[gizmoes]

Greetings! My 1985 Silver Spur #14002 has been woken from its hibernation of several years. One problem I'd like to correct is the ride quality. The rear suspension appears to have little or no damping whatsoever. Driving the car makes one feel like a bobblehead, and after slowly traversing a speed bump, it takes several high bounces before the motion decays.

My question is, what is the best plan of action? Could this be caused by just the accumulators on top of the struts need recharging, or does the whole unit need to be replaced. What new parts are available for this middle aged Spur? Are there rebuilders?

Some background: The mineral oil level is correct, but needs to be changed. I did the main accumulator test that Jim Walters provided on an earlier thread: Run engine 4 minutes, stop engine, turn key on and slowly pump pedal. Should be good for 20-50 strokes before light comes on. Well, my car failed miserably: one stroke and the light for system #2 came on, seven strokes and the system #1 light came on.

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Wraithman]

are you performing the required work yourself? or in the hands of a knowledgeable RR tech?

 

[gizmoes]

Yes, by myself, and/or sending off assemblies. I was a Volvo tech for 19 years, and replaced/repaired quite a bit of the hydraulics on a 71 Silver Shadow a while ago.

 

[johnu]

Not sure if this applies to a Spur...

 

[FLYER34]

My question is, what is the best plan of action? Could this be caused by just the accumulators on top of the struts need recharging, or does the whole unit need to be replaced. What new parts are available for this middle aged Spur? Are there rebuilders?

Start by changing the four spheres.
They are NOT rechargeable/repairable.
Various sources (look for IFHS : they build the new spheres).
By the way, front spheres (brake accumulators) are different from rear spheres ("hydraulic springs").

 

[Jean7]

Agree with Flyer, replace the 4 spheres and Orings, but make sure not to mix them as they are different ( different pressure) and it could be very dangerous mixing them.

Front spheres are not easy, specially if they have been overtight with a tool. and a strong man.

Make sure to bleed all pressure before doing anything.

Replace LHM

 

[gizmoes]

Thanks johnu! Excellent tutorial, and definitely applies to the Spur.

 

[gizmoes]

Thanks FLYER34 and Jean7! I will exchange all four spheres.

 

[Jean7]

The 2 rear explain your bouncy sensation = suspension spheres



The 2 front explain your brake light coming too early / very dangerous if engine stale = brake spheres


Seal are the same for the 4


You may ask a specialist to do it if , depending on your experience, ability, tools and how difficult it is.
If they were too tight, thta requires a soecial technique, and / or special tools, often handmade...

 

[JP_Corniche]

...and don't drive the car! If you do so, you'll wreck the rear shocks too. And they are super-more expensive than the rear spheres. And don't ask me how I know it...