Rear shock absorbers appear loose.. Help please

[dougie212]

Hi there

I have got a rather annoying clattering sound from the rear of my 51 plate suzuki grand vitara. I have looked and the noise is coming from the rear shock absorbers, essentially they look and feel loose.

There is a nut on top that sits on a thread that is loose, and when I try and tighten it the upper part of the shock moves.

Is there a way of tightening these nuts please. Is there a way of stopping the upper part of the shock moving. I've tried grabbing it but the plastic cover is quite awkward to grab a firm grip of.

Many thanks

Dougie

[plugspanner]

you need to hold the top of the shock if you can it should have 2 flats on it to take a spanner.
when replacing them you sometimes have to cut the top off as it seizes up with all the crud ect thrown up.
you may be able to get a sthilson wrench on it.
if they are old you may be better off getting a new set anyway.

[dougie212]

Are they expensive and difficult to replace?

[Darrell]

Sound like the bushes have worn.
Shock prices vary greatly depending on make £25 to £100.
They need to be removed to check they still operate ok.
Any sign of fluid leakage bin them.
When you say plastic, do you mean just a little cover over the end of the rod. If so under that should be where a spanner can be fitted.


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[twiss]

Might be worth getting some polybushes if you can as they will last longer

[dougie212]

Thanks for the diagram..!! The top bushes are gone... And there's only one nut on each. No sign of fluid from them at all.

By plastic, I mean, over the shock absorber there is a very thin flimsy almost plastic tube around it. I have just had a look with my torch and the bushes are barely there.

Are they easily replaced?

[Darrell]

Should be easy .
Shouldn't even need to disconnect the bottom mounting.

[dougie212]

Awesome... Finally.... The clattering may be gone..
Do you use a parts supplier that you could recommend?

[Darrell]

Had a look to see what I could find....
Never heard anybody complain about Dave (bits4vits).
Poly bushes should last longer , assuming your washers are undamaged if they have been rattling about.

http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara ... od_13.html

[dougie212]

Darrell... You are truly awesome!! Thankyou so much!!
I shall order them tomorrow.
Thanks so much!!