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When do you know to replace your lower shock bearing?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by crhsharks12, Oct 27, 2020.

  1. Oct 27, 2020 at 8:21 AM
    #1
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    RR 2.5 King shocks front/rear, Camburg UCA's, Icon AAL Springs Softopper & BA Bumper
    I am curious as to how you know when to replace your lower shock bearing. What are the signs of wear or use? Is there a typical mileage to replace? What happens if you do not replace?
     
  2. Oct 27, 2020 at 8:34 AM
    #2
    state48offroad

    state48offroad Well-Known Member

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    often times you will start hearing a small popping noise when the lower bearing goes bad, you can also take a look and see if the bolt is still centered in the bearing(good) or if its offset to the top(bad)
     
    crhsharks12[OP] likes this.
  3. Oct 27, 2020 at 9:05 AM
    #3
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ah okay, yeah I haven’t heard anything yet. But I have not looked at the bolt and payed attention to see if the bolt is still centered.
     
  4. Oct 27, 2020 at 9:18 AM
    #4
    theturbodog

    theturbodog Well-Known Member

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    Every time I've had to change one of mine it was the result of investigating a squeak or a sort of binding/ticking noise.
     
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  5. Oct 27, 2020 at 10:01 AM
    #5
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    RR 2.5 King shocks front/rear, Camburg UCA's, Icon AAL Springs Softopper & BA Bumper
    And that was when you were driving? Or also stationary and like, putting pressure down on the truck (example, getting in the bed)?
    well I haven’t had any of those yet so I might just not change the bearing and just rebuild by shocks haha
     
  6. Oct 27, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #6
    theturbodog

    theturbodog Well-Known Member

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    Both times it was a low speed noise you could feel/hear. I've got a gravel driveway and it was really apparent while going slow combined with the bumpiness of my drive.
     
  7. Oct 27, 2020 at 10:55 AM
    #7
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    Mine had a clunking noise especially when I would brake to a stop. I could make it go away if I sprayed dry lubricant on them for a few days or so, that was when I knew for sure. Eventually it'll get worse and worst case, they fall apart and it'll ruin the lower eyelet in the shock. Worth replacing every 15k - 25k miles depending on how much you wheel.

    Also, hit them with a hose after every offroad trip to clean out the dirt and debris. Helps prolong their lifespan
     
  8. Oct 27, 2020 at 11:37 AM
    #8
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    shit hahahaha. I have had mine on for 45k miles with multiple off roading and camping adventures LOL. Granted i clean them out with water and soap and then dry lubricate them, but still.

    Is it worth just replacing them when I rebuild my shocks?
     
    AccuTune Offroad likes this.
  9. Oct 27, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #9
    AccuTune Offroad

    AccuTune Offroad Well-Known Member Vendor

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    Basic video that goes over shocks and when they need to be serviced... Sometimes its not very obvious unless you unbolt the shock, especially the bearings.
    https://youtu.be/b64MoFyxWkw
     
    sgtnewundies and crhsharks12[OP] like this.
  10. Oct 27, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #10
    AccuTune Offroad

    AccuTune Offroad Well-Known Member Vendor

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    100% Yes
     
  11. Oct 27, 2020 at 11:47 AM
    #11
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    Yes definitely, replacing the bearings is super easy. I just used a big socket on them to tap them out gently with a hammer, have a set of cir-clip pliers to get the c-clips off
     
  12. Oct 27, 2020 at 12:02 PM
    #12
    AccuTune Offroad

    AccuTune Offroad Well-Known Member Vendor

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    I would get new c-clips too if your bearings look rusty.... those can get pretty nasty and break.
     
  13. Oct 27, 2020 at 12:29 PM
    #13
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    sounds good, will do! Thanks for the help and information!!
     
  14. Oct 27, 2020 at 12:30 PM
    #14
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ahh makes sense. I think the bearing set comes with that. Thanks for the information @AccuTune Offroad, and the video!! much appreciated! I don't know why I had never seen that on your site??:confused: I go on often, lol.
     
  15. Oct 27, 2020 at 6:35 PM
    #15
    Tour991

    Tour991 Supplier of used parts

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    If they look like this replace them. They went a little to long.
    IMG_20200904_151138.jpg
     
  16. Oct 27, 2020 at 7:38 PM
    #16
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    :rofl: just a tad bit old
     
  17. Oct 27, 2020 at 7:41 PM
    #17
    Tour991

    Tour991 Supplier of used parts

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    Yeah not sure how the guy was driving on them.
     
  18. Oct 27, 2020 at 7:48 PM
    #18
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    Yeah if they get that bad they are way overdue lol. When I took mine out they still looked fine to the eye, couldn't tell anything was wrong. But after I put new ones in the clunking/clicking coming from them when braking to a stop went away completely
     
  19. Oct 27, 2020 at 8:00 PM
    #19
    crhsharks12

    crhsharks12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    right, thanks again! ill maybe post some photos when the time comes
     
    eon_blue[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Oct 27, 2020 at 8:03 PM
    #20
    Tour991

    Tour991 Supplier of used parts

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    After you removed them did they feel loose compared to the new ones?
     

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