Shock absorber rubbers

[georgem]

Can someone help me with thh assembly pleae.

I am replacing the worn front shocks with a pair of Bilsteins. The installing is no problems however I am unsure about the rubber bushes that came with the shocks. The accessory bag with each shock contained three nuts (no problem), a large dished washer (no problem) and two rubber "washers" The large one goes on top of the chassis immediately under the large washer. What about the other?. It is smaller and cylindrical, Does it go on the shaft before the dust cover is fitted, on top of the dust cover after it is fitted to the shock and therefore  immediately under the chassis, or in the bin.  PLUS, I understand the large dished washer is installed with the dish up, like a saucer, rather than with it down like a sausepan lid. Is this correct and any idea why if it is?

Cheers

[ja17]

Hello George,

Yes install the cylindrical washer on the lower washer then the rubber dust cove over it. You can use a hose clamp on the rubber boot to keep the shock compressed until it is safely in position, then release the clamp as you guide the shock shaft up through the opening.

[georgem]

Thanks Joe - they are now installed and all is good. I still don`t understand why the top washer must be installed with the dish like a saucer.

Thanks again

Cheers from Brisbane

[ja17]

Hello George,

Not sure that installing the top washer either up or down would make a big difference. However it is critical to install the lower washer "cup down" since it has a groove cut in on one side only,  which keeps the snap ring on the shock shaft in place.

[twistedtree]

Thanks Joe - they are now installed and all is good. I still don`t understand why the top washer must be installed with the dish like a saucer.

Thanks again

Cheers from Brisbane

Installing it like a saucer provides more clearance between the rim of the washer and the rim of the fixed cup on the chassis frame.  If you reverse it (like a pot lid rather than a saucer) less compression of the rubber buffer will result in the washer and frame making contact.

[georgem]

Thanks Peter - I can understand the logic of that. Unfortunately I am now thinking of the bottom washer (the one covered by the dust boot). Using the same logic, they should be curved away from the body..................I`m starting to get really swift at getting these front shocks in and out and unfortunately I think I am in for some more practice

Cheers

George

[ja17]

Look for the cut ledge in the washer around the center hole. It keeps the retaining snap ring on the shock shaft in place. The washer is meant to go on one way only. Unfortunately I have seen this washer made to go in one or the other direction. i cant remember if it is model or shock manufacturer which makes the difference.

[georgem]

Thanks Joe

Sadly there is only one way to check - I might time myself this time - the car is on stands with the wheels off. Less than 10 mins off and on per side is my guess.

Cheers