolt in while under a vehicle.
When I removed my Nivomatts I fitted a strap first then removed the bolts and lowered the arm away from it, so much easier to refit as well....

Yesterday I took my van for a run around the block to check the hitch heights after fitting new suspension, 500mt drive to allow Nivomatts to reset then measured everything and rear was back to within 5mm of unloaded height, this I think will settle more once the springs bed in more.....no clunks and everything is sitting good....ball weight was 290kgs as I filled both tanks and added some water jerries to up the weight.

[Russc0123]

They were not strapped when I fitted them but there is enough space to fit them without compressing them once you jack the wheel up.
I did try compressing them by pushing on them but they would not budge.

You have a lift kit installed don't you Drover? Maybe that is why yours goes back up to full height because you have stronger springs?

[drover]

@Russc0123 , going on past experience I just assumed the shocks would expand to make removal/refit difficult so strapped them at the start, there was a good bit of tension on the strap when they were on the bench though.....springs were loose when I refitted shocks so didn't effect things........ if they are around the 510mm mark empty and drop to under 500mmm with a camper on back then they must be stuffed is all I can say.