Squeaky front shocker

I have a very “squeaky” front shock absorber on my Elan S4. As far as I’m aware it’s a standard unit. Can anyone advise on easy remedial treatment as I’m off on holiday in the car next week and I don’t have any time left to take it out and sevice it. Can I just spray with WD 40 etc, or will this damage the seals etc.
Thanks for any replies

The front spring slightly distorts ( as it’s a long spring) and rubs on the shock body. I cured mine by covering the shock body with rubber heatshrink tubing available fro RS, Farnell etc… and a smear of grease.
All you have to do is separate spring from shock, now that’s another story!
Regards
Jeff 72+2

You can spray the shocks with WD 40 which may help, it certainly won’t do any harm. The rear shocks of my Europa tend squeak if the cars been stood for any lenght of time and WD helps with that. The only problem might be if the MOT man sees it and thinks the shocks a leaking then fails the car

Regards
Andy

As noted, almost certainly the springs rubbing on the shroud, ( wearing flats on themselves in the process).

W40 never seems to last long in these applications.
You used to be able to buy spray cans of grease that were great for these sorts of things, but haven’t bought one for years so don’t know if they’re still available.
Worth a look though.

Ralph.

I had that problem. During the recent rebuild, the very tired old shocks and springs (worn by rubbing on the shrouds) went into the bin and shiny new road-spec adjustable units from TTR went on the car. They have no shrouds, they don’t squeak or bind, and the car rides so much better.

Tie some large nylon cable ties around the spring where it rubs on the shock absorber - you may need several to centralise the spring, but it should work!

Dave Chapman.

Tie some large nylon cable ties around the spring where it rubs on the shock absorber - you may need several to centralise the spring, but it should work!

Dave Chapman.

I use Waxoyl on the springs to lubricate them against the shrouds. :slight_smile:

:arrow_right: Matthew

Waterproof grease smeared on the inside of the shock shroud should “fix” it

Ian

I use silicone spray to stop the squeaking of my front shocks. It doesn’t attract dust.

Pete
66S2