Hi guys, have a knocking noise on my hawk wagon. suspected it was the rear shocks. On investigation it has the inverted style KYB shocks, opened them up and found all grease basically worn out and a lot less in there than I guess there should be.. Went to Halfords and got some LM grease and repacked them. all was ok for about a month or so, still knocking but nowhere near as bad.
Currently on holiday in Dorset and the rear is knocking really bad on these poorly surfaced roads.

I think it is time for me to get some new rear shocks....

Not keen on getting coilovers. Looked on ECP and I can order Sachs shocks but I would rather keep it OEM if possible.
Had a look on ScoobyWorld etc. and can find nothing listed directly for my car.
Anyone know if the following will fit?
http://www.scoobyworld.co.uk/catalog...oducts_id=1672

Many thanks,
Fuzz

 

Just checked with the dealer who replaced the rear shocks on my 05 Wagon before I bought it (same suspension as yours) part numbers for KYB Excel-G rears are 334356 R & 3343567 L

Ebay link £62.70ea http://www.ebay.co.uk/dsc/i.html?_so...5+40&_osacat=0

 

I've said it before and will say it again. The knocking is not caused by the dry grease mainly but the worn bushes in the strut housing that allow the piston to move laterally.

This is a common issue with inverted struts, the bushes can be replaced though.

 

For future ref. How do you get hold of these bushes, KYB direct?

 

I second that.. would be truly happy if I can just change the bushes to resolve it.
I know the knocking is caused by a worn bush but I assume this was due to lack of lubrication?

Having said that If I can 'upgrade' the standard shocks for £200-£250 I would also be happy.

 

I will let you know once I repair a spare set of mine Watch this space.

I know you can get spares for the Bilstein ones that are not too different or the same.

 

If you google them they seem to be available...in the states but not here. Maybe the yanks have shouted a little louder than us!

 

Do you have a link?

A friend of mine sent me a few a while ago but I have lost them!

That's what I could find: http://www.classicandrally.com/siteb...g.w180h135.jpg

 

I am getting tempted with the replacement shocks tbh.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3213053094...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3213053093...84.m1423.l2649

£153 for the pair might be easier than pulling out an old bush and greasing again etc.

 

Heres a link, but looking more closely, they look like installation bushes rather than the bushes you're talking about:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sh...k_bushing.html

How many miles have the shocks done? Might be due a change anyway...

 

Yeah they are not correct bushes. They are internal slide bushes inside the shock.

And I think they are the original shocks tbh. I have only had the car 6 months and it has knocked since I have had it. Car is 06 plate with 60k on the clock so yeah I guess they could do with being changed hence my initial question of what shocks to get

 

New shocks have been ordered.. Was out on some country roads today and it is terrible. cannot take it any more!

 

While on this topic I have noticed that the rubber sleeve on the springs has had it.. anyone know where I can get some more?
I know it is not really needed but stops spring slap and protects the springs a little I guess.

thanks,

 

As luck would have it TEIN UK are based down the road from where I live. I was able to buy these direct from them and go collect them
http://www.tein.com/products/silencer_rubber.html

1 last question. I have realised I do not have bump stops on the new shocks. Should I leave them off and all will be ok? Or was thinking I could dismantle inverted shocks again and try to reuse the ones from them?

thanks,

 

How did you get on buddy - mine are driving me nuts!

 

Yeah not bad. done them 2-3 weeks ago now. Most knocking is gone and road noise is quieter. I did have the roll bar on softest setting and found that was touching so adjusted to middle setting.
I do still get a slight knock if I hit a bump while turning at a good speed.. I wonder if this is the top mount?!?

I think I need to do fronts next tbh. fairly sure them dampers have had their day.

 

What bump stops did you use in the end? Its a job ive been putting off for awhile but they need doing badly.
Did you have to use any other bits or was it a like for like swap bar the bump stops?

 

I didn't use any bump stops.. I had a look around but could not find anything suitable. I took the original shocks apart but the bump stop internal diameter was much smaller. I did consider trying to make the hole bigger to fit new shock but had no easy method of doing this.
They are not terribly difficult to remove so decided to just put new shocks on and see how it goes. I fully intend to get a bump stop when I can find one (suggestions welcomed)

 

Ordered a set of these.
http://www.spring-loaded.co.uk/prodd...n~Kit~-~910046

Will let you know how well they work.

 

Just for reference purposes, thought I'd let you all know that Camskill also do the KYB's and probably more informed about them too at least with regards Subarus, they also price match.