failed shock

Kim Schwartz · 10-26-2013, 03:16 PM

When replacing my rear shock mounts the left rear shock would not again deploy after having been depressed so I figured that it had failed and ordered replacements for both rear shocks. My question is, am I risking damage to other suspension components driving the car with basically three shocks while I wait for the new ones to arrive? Thanks in advance for your insights.

seank · 10-26-2013, 04:32 PM

I don't think so. Most people drive around with one before they notice there's an issue. Just pretend you don't know yet. Just don't hit the twisties.

mtrhed · 10-26-2013, 08:31 PM

Yeah, I just put a new suspension on and both my stock rears were completely dead, figure they've been that way for awhile now. You should be fine until you get new ones in.

Kim Schwartz · 10-27-2013, 07:25 AM

This is what I assumed but I thought I would ask. I have no idea how long I was driving on the broken shock before I found it.

Gallardo Rosso · 10-29-2013, 05:06 PM

The shock isn't necessarily dead. They return because they are gas pressurized. The gas pressure in the shock pushes on the area of the shaft (shiny chrome rod). The gas pressure is there to reduce cavitation of shock oil traveling thru the valving. The damping is not necessarily effected by pressure loss. Though the damping could be damaged also. Many shock are not gas shocks and work "ok". Essentially the shock will stutter at high velocities. Not optimal performance but safe to drive. If you see oil leaking it could do damage or potentially have dangerous handling characteristics. But I think that would be an extreme situation.

So, they are safe to use but you certainly need a new shock!

elerner61 · 10-31-2013, 10:47 AM

What is the typical lifespan of the shocks in a non-tracked M?

3002 tii · 10-31-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elerner61

What is the typical lifespan of the shocks in a non-tracked M?

They probably lose effectiveness around 50-60k but even if not tracking depends on road conditions. My buddy blew out his rear shock in his e90 with just 40k and that's because of crappy NYC roads.

Kim Schwartz · 10-31-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

They probably lose effectiveness around 50-60k but even if not tracking depends on road conditions. My buddy blew out his rear shock in his e90 with just 40k and that's because of crappy NYC roads.

My 3.0si is a 2006 but it only has 15k miles on it. Perhaps the roads in Albuquerque are right up there with NYC? I decided that as long as I was going to replace the rear two I might as well upgrade with Bilstien. Of course that means that I will do all four....

10-26-2013, 03:16 PM	#1
Kim Schwartz Private First Class 11 Rep 129 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Albuquerque iTrader: (0)	failed shock When replacing my rear shock mounts the left rear shock would not again deploy after having been depressed so I figured that it had failed and ordered replacements for both rear shocks. My question is, am I risking damage to other suspension components driving the car with basically three shocks while I wait for the new ones to arrive? Thanks in advance for your insights.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-26-2013, 04:32 PM	#2
seank enthusiast 48 Rep 1,695 Posts Drives: e30 m3,e90 wagon,sprinter,z4m Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: sacramento, ca iTrader: (4)	I don't think so. Most people drive around with one before they notice there's an issue. Just pretend you don't know yet. Just don't hit the twisties.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2013, 08:31 PM	#3
mtrhed Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 279 Posts Drives: 06 AW Z4MR/w211 e63 AMG/325XiT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I just put a new suspension on and both my stock rears were completely dead, figure they've been that way for awhile now. You should be fine until you get new ones in. __________________ 06 Alpinweiss Z4M R Anthracite Apex EC-7 9F/9.5R, 245/275 Super Sport's, 17" Kosei K1 255/40r17 Direzza II, SS Lines, Pagid RS29, Ate SuperBlue, VT Comp. MM's, RE trans. mounts, AST 4150, Swift springs, Vorschlag camber plates, RE RSM, H&R swaybars, spherical rtabs, SuperFlex poly fcabs, StrongStrut Braces, Euro Headers, Stromung exhaust, ESS Tune, Eventuri intake
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2013, 07:25 AM	#4
Kim Schwartz Private First Class 11 Rep 129 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Albuquerque iTrader: (0)	This is what I assumed but I thought I would ask. I have no idea how long I was driving on the broken shock before I found it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2013, 05:06 PM	#5
Gallardo Rosso Enlisted Member 0 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	The shock isn't necessarily dead. They return because they are gas pressurized. The gas pressure in the shock pushes on the area of the shaft (shiny chrome rod). The gas pressure is there to reduce cavitation of shock oil traveling thru the valving. The damping is not necessarily effected by pressure loss. Though the damping could be damaged also. Many shock are not gas shocks and work "ok". Essentially the shock will stutter at high velocities. Not optimal performance but safe to drive. If you see oil leaking it could do damage or potentially have dangerous handling characteristics. But I think that would be an extreme situation. So, they are safe to use but you certainly need a new shock!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2013, 10:47 AM	#6
elerner61 Major 157 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: '07 Z4M Roadster Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Kisco, NY iTrader: (0)	What is the typical lifespan of the shocks in a non-tracked M?
	Appreciate 0 Quote