Everything Elka and How They Compare

IF what you are saying is true, why aren't we seeing these failures on every tacoma with aftermarket suspension. If every set needs a new bearing every year, why doesn't elka sell the part on their website? If it's such a common maintenance issue why didn't elka or their dealer mention it or suggest checking it when asked about a clunk in the front, and instead said clunking is a normal sound of oil going through the shocks(lol).

 

FYI that's a O ring that Elka and Fox use to keep the rod end inline and straight. There is no proper groove for that O ring to seal or keep out dirt/water/salt.

I have the FOX parts on hand if you needed something sooner than what the CA 4WP can do with the Icon spacer kit (which I stock also).

Select the Fox parts to get the O ring sized spacers.

https://www.303shockservices.com/product-page/2-5-coilover-lower-mount-replacement-bearing-kit

FYI I may have to do the shipping separately to Canada but can get it done VIA USPS.

 

Every performance shock uses the same FK bearing. It's not really a failure, just regular maintenance on these type of shocks. They may last longer if you live in the perfect climate and hardly ever wheel, but for me they last a year before they have noticeable play. Sure I could run them longer, but that's when you start risking ruining the rod end, and it's a cheap part that's easy to swap.

I bet you'd be surprised of how many people have no clue they need to service their high end shocks and are rolling around with shot bearings, or wait to long for a full rebuilt and start destroying even more parts. Elka should be stocking replacement bearings, but you can get them from any reputable off-road shop.

https://www.303shockservices.com/product-page/2-5-coilover-lower-mount-replacement-bearing-kit

https://www.offroadwarehouse.com/product/com10t-f1-tighter-teflon-spherical-bearings-0625-bore

 

So update, due to design changes I would be needing full rebuild with new shafts, new complete lower eyelet assemblies (new bearings), new eyelet spacers and o-rings, new fluid and nitrogen recharge. Cost wise I am just around $500 CAD + taxes plus shipping. Crazy how everything must be changed due to design changes and parts discontinuation just after 2 years. Simple piece becomes an Achilles in these shocks I hope the latest shocks aren't going to go through fast design changes so the rest of the guys don't need to go through this lengthy repair.

 

I have the Elka 2.0s on my 4Runner. Haven't had a squeak, clunk, or any issues in the 10 months since I've installed them... which has included a nasty Ohio winter last year.

Do you think spraying them with a bit of Tri-flow every so often would be a good maintenance idea on these bearings?

 

Did they give any time of production/bought after timeframe for many of us who will likely be in the outdated style/design?

 

5-10 days to receive parts (Elka has to produce them first, sure they have some from new production left) + 1 week to rebuild, so at least 2 weeks there.

 

Okay good to know thanks!
So are you saying I should be doing something right away?
Is this something simple and I can do myself or bring to a shop? There is a local shop in Edmonton (4 Wheel Auto) that is certified to rebuild Icon (and maybe Fox?) that could do it for me.

 

It's very DIY-able if you know how to pull the shocks out. The bearing is a light press and can be installed with a hammer and sockets. I would be more worried about rust and corrosion and getting the C clips or spiral locks that Elka uses to retain the bearing in the rod end. #greatwhitenorthproblems

 

Very easy as long as you do it all carefuly, no need to take it to the shop.

Step 1: Lift the vehicle and Remove the wheel
Step 2: Grab a beer
Step 3: After drinking case of beer grab 19 mm socket and remove two bolts between spindle and control arm. Using ratchet strap move aside all that assembly, careful it's going to be heavy and don't drop it!



Step 4: Unbolt 3 bolts at coil bucket and one at the control arm to drop it down
Step 5: Remove C-clips at the shock eyelet
Step 6: Press the bearing out using using 22mm socket, some other oversized socket (I used 35mm) and vice (if you have press even better!)
Step 7: Do this all in reverse and assemble, I hear freezing bearing helps to press in.
Step 8: Drink beer!

 

Well damn... not even a rear on these things and already maintenance...
I'm assuming the bearings won't last the winter?
I better get to this before it's freezing cold out!

 

Well have a look and check for play, if it's just the seal that fell you can swap it by simply unbolting lower portion and swapping with new seal, princess auto have bunch of seal kits that you can pick the right size. If you got the bearing going, see the post above. I decided to rebuild mine after all and Krave Auto are taking care of mine and shipping extra sets for my buddies here out East for the same reason. Give them a call and ask, they are Elka authorized service dealer. Closer to you than to me too!

 

So I just removed the other side to get them ready to ship, outside everything looked solid. Change them every year guys.

 

They are the ones I bought the Elka's from haha
I will check into it.

 

What’s the correct way to check these bearings for play? I’m at about a year and a half on mine and y’all have me worried. I’m the least mechanically inclined person in the world though so talk real slow please.

 

Yikes it’s like everything disintegrated!!!! That is crazy. So what could look normal on the outside isn’t the same story on the inside

 

@Squeaky Penguin may know better, but I guess lift your vehicle to have the most droop, remove lower shock bolt, pull the shock to the side and check by hand how much play bearing has? If you’ve been driving for 1.5 years now you may be due, since mine failed at 1 year and 10 months.

 

Hell I didn't even get that far... go back to start and try again! Got a couple replacements...gonna see if I can get the truck on the 2pt lift at the neighbors or inlaws and pull them, plus I need to adjust passenger preload to even out the mean taco lean I'm rocking.

Also might explain the sound/vibe I was experiencing.

 

I just don't get how Elka could not continue to provide spare/replacement parts for 2 year old suspension. Just because they made a design change doesn't mean they need to screw everyone that bought their product prior to the design change.
How come you decided to send your stuff back to Elka instead of going with the Icon kit?

 

Icon kit only had bearings but not misalignment spacers, while I would’ve been fine changing the bearings, I also need misalignment spacers for both sides and nobody makes them off the shelves while doing quick research, mix and matching isn’t something I have time. Thus bending over and having them fixed the right way, plus ordered spare bearings for myself, @tacoma16 and @llamasmurf to make sure they aren’t stuck in the same situation as I am now.

It sucks big time that parts are discontinued and require such a lengthy repair after 2 years tho


Good news - shocks should arrive to Krave on Wednesday (Shipped last Friday) and sent back to me this Friday for the next week delivery.