Recently, as some will remember, I replaced the shocks on The French Tart.
Shocks have always been a conundrum with me.
Things I know about shocks:
They wear.
They can wear at each corner differently.
Recommended change every 50,000 kilometres.
They can leak.
Their bushes can perish.
I’ve replaced shocks on only two other of my cars. An old EK Holden in the early 70’s. And the Red Jett at 66,000 kilometres.
I remember as an 18-year-old feeling a snugness with the new shocks on the EK. It no longer wallowed and actually braked better.
With the Red Jett, it was part of a total White Line package. Strut braces, camber, castor, rear sway bar, under chassis brace, etc.
However, I have read that punters don’t notice a difference in handling, and some complain that the ride is hard after new shock fitted, even though it brought it back to spec when they purchased it brand new. Go figure. 'Nought as strange as folks . . .’
I don’t really go for the 50,000 kilometres change and some shock testers actually fork-up your shocks.
So, at 140,000 kilometres I replaced the shocks on the Tart. I took it to a ‘shock shop’ who replaced then, bleed brakes and did wheel alignment. I asked the Manager why people don’t get their shocks changed regularly. He replied, ‘They won’t pay the money’.
OK. With the French Tart, I noticed an immediate change. Subtle as it was, well, it just was. Braking feels improved and a regular certain sweeping corner, I noticed less roll and unsteadiness. So, no I can take that sweeper faster and with confidence than before.
My verdict: I recommend that you change your shocks at 100,000 or before.
Cheers . . .
Tart and Red Jett
Red Jett's tyres:
Shocks have always been a conundrum with me.
Things I know about shocks:
They wear.
They can wear at each corner differently.
Recommended change every 50,000 kilometres.
They can leak.
Their bushes can perish.
I’ve replaced shocks on only two other of my cars. An old EK Holden in the early 70’s. And the Red Jett at 66,000 kilometres.
I remember as an 18-year-old feeling a snugness with the new shocks on the EK. It no longer wallowed and actually braked better.
With the Red Jett, it was part of a total White Line package. Strut braces, camber, castor, rear sway bar, under chassis brace, etc.
However, I have read that punters don’t notice a difference in handling, and some complain that the ride is hard after new shock fitted, even though it brought it back to spec when they purchased it brand new. Go figure. 'Nought as strange as folks . . .’
I don’t really go for the 50,000 kilometres change and some shock testers actually fork-up your shocks.
So, at 140,000 kilometres I replaced the shocks on the Tart. I took it to a ‘shock shop’ who replaced then, bleed brakes and did wheel alignment. I asked the Manager why people don’t get their shocks changed regularly. He replied, ‘They won’t pay the money’.
OK. With the French Tart, I noticed an immediate change. Subtle as it was, well, it just was. Braking feels improved and a regular certain sweeping corner, I noticed less roll and unsteadiness. So, no I can take that sweeper faster and with confidence than before.
My verdict: I recommend that you change your shocks at 100,000 or before.
Cheers . . .
Tart and Red Jett
Red Jett's tyres: