How to tell if TcKline D/A's are shot?

[doogee]

I just purchased used TcKline D/A for my E36 M3.

Before putting them on I played with the adjustment and was pushing on them to see the differences in adjustment.

Anyway, I think at least one of the rear shocks is blown but I can't be positive because I'm not 100% sure how these Koni D/A should behave.

On one of the shocks, when set to full compression, it compresses easily and get stiffer each time it's pumped. Is that normal?

On the other shock, the compression adjustment doesn't seem to do anything, it's always easy to compress and the rebound doesn't seem to change as well.


Do these shocks act differently when they actually have load on them or are they toast? And info on how to check these would be awesome!

Thanks

Also want to add that no matter what I do with the the fronts, after compressing them, they wont return. I figured with compression maxed and rebound low, they should come back up on their own?

This is without any springs in them btw.

One last comment.

When I turn them upside down I can hear the oil slushing around.

Is that normal?

[YAOGinanM3]

I just purchased used TcKline D/A for my E36 M3.

Before putting them on I played with the adjustment and was pushing on them to see the differences in adjustment.

Anyway, I think at least one of the rear shocks is blown but I can't be positive because I'm not 100% sure how these Koni D/A should behave.

On one of the shocks, when set to full compression, it compresses easily and get stiffer each time it's pumped. Is that normal?

On the other shock, the compression adjustment doesn't seem to do anything, it's always easy to compress and the rebound doesn't seem to change as well.


Do these shocks act differently when they actually have load on them or are they toast? And info on how to check these would be awesome!

Thanks

Also want to add that no matter what I do with the the fronts, after compressing them, they wont return. I figured with compression maxed and rebound low, they should come back up on their own?

This is without any springs in them btw.

One last comment.

When I turn them upside down I can hear the oil slushing around.

Is that normal?


doogee,

I have a freshly rebuilt set of TCKR D/A coilovers and it sounds like your TCKR D/As may be in need or a rebuild. Mine work as you would expect them to work and changes in adjustment can easily be felt for both bump and rebound adjustment.

I know that new TCKR D/A front struts E36 M3 come with low pressure gas but when I picked-up the used set I have now the fronts did not extend themselves I had to pull them out. When the front and rear dampers were dyno'd my rears were operating perfectly, a near perfect match. The front struts were a different matter all together and obviously needed service work. When Koni West (PRO-PARTS) took them apart they said that there was no gas pressure in them but if I wanted when they are rebuilt gas could be put back in. The rear dampers do extend on their own and work the same as the fronts in terms of what you can feel when adjusting them.

HTH!

[doogee]

Interesting. I'm pretty confident they need a rebuilt. Front and Rear.

Just got them off someone on the forum who claimed they were fine...got totally screwed.

[magnetic1]

If these are from who I think they are from, I doubt the seller is purposely trying to screw you over. Send them out to get dyno'd, that is the only real way to figure out if they need a rebuild.

Or maybe call TCK? They'd be able to give you better info than you'd find in an internet forum.

[doogee]

If these are from who I think they are from, I doubt the seller is purposely trying to screw you over. Send them out to get dyno'd, that is the only real way to figure out if they need a rebuild.

Ya I need to find a place with a shock dyno. I never thought the seller "screwed me" Don't like to think that way. I honestly believe he didn't know.

[YAOGinanM3]

Ya I need to find a place with a shock dyno. I never thought the seller "screwed me" Don't like to think that way. I honestly believe he didn't know.


Send the whole set down to Truechoice in Hillard Ohio for a lap on their dyno and a quote for complete rebuild. It depends on how much you paid for the struts and rear dampers but if you add the cost of a rebuild you may still get a significant cost savings over buying new from TCKR. You cannot get hurt if you paid less than $600 for the struts and dampers. Even if you get them dyno'd and have to rebuild all four corners you will still have less than half the cost of a new set in them. TCKR's D/A coilovers for your M3 are well worth rebuilding even for a street car. There is really nothing else to compete with the TCKR D/A's if you get them rebuilt and paid a reasonable price up front for them. PM me if you want to sell them, I know a guy who would take them off your hands for the right price if the shafts are not damaged.

HTH!

[doogee]

^^ Yeah that's the problem. I paid $1800 for them.

So paying for a rebuild myself is more expensive than just getting a brand new set.

I'll figure something out. Pretty sure the seller doesn't want to help me out...

[YAOGinanM3]

^^ Yeah that's the problem. I paid $1800 for them.

So paying for a rebuild myself is more expensive than just getting a brand new set.

I'll figure something out. Pretty sure the seller doesn't want to help me out...


doogee,

$1,800? Geez what did you get for $1,800 the complete TCKR suspension setup with front and rear springs, camber plates and rear ride height adjusters? I'd have a talk with the seller and see if he will at least give you back the cost of getting the all of the dampers rebuilt. Is he a guy you know personally or locally? A bimmerforums member? This is just not right, I hope you work something out to make you whole, keep us posted.

HTH!

[doogee]

doogee,

$1,800? Geez what did you get for $1,800 the complete TCKR suspension setup with front and rear springs, camber plates and rear ride height adjusters? I'd have a talk with the seller and see if he will at least give you back the cost of getting the all of the dampers rebuilt. Is he a guy you know personally or locally? A bimmerforums member? This is just not right, I hope you work something out to make you whole, keep us posted.

HTH!


Entire kit minus camber plates.

I found a local place with a shock dyne and they also do rebuilds. So I'll call them Monday and set something up.

Seller is a bimmerforums member and he said he'll make things right so we will see what happens.

[YAOGinanM3]

Entire kit minus camber plates.

I found a local place with a shock dyne and they also do rebuilds. So I'll call them Monday and set something up.

Seller is a bimmerforums member and he said he'll make things right so we will see what happens.


Well good luck doogee.