Failing M400 shock

[Hollowpockets]

Hi guys,

For the engineers out there...

Just got the feedback from multimatic about my front left shock that's been repaired for a third time, keeps leaking!

The front right has leaked and been done once and the rears have never leaked but have had a refurb as part of maintenance.

The damage they have seen is anodising being worn on the shaft which they believe to be caused by side loading. They tested my spring and it compresses perfectly straight and won't be impacting on the damper, so something else is causing this.

Could it be weak flexing wishbones under hard braking?
Could it be bushes?
Could there be some bad measurements when the chassis was welded at the factory resulting in the shock taking unnecessary loads?
Maybe it's just the shocks aren't up to the job, multimatic said because of the short stroke on the damper it only has one seal, the racing shocks they do have two seals, they have said they could make up a set of shocks for me a bit more modern and race ready if I find it keeps failing. Bet that won't be cheap though!

Anything I can check or rule out myself with basic tools?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Graham

[Adrian W]

Maybe the anodising just isn't hard enough, if it is going to be re-treated go for something harder

[Gadgeroonie]

is one end bolted up so hard that it twists when it compresses ? can the ends float/twist in the bushes ok

also could the main shaft be bent slightly ?