Idiot's guide to shock absorbers

[smee]

Hello,

I'm fairly sure we are on a well trodden path here and I've been looking at previous posts but please could someone explain to me in short easy words what to do about replacing my leaking shocks. Budget is lower than it should be and they are really only for road use.

I really am so dumb here that what exactly do I need to buy, total moron, my brain only has a limited capacity and at the moment it is filled with unnecessary veterinary information which has pushed out what little car knowledge I ever had,

Thanks again

[Shug]

Firstly they don't absorb shock, so they are dampers

How many are gone? If it's to get you through the winter, there are probably standard konis kicking about in the SE group pool that'd last 6 months. Always replace as pairs though.

If you actually want to sort the problem on a more permanent basis, probably your cheapest bet (taking into account longevity) would be to upgrade to S2 dampers. These usually come in a kit with different mounts (which you'll need) but just bolt on, so not difficult to do.

For ease, both Lotus (through MMC) will sell you a kit, or the likes of Eliseparts: http://www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.ph ... cts_id=617 There's a chap called Steve Butts who also sells the kit, but I don't have contact details - someone will be along with those in a minute.

Other options involve replacing the Konis with technically inferior (twin-tube) dampers. I have been down that road and, whilst they were enough for a while, I then went out and spent over a grand on Nitrons, so they cost more over time.

S2 kit has the benefits of being much better quality, great road manners and reliable.

[BiggestNizzy]

S2 Kit

else I have aset of really skabby Koni's you can have. you just need to get them to you (they are really skabby but not leaky)

[smee]

I knew you wouldn't let me down!

Been researching so no doubt forgotten some more important information but S2 kit seems the one, where is the cheapest place to get them? I have 3 leaking 1 front and 2 rear have been puting up with the noise for a while but I always just ignored it because it usually went away.

Thanks again

[Dominic]

I have 3 leaking 1 front and 2 rear have been puting up with the noise for a while

Bloody farmer (well vet) types.

Told you S2 'shock absorbing' dampers are the future

[smee]

I like saying shock absorbers it's fun.

I need some bloody shock absorbers after the shock of the price!
Hangar 111 is doing the kit direct from lotus for £643-90 inc VAT and delivery about £30 cheaper than elise parts, has anyone had any experience with these guys or does anyone know of anywhere cheaper?

[woody]

I like saying shock absorbers it's fun.

I need some bloody shock absorbers after the shock of the price!
Hangar 111 is doing the kit direct from lotus for £643-90 inc VAT and delivery about £30 cheaper than elise parts, has anyone had any experience with these guys or does anyone know of anywhere cheaper?

Call bell & colvill and ask about the SELOC bulk buy discount. IIRC it worked out at about £450 a kit.

[mwmackenzie]

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php? ... ad&id=9008

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php? ... ad&id=8984

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php? ... ad&id=9009

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php? ... ad&id=9033

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php? ... ad&id=8238

Just a few options for sale on seloc.. Hope it helps if cash is tight mate..

Mark

[smee]

Thank you all for your help,

I've ordered the s2 kit from Bell and Colvill at the SELOC rate, Thanks for puting me onto that,

Thanks again

[kpb]

I have just orderd a kit for my S1 from Steve Butts and he was the cheapest at £550 including all the brackets,this was to lower the car to 110mm front and 120 rear ( rake to improve stability) and Eibach harder rated springs if you dont want to go as low and as hard on the springs the compltete kit is only £510 if you have the open style brackets on the rear shockers.
They also come fully built so it is just a bolt on job no need to fit springs etc.
He also sets the spring preload and gives you the rack lowering brackets if you go that low.
Hope this helps
Kinnon

[smee]

Still waiting for B&C S2 kit, currently on back order £450 with SELOC discount, hopefully will hear from them soon as car has been at the garage for 2 months now!

[Corranga]

It took me a while to get the S2 kit from B&C too, but I reckon if its on back order, it'll be back order from Lotus, which means that no one will have them (I spoke to Steven Butts about them before finding the B&C deal, and he was waiting for them from Lotus too for example...)

The difference is worth the wait though, and lets face it, it's not really Lotus weather.

Take the clubby out for a run instead

[kpb]

I must have been lucky with the delivery time.
I ordered them from Steve last Tuesday and they arrived yestreday .
I thought it was worth the little bit extra cash getting them delivered ready to fit and set up with all the correct brackets as Steve certainly knows his stuff
Cheers
Kinnon

[smee]

Arriving tomorrow

[VXJON]

Arriving tomorrow

Nice one You need a hand fitting them?


Only 300miles away