| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
eagle3
Alfa 33
Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 402
Location: France
|
 Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:35 pm Post subject: Shock Absorbers |
 |
|
Is there anybody still producing shocks for suds/sprints/33s in the UK or elsewhere?
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
BigAl
P4
Joined: 06 May 2003
Posts: 2996
Location: U.K Surrey
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eagle3
Alfa 33
Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 402
Location: France
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 8:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm not thinking about buying any at the moment.
There's just been a discussion on another forum(french) about getting a batch made to order since a lot of the stuff available is old stock which the producer may not guarantee.
I've heard mixed views on Konis. A lot say they're a bit hard. I dunno.
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BigAl
P4
Joined: 06 May 2003
Posts: 2996
Location: U.K Surrey
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 8:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ahhh i c.
You can get different types of koni's, yellow=sport, the hardest, red=medium, black=classic, the softest.
If you are going to keep the car they will be a good investment, as you can get them serviced, whereas oem are throw away.
Keep hold of your originals so if and when you get your koni's serviced you can still use you car
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eagle3
Alfa 33
Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 402
Location: France
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| BigAl wrote: |
Ahhh i c.
You can get different types of koni's, yellow=sport, the hardest, red=medium, black=classic, the softest.
If you are going to keep the car they will be a good investment, as you can get them serviced, whereas oem are throw away.
Keep hold of your originals so if and when you get your koni's serviced you can still use you car |
I'd rather not go through the agro(and the cost of course) of taking the damn things off once they're fitted, which is sort of why I started the topic.
There was a case where a faulty set was bought over the internet(not sure where) which were out of date as far as the producer was concerned and as such out of guarantee, although they were "new". Result: car out of action for an extended period and the buyer obliged to sue the supplier.
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BigAl
P4
Joined: 06 May 2003
Posts: 2996
Location: U.K Surrey
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 4:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
When your oem shocks get to the stage of needing replacing, way before the koni’s, you will have to buy new ones.
I feel like a koni rep here lol.
The koni’s once fitted will far outlast any oem shock, you can start at the softest setting, or match what the standards are, and over the years gradually increase the stiffness to compensate for the general wear and tear, therefore keeping the same ride.
Once the koni’s can no longer be adjusted, send them off for a service.
Shocks should be replaced at recommended service intervals, I don’t know what they are for our 33’s but anything from 3years 36k miles to 5 years 60k miles would be good, depending on conditions.
The damping characteristics of the shocks gradually deteriorate over time and since you are driving the car everyday, the decline in the quality is going to happen with out you noticing. You would notice if you changed the shocks, even if it passes the “bounce test” they can still be no where near as good as new set.
There is also the possibility of a new oem shock failing and leaking outside the guarantee, again you would have to buy new ones.
Koni’s are susceptible to this and one of mine leaked, so I just got them serviced and also got them re-valved for a stiffer ride, much cheaper than a new set of oem shocks.
I'm just trying to save you money and possibly get your car to handle a little better for free  as you will be buying new ones anyway. Do you know anyone with Koni's on their car? You could drive it to see what you think.
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
33bits
16 Valve
Joined: 23 May 2009
Posts: 1067
Location: Clevedon. North Somerset
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 11:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
A year ago i bought a pair of new standard shox from Alfashop. As far as i know they still have them in stock. I have 1 new rear shock here if you get stuck.
_________________
155 sportpack
33 16v Sportwagon
33 Permanent 4
33 16v (for sale)
156 JTS sportwagon
contact me for any 33 parts. Alex, 07896-327708
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eagle3
Alfa 33
Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 402
Location: France
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 6:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'll check with the Alfa concession here next week for prices and availability.
I may have a look at some Koni reds but they're a bit pricey for me.
Also I have one of the last 1.3 i.e.s which have three nuts at the top of the front struts rather than four. The rears are the same I think.
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eagle3
Alfa 33
Joined: 11 Nov 2007
Posts: 402
Location: France
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The Alfa concession said there are no more available from them. 
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
