Everything Elka and How They Compare

That's the one, just not expected it to disintegrate in many pieces after two years (they barely saw any winter) when other brands last 3-5 years up here (FOX, KING, ICON). Problem is - I need this entire new lower shock mount, nobody got it.

 

That inner circle is part of the bearing and can be pressed out. The new bearing would then get pressed in. Doesn't look like the shock itself would need to be replaced. Knowing the bore size of the shock body, the width of the bearing( the part left in the shock) and the inner diameter of the bearing you could source one from a bearing supply place. https://www.skf.com/ca/en/products/plain-bearings/spherical-plain-bearings-rod-ends/radial

 

They're all the same bearing. I get a year out of my lowers on 3 different brands of shocks.

I'd press a new bearing in there and send it until you can get a new rod end. @TMFF - 303 Shock Services has bearings and misalingment spacers in stock.

IMO - this problem was due to a lack of maintenance, not Elka's fault.

 

I thought about it as well first, till I brought it to CT motorsports who confirmed it needs to be changed. Plus few other places after sending them pictures said the same including Elka themselves.

 

Changing every year seems to be excessive, again those should last much longer, guys here run other brands for many years with no issues. Either way we aren't here busting their quality, but lack of service support when I am ready to pay for parts. Simple things like this should be accessible.

 

How do I prevent this kind of failure from happening to me and my Elka lowers? What kind of maintenance should I be doing, like just replacing that lower bearing every 2 years or so?

 

every year , mine lasted only 1 year and 10 months

 

I agree with this. Changing parts on my front shocks 1 year after purchase (Elka 2.0 2-3" front coilover setup) seems ridiculous. I know guys who have had OME front coilover systems for 5+ years beating on them hard and have done like, zero maintenance aside from greasing UCA's and cleaning the pistons off.

 

Do you have a post somewhere detailing the failure? Like what you were doing, your rig setup, and how much you wheel? I am interested in trying to figure out both how to prevent this, and if the clunk I am hearing with my elkas is related to the bearing lower.

 

It should take you about 5 minutes to check the spherical bearings for play. Plus the squeaking and clicking should be a pretty good indicator that they're shot. If you're to the point of ruining the rod end, you've gone months ignoring the warning signs. They're performance parts and not made for longevity. If you want that buy shitty shocks with rubber bushings.

 

Well I didn't hear any clunk specifically on the road, on the trails there was plenty, but that's normal to hear, leaf springs, coils, mud, etc all working there to create noises, plus other trucks with their uniballs control arms that never shut up. I don't keep build thread or anything. I've got M8000 with synthetic rope, custom build tube bumper and steel skids/sliders and 35s, nothing special. Either way, lack of spare parts is a big bummer given company is right around the corner.

 

So you change the lower bushings on your shocks every year? Do you have Elka’s? Not saying you aren’t right but this seems early for a failure and excessive.

 

I check my truck over every time I fill up.
I noticed this piece of mud sticking into the lower part of my shock mount. I pulled it out and realized it's a piece of rubber...

FUUUUUUUCK

 

Rubber seals can be swapped easy using anything similar at any supply store like Princess Auto. I would recommend to unbolt shock at the control arm and inspect it just in case now.
I pressed out remaining of the bearing, cleaned as much as I could, going to sand it and going to install Icon repair kit which comes with the new bearings and misalignment spacers whenever it arrives, so I will let everyone know if this works with Elkas. They did not find parts still, so pretty much if you own them you are on your own right now.


Icon Vehicle Dynamics Lower Coilover Bearing Spacer Kit - 611067 | 4wheelparts.ca

Realistically if your misalignment spacers aren't damaged you can find bearings cheaper at local store.

 

Good to know! Thanks man.
It shouldn't take long to check... 6 beers and 3 hours later... lol

 

Should take only one beer to check

 

Hopefully these work! Keep us updated. Be great to know if there are other options available should any of us run into the same issue

 

Hell, at least now I know what to add to my interval maintenance/checking parts!! Plus I might as well check when I get home...since I've noticed the squeaky sound on the drivers side while driving down the old gravel road and driveway.

 

Right! I want to put my truck up on jacks this weekend to inspect the lower bolt now. This has me worried

 

Haha everyone check their shocks now! Day 2 silence from Elka, I doubt they will have any parts available.
Waiting on ICON kit and we go from there