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Really Chuffed - Shocks Overhauled @ Richard Henry Autos

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Old 26 August 2011, 06:04 PM
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morpheus1870
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Default Really Chuffed - Shocks Overhauled @ Richard Henry Autos

After much deliberation I decided to have my standard sti shocks overhauled rather than the more costly option of buying new struts or coilovers.

The stock shocks were slightly starting to knock at the front and back (52k) so I took the car to Richard Henry Autos. The car was already booked in to have a new set of prodrive springs and anti lift kit fitted, so it made sense to overhaul the shocks at the same time.

The result - fantastic

The quality of the ride now is superb. Not a sound of knocking, feels so smooth, road bumps are absorbed wonderfully and the general drive back was very pleasant.

The new springs have surprisingly made very little difference to the ride height of the car (may settle), however the car feels so much more direct, firmer and at the same time smoother and more comfortable (if that makes sense ).

The geometry was also set-up and this combined with the anti lift, rear 24 arb, springs and drop links have totally transformed the handling characteristics, but at the same time given me a comfortable and smooth ride quality (pro drive progressive springs maybe?)

For anyone thinking of throwing away their stock sti struts you might consider having them overhauled and re-greased, its like they are brand new.

Big thanks to Richard and the lads.

Old 26 August 2011, 06:33 PM
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Rez
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Originally Posted by morpheus1870
After much deliberation I decided to have my standard sti shocks overhauled rather than the more costly option of buying new struts or coilovers.

The stock shocks were slightly starting to knock at the front and back (52k) so I took the car to Richard Henry Autos. The car was already booked in to have a new set of prodrive springs and anti lift kit fitted, so it made sense to overhaul the shocks at the same time.

The result - fantastic

The quality of the ride now is superb. Not a sound of knocking, feels so smooth, road bumps are absorbed wonderfully and the general drive back was very pleasant.

The new springs have surprisingly made very little difference to the ride height of the car (may settle), however the car feels so much more direct, firmer and at the same time smoother and more comfortable (if that makes sense ).

The geometry was also set-up and this combined with the anti lift, rear 24 arb, springs and drop links have totally transformed the handling characteristics, but at the same time given me a comfortable and smooth ride quality (pro drive progressive springs maybe?)

For anyone thinking of throwing away their stock sti struts you might consider having them overhauled and re-greased, its like they are brand new.

Big thanks to Richard and the lads.

Mind if I ask how much the strut over-haul alone cost?
Old 26 August 2011, 06:36 PM
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Do you know how long will they last before needing to be done again?
Old 26 August 2011, 06:39 PM
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I bought a replacement set of KYB shocks for £450 inc VAT, never knew they could be re-built.

Anders
Old 26 August 2011, 06:42 PM
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What kind or rebuild did you have? Did you have inserts fitted?
Old 26 August 2011, 06:46 PM
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Its amazing what new grease does, only lasts a few thousand miles though.
Been there and also thought it was fixed, trouble is the knocking is the top bush worn beyond repair.
Unless you replace the top bush by making one yourself (cos KYB don't list them) you are going to hear knocking again soon

dipster

Last edited by davedipster; 26 August 2011 at 06:48 PM.
Old 26 August 2011, 07:10 PM
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It was your Blob being fettled. Nice car and some nice touches like reverse sensors. Your splitter hasn't been fitted correctly though, there shouldn't be any spacers. It should sit flush against the bumper without any gap, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having it on.
Old 26 August 2011, 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Einstein RA
It was your Blob being fettled. Nice car and some nice touches like reverse sensors. Your splitter hasn't been fitted correctly though, there shouldn't be any spacers. It should sit flush against the bumper without any gap, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having it on.

Can you give us a rough price for overhaul fella?
Old 26 August 2011, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by davedipster
Its amazing what new grease does, only lasts a few thousand miles though.
Been there and also thought it was fixed, trouble is the knocking is the top bush worn beyond repair
have to say i disagree. I stripped mine. Cleaned and re greased and havent heard a knock in about a year now.
Old 26 August 2011, 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Rez
Can you give us a rough price for overhaul fella?
Although I'm almost part of the furniture at Richard Henrys I don't work there. Give Andy (main man) a call tomorrow morning numbers in my signature and have a chat with him. Mention that Maz said you'd give him a discount and he'll look after you.
Old 26 August 2011, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Einstein RA
Although I'm almost part of the furniture at Richard Henrys I don't work there. Give Andy (main man) a call tomorrow morning numbers in my signature and have a chat with him. Mention that Maz said you'd give him a discount and he'll look after you.
Andy and the lads are away for a long weeknd
Old 26 August 2011, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by banny sti
Andy and the lads are away for a long weeknd
Doh! Forgot about that.
Old 26 August 2011, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Einstein RA
It was your Blob being fettled. Nice car and some nice touches like reverse sensors. Your splitter hasn't been fitted correctly though, there shouldn't be any spacers. It should sit flush against the bumper without any gap, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having it on.
Never noticed that will have a look tomorrow when installing the gauges. The previous owner did the parking sensors, personally I can't stand them and wish they weren't there, but at least he did a good install and they don't look naff
Old 26 August 2011, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Berks-Jack
Do you know how long will they last before needing to be done again?
Well I'm hoping they last some time, like i said the knocking I was experiencing was really only minor and wasn't there all the time.

