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Front suspension (Non Quadra-lift) absorber fail

3K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  Ratchet 
#1 ·
I sure hope this isn't a repeat of the WJ shock failures. I can't complain though, ole gal has 63K on the clock now. Decided to rotate my tires and discovered this. On a good note, the absorber assemblies are quite afordable. MSRP around 100 bucks each. I only noticed the drivers side has a failing seal, but I will replace both of the absorbers tomorrow when they arrive.
 

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#2 ·
WOW YOU HAVE 63K ALREADY! Thanks for the info on the shocks!
 
#3 ·
fljeepleo, it's honestly about to tick over 63. LOL I commute roughly 100-150 miles per day. This time of year untill winter, I drive about 200 miles one way to the coast on the weekends in addition to my daily commute. I bought it right at a year ago. It had 20K when I took delivery. Told everybody that I bought it to drive and for some reason they finally believe me. :)

The shock failed pretty quick considering the last time I looked over it was about 3 weeks ago. Everything was clean and dry. It still has pressure, but judging by the amount of fluid that it has dumped beneath it, it won't be long before it turns into a pogo stick.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Well, just finished replacing the failed absorbers. All and all removal/reinstall is very easy.

Raise vehicle.
Remove tire
Remove 3 top mounting nuts (13mm)
Remove lower sway bar end link nut (18mm)
Remove lower strut mount bolt (21mm)
Remove upper ball joint nut (21mm) to raise upper control arm for clearance.
Remove strut assembly.
Head over to the spring compressor and pray.

Switching out the strut tubes obviously requires a spring compressor and I HIGHLY suggest to use a wall mounted compressor that has some kalhunas. The tension on these WK2 springs vs a standard strut assembly springs is insane! Not going to go into detail on swapping out the tubes because unless you have experience changing out strut tubes, you can get seriously injured.

Included is a few photos of the carnage. This thing had spewed oil everywhere. Looked alot worse yesterday when I first discovered it. Drove in the rain since then and alot of the gunk got washed away.
 

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