What's all this on my rear suspension?

[InsightMusic]

Hi,

Started hearing a loud whining noise coming from the rear so I thought I'd check it out. Sounds like a wheel bearing, but after checking under the rear arches, the rear passenger side suspension is all wet?? The other side is bone dry, so are the front.

Can anyone tell me what it is?





Thanks,

[gazareth]

looks to me like your shocker has sprung an oil leak. are you not getting a knocking noise from it?

[oakgreener]

You need a new pair of shocks.

[lemski]

Definately new shock time

[The ANT]

Remember that you must replace both sides, don't just replace the leaking side, or you can end up with unpredictable handling, if one side is doing a better job than the other. A common mistake.

[InsightMusic]

Yeah, that looks to be the case. I actually had no idea there was oil inside these things...

Okay cool, thanks for all your help everyone, looking at replacing the rear shocks and springs hopefully this weekend!

I've heard that replacing the rear isn't so bad, but it's the front that's the most awkward!

Thanks,
Stefan

[lemski]

Rears easy. 2 nuts on top. A lock nut then under that plate another nut and a bolt down bottom. You can get gas shocks that I find a better ride but its all down to preference

[InsightMusic]

Lemski, any idea if there are any specific/specialised tools I might need to tackle the rear shocks and springs this weekend?

Are spring clamps a must?

Thanks,
Stefan

[lemski]

If you buying the shock and spring seperate or just the shock clamps are a good idea.
I normally swap to coilovers and ive never had to use special tools.
There might be a locknut with 2 slits in it like the front setup has but I just use a old socket and cut it to fit if there is.

[Craigwilson]

no special tools or needed just 17mm sockets and spanners

when you have the spring ready to go on the new shock, while off the car I usually place the spring, Spring cap and lower bush on the shock, use my body weight to compress it enough to get a nut on just to hold it together while I bolt it to the rear axle, then I lower the car back onto its wheels using the weight to compress the spring then complete the assembly of the top from inside the boot with no clamps needed atall