D4 Shock problems

[Chesty]

Just wondered if anybody else had encountered this problem when building the car, or is it just me!

Built the shocks following the instructions to the letter, using the two supplied plastic tools to fully tighten each end.

Now, when I go to take them apart (to get them just right) the shock top unscrews before the cartridge does, every time!

I need to get the cartridge loosened to bleed them. I don't want to grip the shock body in case I damage it.

Apart from this the car has been a joy to build.

Any solutions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[big_boss]

Try using a leather strap. swede side down wrap it around the shock body so it tightens as you loosen the cartrige. use your hands, no tools on the shock body even with the leather on it, it my deform so the piston will get stuck in the tube.

[PTRU]

I find it better to build the shocks from the other end
Phill T

[gramey]

I initially found that as well but a I just gripped the shock body with my finger & thumb, having cleaned the excess oil off, with dry kitchen roll.
Unfortunately I managed to break 3 of the O rings on the cartridge end of the shocks while trying to bleed them, I know it must be me but there you go.
Anyway bottom line was I gave up and filled them from the top!

[joffacn]

Hi
I had the same problem plus:
1. The thin O-ring keeps popping out when I slowly push the shock shaft in to bleed the excess oil.

2. Even holding the piston in when tightening the O-ring holder I get some pressure build up in the shock.

Took lots of opening and closing to get this to a minimum.
What tips?

If filling from the other end - do you fill the body to the top then sit the cap on on tighten the nut over it?
I guess you need the shock shaft pushed fully into the body.

Jeff