First off let me start with stating the issue so there’s no need to read all details below if your not interested.
My strut (old style Aluminum body QA1 HS603 single adjustable strut with adjuster at bottom) has exactly the same rebound and compression no matter what I adjust the knob to.
This only started after an ignorant incident. When they arrived (bought used in like new condition from guy who has pristine car) I was cycling the strut rod on each to ensure they adjusted as expected and they worked perfectly. Adjustment to the knob changed rebound/compression force significantly. However, I found out the hard way that they didn’t build those struts with a positive stop at the bottom of the compression stroke, so while compressing on the easiest setting one time the rod went down into the body and fluid shot out.
So, I researched, watched videos, read anything I could find, then ordered QA1 shock oil and attempted to refill/bleed multiple times as per QA1 procedure.
I’ve called and spoken with QA1 tech and checked everything they recommended, but the issue remains.
It’s as if there is some sort of internal valve that is stuck or not returning to a position that is acting as a bleed off or something...I know there is a pencil diameter tube with o-rings on both ends that runs from the base to the top of the strut which is for fluid transmission from the bottom to the top. The bottom goes into the chamber that has the adjustment knob, which I assume simply changes the diameter of an orifice to increase or decrease the fluid flow resistance and therefore change the force needed for compression/rebound.
I’ve had this thing apart half a dozen times and double checked the o-rings are in place and everything is lined up as expected, nothing seems out of place at all.
Final note, after using damn near an entire quart of fluid attempting this fix unsuccessfully (fluid spills over when you perform the bleeding operation) I called a QA1 approved rebuilder... I was quoted $150 just to take apart and fix, with the disclaimer of ‘it SHOULd be able to be fixed’. Having watched the procedure and done it myself (albeit without fixing) this seems outrageous to me. Plus, between that charge and shipping both ways I’m better off to buy new.
Really looking for some guys/gals that have knowledge of the workings of an adjustable shock/strut as I’d imagine the issue would be apparent to someone with more knowledge than I have. Considering it was perfectly fine prior, I cannot imagine there is anything mechanical, seems more like a missed step by me or perhaps an o-ring or otherwise I missed?
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My strut (old style Aluminum body QA1 HS603 single adjustable strut with adjuster at bottom) has exactly the same rebound and compression no matter what I adjust the knob to.
This only started after an ignorant incident. When they arrived (bought used in like new condition from guy who has pristine car) I was cycling the strut rod on each to ensure they adjusted as expected and they worked perfectly. Adjustment to the knob changed rebound/compression force significantly. However, I found out the hard way that they didn’t build those struts with a positive stop at the bottom of the compression stroke, so while compressing on the easiest setting one time the rod went down into the body and fluid shot out.
So, I researched, watched videos, read anything I could find, then ordered QA1 shock oil and attempted to refill/bleed multiple times as per QA1 procedure.
I’ve called and spoken with QA1 tech and checked everything they recommended, but the issue remains.
It’s as if there is some sort of internal valve that is stuck or not returning to a position that is acting as a bleed off or something...I know there is a pencil diameter tube with o-rings on both ends that runs from the base to the top of the strut which is for fluid transmission from the bottom to the top. The bottom goes into the chamber that has the adjustment knob, which I assume simply changes the diameter of an orifice to increase or decrease the fluid flow resistance and therefore change the force needed for compression/rebound.
I’ve had this thing apart half a dozen times and double checked the o-rings are in place and everything is lined up as expected, nothing seems out of place at all.
Final note, after using damn near an entire quart of fluid attempting this fix unsuccessfully (fluid spills over when you perform the bleeding operation) I called a QA1 approved rebuilder... I was quoted $150 just to take apart and fix, with the disclaimer of ‘it SHOULd be able to be fixed’. Having watched the procedure and done it myself (albeit without fixing) this seems outrageous to me. Plus, between that charge and shipping both ways I’m better off to buy new.
Really looking for some guys/gals that have knowledge of the workings of an adjustable shock/strut as I’d imagine the issue would be apparent to someone with more knowledge than I have. Considering it was perfectly fine prior, I cannot imagine there is anything mechanical, seems more like a missed step by me or perhaps an o-ring or otherwise I missed?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
