Mtech Dampers

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:08 pm

Took my front suspension to bits last night to install some H&R 40mm springs. When the springs were taken out, the shocker piston 'sucked' itself back in. Usually when I've done this to other cars, the piston tends to be at it's most extreme point with no top mount on, ie. all the way out.

Is this right...? Never seen it before. Is it just on the Mtech dampers...?

Giles.

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:39 pm

mine did this too Giles and it caused me a lot of grief. i have no idea why they do it but it was that front setup you sold me, maybe it's just your cars!!

makes it an absolute sod to rebuild the strut

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:55 pm

Too right! You have to compress the springs loads to get the top-mount back on... Grrrr! It's a bugger getting them off too as the piston is causing friction on the top-mount retaining nut making the piston turn as you try to undo the nut... very frustrating!

Did it in the end though. Took me 4 hours to do just the fronts... I've NEVER taken that long before... mind you, didn't help having spring compressors that broke half way through and a garage so tidy I couldn't find any tools! Dad's packed up ready to move house...

Post Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:35 pm

i didn't even have bloody compressors, i had to use g clamps!

however it was such a sod that i went out and bought some for next time...

Post Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:46 am

Ive had this before with apex front shocks.
was a right pain in the arse.

Made a tool to do the top mounts for the front though.
Took a grinder to a 19mm socket just enoughon both edges to get a 24mm spanner on it and then used and 8 mm socket to hold the top of the shock and spanner on the top mount nut.
worked a bloody treat