How long will my damper last?

How long will my damper last?

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Discussion

AlpineWhite

Original Poster:

2,157 posts

210 months

Thursday 28th July 2011
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Evening all,

Noticed that on one of my rear dampers, the protective rubber boot has fallen to bits, leaving the shaft exposed. How long do we think it'll last before it needs replacing?

It's on a Fabia vRS, for what it's worth, and yes, I'll be doing both dampers on the rear when I do change it!

PhillipM

6,535 posts

204 months

Thursday 28th July 2011
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Depends how good the electroplating on the shaft is, it's only to keep the majority of debris and water out to stop it getting chipped.

If the plating is poor it might start to pit from corrosion, which will then damage the internal seals and it'll start to weep oil. If the plating is pretty good, then it'll last up until it gets a big enough stone to hit it and chip the coating, then the same thing will happen.

However, I wouldn't worry about it, generally most damper shafts/coating are quite hard stuff.

o0myles0o

9,563 posts

186 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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PhillipM said:
Depends how good the electroplating on the shaft is, it's only to keep the majority of debris and water out to stop it getting chipped.

If the plating is poor it might start to pit from corrosion, which will then damage the internal seals and it'll start to weep oil. If the plating is pretty good, then it'll last up until it gets a big enough stone to hit it and chip the coating, then the same thing will happen.

However, I wouldn't worry about it, generally most damper shafts/coating are quite hard stuff.
My Impreza rear passenger strut has been knocking (a common complaint amongst owners). Now it is leaking and the handling at the rear is 'skittish' to say the least, and MOT is coming up. So I'd suggest you do something about it, whether that be with the shock you have, or a new set.

PhillipM

6,535 posts

204 months

Friday 29th July 2011
quotequote all
o0myles0o said:
My Impreza rear passenger strut has been knocking (a common complaint amongst owners). Now it is leaking and the handling at the rear is 'skittish' to say the least, and MOT is coming up. So I'd suggest you do something about it, whether that be with the shock you have, or a new set.
If it's knocking then one of the internal bushes or possibly the piston seal will be knackered and pissing fluid past, I'm not surprised it's skittish.

That's not the same thing as a torn protective cover however.

Superhoop

4,760 posts

208 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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Split shock absorber boots were a common problem with VW's a few yaesr ago, along with bump stops that perished

Not sure if it's still the same, (but can't imagine why it wouldn't be) you used to able to get the dust boots and bumo stops as a kit for not too much money - If you can, it'd be worth changing them and you'll save the damper from damage

Caulkhead

4,938 posts

172 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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AlpineWhite

Original Poster:

2,157 posts

210 months

Friday 29th July 2011
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Thanks gents, replacement boot it is!