VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Leaking front shocks

I have just picked up a whole spare front end, and I was going to remove the shocks and set them up in a vice, fill with oil
(ATF?) and let them "sit" for a while (every now and then move the "A" arm up and down) and see if they hold their fluid. I'm kind of hoping that these don't leak, but is it wishful thinking with these shocks? My originals leaked out fluid as fast as you put it in!

The front shocks on my 48 leak too. This past Summer, I filled both shocks with jack oil that is supposed to have a stop leak chemical mixed with it according to the label. Didn't get much chance to fool with my car this past year because wife had a lot of medical problems to deal with - so I don't know if the stuff stayed put in the shocks or not.

Regards:
Oldengineer
1948 Fleetmaster Town Sedan

my car bounced a lot when I first got it, I put brake fluid in mine and after a couple of days they settled down. That's been 10 yrs ago and haven't had a problem with them since, I always heard that brake fluid would cause the seals to swell. I haven't had any leaks.

I might try the brake fluid, all it can do is leak out and strip the paint on the suspension (saves me doing it!)

We have had previous chat discussions on the reliability of installing used front shocks that we do not know their history. The discussion usually revolves around the amount of work it takes to replace a shock and then realign the front end verses the cost of replacing the shocks with rebuilt, warrantied shocks and their proper alignment. One needs to acquire some expertise to safely remove and replace the shock without damaging the top link pin, that adjusts it, or compromising your safety. If you are up for the challenge go for it. But the reliability issues are in question. It is not unusual for a used shock to not leak for a few months and then through normal use start leaking. It is also quite a safety issue to drive one of our old cars over 30 MPH with poor functioning shocks.

The first step in the process of shock replacement is a through reading/understanding of your manual on the topic.

Good luck, Mike

P.S. I have done the work atleast 6 times and have even created a DVD for a fellow Chatter to help him with his replacement. I would be glad to makeup a copy of my video on a DVD for the cost of postage and a donation to a charity in your community.