Not sure of the cost for the struts alone as I had a few things done including the geometry, anti lift kit, springs and arb adjustment. Getting the struts done was a last minute thing to be fair as I decided to have them done on the day after speaking to one of the lads working there. From the original quote I got for all the other work on the phone, it was something like plus £40 -£50 for all the struts so not too bad imo.

I'm very pleased with the result, even if they are good for a year or so that's fine with me.
Old 26 August 2011, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbotits
have to say i disagree. I stripped mine. Cleaned and re greased and havent heard a knock in about a year now.
I would be happy with that
Old 26 August 2011, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Anders_WR1
I bought a replacement set of KYB shocks for £450 inc VAT, never knew they could be re-built.

Anders
Well I was considering going for KYB's too but after checking the price (camskill) adding +£100 for the prodrive springs it was getting very close to BC territory.

Last edited by morpheus1870; 26 August 2011 at 09:00 PM.
Old 26 August 2011, 08:55 PM
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So, do you know what's been done to the dampers?
Old 26 August 2011, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by bonesetter
So, do you know what's been done to the dampers?
Here you go:

http://http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/...wageRearStruts
Old 26 August 2011, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by morpheus1870
Gotcha
Old 26 August 2011, 10:33 PM
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The guys at Richard Henry's rebuilt my rear struts last month. Think it was £100 all in. Very happy with the results and hopefully better value than the £500 for some replacement KYB or the £900 that the dealer wanted!
Old 27 August 2011, 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by scottydwrx
The guys at Richard Henry's rebuilt my rear struts last month. Think it was £100 all in. Very happy with the results and hopefully better value than the £500 for some replacement KYB or the £900 that the dealer wanted!
900 for OE struts - you're doing well, they should be nearer £1300 for reds
Old 27 August 2011, 05:25 PM
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drove this car today and have to say,since the last time i drove it with the standered set up,its totally transformed the car.firm but still supple over the bumps and it now feels like you could push hard into a corner and it will go round with ease.a very nice,well set up car and a pleasure to drive.
Old 27 August 2011, 05:44 PM
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My car is at Richard henry's at the moment just had frontmount fitted 440 injectors fuel pressure reg and service and gearbox oil and then mapped by Andrew carr on Tuesday

There a top set of lads will help you much has they can
Old 27 August 2011, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bonesetter
900 for OE struts - you're doing well, they should be nearer £1300 for reds
Jesus!

A good set of coilovers costs less than that.
Old 27 August 2011, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Norman Dog
Jesus!

A good set of coilovers costs less than that.
Those are stealer prices though.
Old 27 August 2011, 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Einstein RA
Those are stealer prices though.
Not 'arf!

Evening Maz. What do Richard Henrys do btw? Do they do mail order?

AtJ
Old 27 August 2011, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by bigarf
drove this car today and have to say,since the last time i drove it with the standered set up,its totally transformed the car.firm but still supple over the bumps and it now feels like you could push hard into a corner and it will go round with ease.a very nice,well set up car and a pleasure to drive.
It's funny how much we spend to get that wee bit more though....

Loving those pesky wires Eh Arf ?

'Tis a tidy moto, and goes well !

dunx

P.S. Thanks for the oil change mate, you're a star 500 miles to go...
Old 27 August 2011, 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by andythejock01wrx
Not 'arf!

Evening Maz. What do Richard Henrys do btw? Do they do mail order?

AtJ
Hola Andy! They do general spannering from service to full on engine work on any car (from old Chevrolets to twin turbo Porsches). I'm not sure if Andy does mail order but I can find out. What did you have in mind?
Old 27 August 2011, 10:16 PM
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I take all my cars there 80 mile round trip wouldn't go anywhere else great set of lads and good prices.

Immy
Old 27 August 2011, 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by bigarf
drove this car today and have to say,since the last time i drove it with the standered set up,its totally transformed the car.firm but still supple over the bumps and it now feels like you could push hard into a corner and it will go round with ease.a very nice,well set up car and a pleasure to drive.
Cheers Arf and thanks for today with the gauges.

Nice one dunx for your assistance too, we got there in the end. You were spot on regarding the battery and interior light, was good meeting you

Last edited by morpheus1870; 27 August 2011 at 10:32 PM.


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