Paddcomp

I've read many threads on removal of the rear suspension pins for a shock refresh. Pleased to report that the pins are out after only a few hours effort, I could only draw the pins forward as the rear nut was the only one to spin.

Now for my query:
I've only one conical washer come out of each side, the hub carrier is concave on the forward face and flat on the rear. Is the conical washer just stuck, does it matter if it is, or is that a normal config? I was expecting two conical washers, two end washers and one intermediate washer (I have all these bar one conical).

'88 S4 auto

Forward face with cone washer


Rear face without cone washer and no recess


TIA

Mrmerlin

from the great picture it appears the rear cone washer is fused to the hub carrier,
you can clearly see the different metals of the opening.
I would leave the cone washer in position and put anti seize on the pin and put it back together.

Paddcomp

Merlin,
My thoughts too, it's the same on each side which is a little weird. Also the cone washer on the front stands proud of the face whereas the rear is flush.
Either way there's no recess for a cone washer.

GlenL

Wow... Lots of corrosion or something on those parts. Tell me you're not driving it joyously through the surf along the beach.

I'd break the cone washers loose and then lube it all well with standard, silver-colored anti-seize or synthetic grease.

You've got the right washers, at least. Many cars have them "lost" following repairs or put back out-of-order. Check the PET for a diagram.

Also, check the pins for straightness while they're out. And I'd get the other nut off the pin or, at least, put them back with the frozen nut towards the rear. It's easier to get them out that way for next time. And there's always a next time!

ROG100

The joys of driving on English roads and suffering the English weather.

davek9

Agreed, same happens here when people drive cars in Winter & Salt and don't rinse the under-body weekly and us an anti-corrosive spray.
Betting the Shocks would no longer be adjustable too

Lucky you were able to at least get the Pin out w/o damage.

Paddcomp

Shocks are no longer adjustable, or damping! That's why the pins are out. For the UK that's no considered bad corrosion, mostly limited to the shock and spring which are history. There's a lot of spray on Waxoyl which isn't pretty.

mark kibort

that's a nice looking shock end!

so where is the one conical washer in front?... just not in the picture... the rear one is fused ?

Paddcomp

We're agreed the rear conical washer is fused to the hub carrier. Is there any advantage in freeing it off and regreasing prior to assembly, should they rotate?
I've made light attempts to remove it with no success, so it will require force to dislodge.

mike77

Weather and roads much worse up here in Scotland and as a result my suspension is in worse looking condition than this. Once you have replaced yours you may want to investigate oil based products like Acf50 or corrosionx as opposed to wax based wax oil. I'm using Acf50 corrosion block which is supposed to last about 2 years but I top up any time I have the car raised. It can be washed off with degreaser and won't leave a lot of gooey build up like wax. Also supposed to penetrate existing corrosion as opposed to locking it in like wax.

How badly corroded are the springs? Mine are corroded too but was thinking I may get away with having them powder coated

GlenL

Maybe not worth it. The washers contact the rod and the casting for the carrier doesn't. If it's fused it's still doing its job.

Paddcomp

Mike,
I'm sure they'd clean up, but I want to sharpen things up a little. The GAZ Gold coilovers seem to offer the compromise between price and quality, also the springs are 2.25 so easier to fit. I've opted for 500/350 springs and shocks valved to suit.

These are the old ones.

Paddcomp

Thanks for the confirmation, always best to check rather than find out later and take it all apart again.

GlenL

I'm not familiar with these. Do you have a pic or link? Found this:
http://www.gazcoilovers.com/porsche-...kit-p-405.html

Paddcomp

http://www.corbymotorsport.com/porsche-gaz-gold-coilovers-c-16_84_251/porsche-928-gaz-gold-coilover-kit-p-617.html?zenid=37746daf07f0dee3a725777c763ff4b7