Suspension / Shock Absorber Issues

[fourcheeze]

Hi folks,

About 2 months ago front shocks needed replacing for MOT. Original shocks were on the car for at least 2 years (since we bought it). Local garage replaced with standard Mazda units.

3 weeks later during a trip to Cornwall banging sound started coming from the front followed by increasing bounciness. Garage confirmed new shocks had gone. All replaced free and gratis with more standard Mazda shocks.

This week - guess what - more knocking and bounciness and garage confirms at least one has gone (again).

Garage is going to discuss with Mazda, but has anyone else had any problems like that?

Van is a V6 1997 (P) AFT.

Thanks ,

Richard

[skater]

Hi,

For all I know my shocks are 16 yrs old ( owned bongo for last four and half ) and they seem fine,
touch wood.

There's definitely something strange happening to yours, as you may have guessed.

Sorry can't help with what it is.

Actually, just thought, is yours lowered?
Coil springs too short?

Good luck,

James

[fourcheeze]

Actually, just thought, is yours lowered?
Coil springs too short?

As far as I'm aware it's completely standard in the suspension department. Garage chap has owned Bongos and said that he couldn't see anything odd about it, but clearly there must be something wrong or at least different if everyone isn't having these problems.

[skater]

What are the drop-links and anti-roll bar like?

[fourcheeze]

What are the drop-links and anti-roll bar like?

The last time they replaced the shocks the garage said that all the other suspension bits were in order. Certainly when the shocks are just put on the whole thing drives very smoothly so I don't have any reason to believe there's another problem.

Having said that I haven't looked for myself. If I crawl under the bongo what would I be looking for?

[skater]

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html

Firstly, wow, I managed to do a LINK

On the above diagram Z and Y attach to the suspension units behind each front wheel.
On full lock it's easy to see the drop links.

The lower attachment is to the metal " anti-roll " bar which runs along the front axle ( mine's 4wd )
which is also bolted to the chassis with rubber bushes and "C" clamps.

If you easily understand these kind of schematic drawings it should be quite obvious.

If , for some strange reason, it's all missing then that might explain it.