Tips For Pre-Purchase Checking Coilovers

[sweefu]

Hello all, Happy Christmas Eve etc

I am looking at buying some second hand coilovers (JIC Magic) from an S14 (For the front of my R31).

I understand the basic things to check such as leaking seals, dints or scratches on the piston of the shock, worn rubbers, strut tops etc

But I was hoping someone would be able to suggest some other things to check? Or good methods for checking coilovers before buying - what else should I be looking for?

Any help or tips would be great

Many thanks,

Anthony.

[R TUNE]

Try and listen to them fitted in the car, to see if the strut top are loose.

[sweefu]

Unfortunately they are removed from car. I've been trying to work out what I can check, but short of removing the strut top and checking the stroke of the shock, I can't think of anything else.

[dori34]

Push down on the shock from the top mount, and check to see if it sprIngs back up normally. If it hesitates or springs up slowly like as if it's stuck, then they're fkd so I wouldn't touch them.

[sweefu]

Once the spring is removed though? With springs in the coilovers i'd only be able to push down maybe 10mm. I've asked the guy to remove one of the camber tops so I can push the piston all the way down and see how well it returns.

[dori34]

I usually test with springs still in, you will notice whether it's dead as it won't spring back up normally. I think sydneykid did a thread about buying second hand suspension and what to look for. Have a search for it if u can

[HYBR3D]

Can someone fill me in or help me with some info, I cant find anywhere about adjustable suspension laws, do you need a engineers report or something riveted to your fire wall? or can you just put em in yourself and its legal as long as your 100mm off the ground. i dont want my car more illegal than it already is and Vic police are pretty strict

Also Im pretty sure you can get adjustable's rebuilt? if you got a bargain price and one needed a new seal or something i dont think it costs to much. could always be an option but it is a hassle I guess

[sweefu]

I usually test with springs still in, you will notice whether it's dead as it won't spring back up normally. I think sydneykid did a thread about buying second hand suspension and what to look for. Have a search for it if u can

The rears were quite high up, so there was a gap from the top of the spring to the spring seat, allowing me to compress the shock around 50mm. One of them did not return at all, just sat there. Walked away, new suspension on order!