Leaking shock.

[DanteXIII]

I finally got around to fixing my RC10B3. The shock was completely losing all it's oil in a matter of seconds. So, I did the natural thing and replaced the shock seals, it's all put together as per Associateds specs, yes I still have the stock shocks on it. So after fixing it my bro and I went to the local ball park with a ramp. The car was running beutifully, until I hot a puddle and had to dry out the reciever, ohh well. I made a couple jumps I don't think anyone would even believe 15 ft, off of a small ramp. Anyways to the point when I was finished, I picked up the car and low and behold, the shock is friggin empty again :mad: . I have no clue what the heck is wrong with it anymore... My first though was screw it I'll get new shocks, then I looked in my wallet and decided I'd ask first... My only guess is maybe the shcok body is messed up. Pertinent info is that if I fill the shock it works fine for a little while and that at some point just blows the oil out the bottom. I know it's not the seals because 1 the seals were fine when I pulled them out, and 2 I just replaced them and it made absolutly no difference. :confused:

[JoeMAXX]

You may have a bent shaft and when the shock compresses then hits the bent area the fluid leaks out. Something to look at. Roll the shaft on a flat surface and see if it is bent.

[DanteXIII]

Now that I'm thinking about it, I know that at one point I know I bent a shaft. I don't remember which one, All I know is that I thought I fixed it. Ohh well, good idea. I'll check it out and get a new one of thats the case. Thanks

[highroller]

Are you lubricating the shock seals with either the shock oil or green slime and are you sure the seals assembly is seating itself properly? Sometimes if you are very careful when installing the shock shaft you can gouge the seals or if they are perfectly installed during the shaft installation can cause the seals to move. It that is not the case, check the shock cap where ever you notice oil (dirt is usually caked to the area where the leak is more prevalant).
See if you can find where the leak is occurring and base you fix on that area.
If bottom of shock is cakes then the seals are still the problem if dirt is near the tops the cap may be leaking - threads may have stripping or you are not tightening the shock cap enough. When checking the rebound finger or hand tighten, the use the little tools that came in the kit to tighten down properly - but do not over tighten.

[DanteXIII]

The seals still look brand new, even under a magnifiying glass. It's definately the bottom of the shock. As far as tightening it goes, if anything it's to tight. I still haven't had time to check it yet but I think there may be a slight bend in the shock shaft as JoeMAXX suggested. I probably could have lubricated the seals a little better, but , I' know they're seating properly. If I did want to completely replace the shocks on the car, what would be the best cost effective solution for it. I know I've heard losi shocks are the best but an opinion is always good. I'll let you know if the shaft is indeed bent though, I'll be checking it tomorrow, or so goes the plan.

[highroller]

Most shocks will work properly if built correctly. I don't consider Losi, Kyosho, HPI and better than Associated shocks if you build then right. Dpending on how hard you are on and vehicle means more detail to maintenance. Generally when I raced offroad every weekend (mostly 1 or twice now) parts were checked after every heat, suspension, shocks, tranny were disassembled and checked after each race day. Got to the point a carried an extra set of shocks and a complete tranny.

The thing about having these extra parts is just in case you don't have the money to buy a compete set or kit you can buy the items separately: shock body, shock shaft, shock caps, rod end etc. Shock rebuild kit is very cheap to have a shock constantly working properly.

[DanteXIII]

Well thats good to hear, I haven't had the chance to take it apart yet, but I'll definately be on top of it later today. You got any tips on getting the shaft through without messing up the seals? The only thing I can think of other than being careful is to cover the threads with tape or something...

[microrcdude]

why dont you just buy a shock rebuild kit? it will solve all your leaky shock problems, and its only $3.89
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX2593&P=7

[DanteXIII]

Well the shaft is straight as an arrow, but the seal sorta fell apart. If it screws up again which I'm couting on. Thats exactly what I'm buying. Along with more shock oil of course. It's like all my R/C's are turning on me! I'm not paranoid I tell you. The onlything not giving me problems is my Mini-T.