*** Ra23 Front Strut - Cartridge Removable? ***

[toylica]

Hey guys.

Just wondering...

In the stock struts in the Ra23/ra28 is it possible to replace the cartiridge? seems the current dampening ability is less than ideal.


Replies appreciated



Thanks

[RA35GT]

You can get strut inserts for them dood.

[toylica]

Alrighty .... Repco do em?

thanks

[frostyadonis]

originally from factory they were oil filled

are you planning on doing the work yourself? done it before?

the use of a rattle gun is great for this job.

and yes to the repco question...

[RA35GT]

Most automotive shops do them mate. Most likely they would need to order them in though (as opposed to being on the shelf)

[toylica]

Yep yep - ill do it myself

baught and installed the struts friday... And one side has alot more bounce than the other and is consequently leaking oil - awesome - will they have a listing under the model ect? Any idea on approx price?

Thanks


David

[Willofan]

Are the struts you have original and never touched before??, the reason I ask that most likely the shock insert has been replaced with a non genuine strut insert like monroe or similar a long time ago.

If they are the original oil filled units, they are way past their due date and would be very saggy. The best thing about removing the old oil filled units is the steel sleeve comes in handy to add as an extension for your breaker bar and spanners. Then throw the rest in the bin and put in some quality inserts.

You will need a bench with a holding brace or clamp in a vice, try not to put strut in the vice. a coil spring compressor, rattle gun with 19mm socket.

On the reassemble, it is not always possible to line up the key way in the coil top, so be sure to tension it slightly and go for a run around the block then tension is up when its on the ground and you see it go down a few more turns.

Hope this help.

Rgds,
Willofan
I used to do these alot when they were under new car warranty, now I am showing my age.

[toylica]

Hey - thanks for the extensive reply

I think they have been replaced ... As the struts have been reconditioned ... Painted + springs ect. Ill check my original struts though .. But thy one is leaking oil :S

Is there differernt grades of dampening? Used for different applications?

Thanks alot

dave

[Willofan]

Is there differernt grades of dampening? Used for different applications?

If one is leaking, then they should both be replaced. I have never known there to be varied rates of dampening in standard strut/shock installations, unless they are high end adjustable units for racing.

You can get a pair of good gas units from Repco for about $120, or high end Koni or Bilsteins which start at about $450 for a pair. For general road/street use the Monroe gas are good value from Repco.

Cheers,
Willofan

[toylica]

Oh cool - thanks

but i think ill go for the high performance race shocks .... I mean this ra23 is an 18rc racecar! With a top crusing speed of 90kmh she sure needs em! ..... Cough...

[toylica]

Hmm - i was just thinking....

When i bounce tested the non leaking/good strut ... It made that typical gas shock sound.... But when i tested the leaking oil and non effective one ... It was silent ....

Hmm i wondee if its possible that one original and one is gas :S

[the_random_hero]

You should be able to get KYB's for next to nothing, I just replaced all 4 struts on my brothers 1200 for $300. You don't -need- a rattle gun, but you will need spring compressors.

[SilverRA23]

The KYB Excel-G's are definitely a popular replacement around these parts.

You probably can't hear the normal "sound" because its leaked half its oil out.