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MG MGA - front shock testing

I have both shocks out of my car and one of the shocks moves downward easily compared to upward stronger resistance and the other shock feels an equal strong resistance in both modes of travel. I did renew the hydraulic fluid in the shock that was 'weaker' but it has not increased the resistance in the downward motion. Any notions what to do next with this?

Steve
Stephen Lofaro

Something broken inside. You could remove the regulator valve for inspection. Otherwise it needs a rebuild. Highly recommend Peter Caldwell at World Wide Auto Parts in Madison, WI. Also see here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/suspensn/fs118.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/suspensn/fs119.htm
Barney Gaylord

Look on eBay. NOSImport (above mentioned Peter Caldwell) sells rebuilt shocks there for $90 plus a core charge of $60 which is refunded when you send your old shock back. They can ship in a USPS flat rate box for about $12.90.


http://www.nosimport.com/
Gene Gillam

After talking on the phone to Peter Caldwell, I decided to ship my shock out to Apple Hydraulics in New York to have mine rebuilt, on the advice of a trusted mechanic. I want to keep the original pair I have and if it does fail, I only have myself to deal with, not like the repair shop that needs to guarantee the work. That's how the mechanic rolls, and two new shocks would be over $500. The rebuild $150 all in. I think all will be well with it. Thanks.

Steve
Stephen Lofaro

OMG -- If you haven't shipped them yet, I would say avoid Apple Hydraulics like the plague. Lots of bad press about poor quality rebuilds of shocks and master cylinders from them. In the late 90's I went through nine A.H. "rebuilt" shocks before their 2-year warranty ran out, and not a keeper in the bunch. I suppose they just clean and paint them and send them back out; no other explanation.

I finally bought a pair of new old stock shocks that lasted more than 100,000 miles before they leaked. Last year I has Peter in Madison rebuild a pair for me, good work with a lifetime guarantee, and all good feedback from his customers.
Barney Gaylord

I'll second that about Apple. My m/c sleeve job was not good. Poor finish.
Art Pearse

And I'll third it. Paying more and getting less has never made good sense to me.
Gene Gillam

FYI, NOSImport is NOT Peter Caldwell. It is the eBay seller name of Scarborough Faire.

I've been pleased with the quality of stuff from SF, but they are not the same company as Peter Caldwell.

If they are selling rebuilt shocks, they may have them rebuilt by Peter (which would be a good thing).
Larry Wheeler

http://www.nosimport.com is Peter Caldwell at World Wide Auto Parts in Madison WI. Go visit his web site.

NOS Locators is S.F. on eBay.
Barney Gaylord

Whoops, my mistake. Open mouth, insert foot. Thanks for the correction.
Larry Wheeler

This thread was discussed between 29/05/2013 and 08/06/2013

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