rebuilding shocks

[Conrad]

I have the Duratrax Maximum BX buggy and am try8ing to rebuild the shocks after five gallons. This is the 3rd rebuild. This is what I am finding. One shock has a hair-line crack from smashing into my son's Stampede. I am trying to seal it with plastiweld. When I fill another shock the bottom cap pops off when I press the shock shaft to the cylinder. On the third shock, the shaft won't depress all the way . Is this because too much oil is in the shock? Also, all the bladders are depressed. Is this normal? Plus, I notice a little oil on the shaft every time it comes out of the cylinder. Thanks for your help.

[SteveP]

I haven't rebuilt the shocks on the BX so I can't be sure of the problem, but I'll take a stab at it. First, I would suggest replacing the cracked shock body. The oil is going to make it very hard for any epoxy or other sealant to stick well engough to effect a permanent repair. I would guess that you're going to be chasing that shock with filler until you replace it. Click HERE (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXD380) if you can't find a replacement at your local hobby shop.
The shock that has the stubborn lower cap may have a crack in the lower cap that's keeping it from holding as well as it should. Too much oil could cause the same problem; likewise with your third problem.
Be sure to install the deep part of the bladder facing down into the shock. Slowly screw the shock cap into place, allowing excess oil to bleed out through the threads. If you do this step too quickly, you risk trapping too much oil in the shock, which will cause the problems you mentioned.

Let me know how it works out.



[This message has been edited by SteveP (edited 12-17-2000).]