Shock Absorber Fluid

[shew01]

To get the seal replaced you will need to take apart the cover. This can be a chore and you my need some special tools depending. Once you have the cover off you can try to take the cover off with some big tools. But just take the seal off and see if you have some play on the shaft. Play=no good or maybe work sort of if you put in thicker oil.

Based on what I read in Les Andrews book, I think this will be one of the big issues. It looks like too big a job for me at the moment. The plug threads were rusted. I suspect the cover threads will be rusted too.

Thanks VERY much for the feedback.

Too many shocks are more decorative then functional.

I presume my shocks are mostly decorative at this point. ;-)

 

[Joop]

Stripped plugs could indicate that these are sealed aftermarket shocks and should not be filled.

 

[shew01]

Stripped plugs could indicate that these are sealed aftermarket shocks and should not be filled.

Hmmm... I'm curious, would aftermarket shocks typically be marked with "“HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION PAT 1087017” 1426115-1499660"?

 

[Joop]

Does it have Ford script on it

Maybe you can remove a shock arm and take picture of the complete cover

 

[Ruth]

Hmmm... I'm curious, would aftermarket shocks typically be marked with "“HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION PAT 1087017” 1426115-1499660"?

Not saying yours are Bratton's but Bratton's shocks are marked “HOUDAILLE HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION PAT 1087017” 1426115-1499660"

 

[shew01]

Not saying yours are Bratton's but Bratton's shocks are marked “HOUDAILLE HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION PAT 1087017” 1426115-1499660"

Thanks. I’m still new at this. I’m surprised that a reproduction has the patent number stamped on it. But, then again, if it is an “authorized” Ford part, maybe that would explain it.


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[Ruth]

Thanks. I’m still new at this. I’m surprised that a reproduction has the patent number stamped on it. But, then again, if it is an “authorized” Ford part, maybe that would explain it.

Well since the shocks are made by Houdaille, I don't think Ford has anything to do with it.

Besides I believe the patent is long expired after 90+ years. I could be wrong.

 

[shew01]

I ordered replacement shock filler plugs, and they arrived a couple of days ago. I attempted to install them last evening, but they didn’t quite fit—they seemed to be a little too big. So, I cleaned off the old plugs which have stripped threads and put Hylomar sealer on them. All four “snugged down” where they might stay attached to the shock while driving.

The one shock which I filled (with about 1.5 ounces of fluid) has already leaked a little, with no driving. (The car has been on jack stands since my last post to this thread.) The other three have not leaked year, but I only added one ounce of fluid to each of them.


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[ryanheacox]

Not a big job to pop the link off and test the shock action on the car just to get a feel for if they're doing anything or not. I was in your position a few years ago. All 4 shocks were leaking when I refilled them and then it turned out that none of them had any shock action whatsoever...