Rear shocks- problem with delcos
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Rear shocks- problem with delcos
I put 4 reactek shocks on my car a few months ago. One of the rears was different- the upper bolt slid through the bushing way too easily. At the same time I did calipers and had many suspects when the slapping noise started. If I grab the upper part of the shock I can wiggle it around enough to reproduce the noise. I decided to just live with the noise.
I just got my car inspected. My mechanic said my shocks are fine and the noise does not exist. It is sort of funny but that mechanic made me mad and now I want to fix it.
So, should I replace the shock, or is there a cheap bubba fix? Could 6 months of slapping around wear a shock prematurely? Would I be a bad person if I took the bolt out, wraped the shaft in a little duct tape, and put it back :lol: ? Is this a strike against the popular delco shocks, worthy of an email to delco?
Thanks,
Jim
I just got my car inspected. My mechanic said my shocks are fine and the noise does not exist. It is sort of funny but that mechanic made me mad and now I want to fix it.
So, should I replace the shock, or is there a cheap bubba fix? Could 6 months of slapping around wear a shock prematurely? Would I be a bad person if I took the bolt out, wraped the shaft in a little duct tape, and put it back :lol: ? Is this a strike against the popular delco shocks, worthy of an email to delco?
Thanks,
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: Rear shocks- problem with delcos (Jim 77)
Is it the threaded part of the shock that's smaller or are the bushings you got with that shock larger in inside diameter? If it's the bushings, I'd probably just order another set.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: Rear shocks- problem with delcos (Jim 77)
I put the reactec shocks on my 75 as well. I haven't had opportunity to try them yet, as my "frame off" is nearing completion. I can say the top shock mount bolt is special. When I purchased these shocks the supplier included new bolts. They are 7/16" bolts with a short (fine) thread and fairly thin nut. The 75 assembly manual shows a lockwasher installed under the head of the bolt (not the nut) which was also included. It would seem unlikely you could move the shock in the top mount if the bolt was tight. Perhaps the new shock bushings are OK, but your existing bolts were worn or the wrong size?
[Modified by Big Fish, 9:52 PM 7/28/2002]
[Modified by Big Fish, 9:52 PM 7/28/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Re: Rear shocks- problem with delcos (Jim 77)
Have seen several different styles of shock absorber
bushings in the red help packages available at many
chain auto parts stores. Would try finding one that
fits the bolt tighter, rather than wrapping duct tape
around the bolt.
bushings in the red help packages available at many
chain auto parts stores. Would try finding one that
fits the bolt tighter, rather than wrapping duct tape
around the bolt.
