New Koni Shock Defective?

[SteveG66]

Maybe I’m wrong? Between yesterday and today I received 5 KONIs, 2 front and 3 rear from the Tirerack (TR) Full set yesterday, 2 front 2 rear. One more rear today....

Fronts when compressed will return back to extension on their own. I Compressed the rear and one of the shocks did not return to extension, I called TR first yesterday and was told to contact Koni, which I did and was told I could send in for warranty evaluation. That might take a few days to evaluate, they were out and would not receive a shipment until late next week. I had planned on working on the car next week when the kids were off for spring break. To get the job done, I ordered another (and paid for) from Tirerack and received it today and this one will not return on its own either. So now I’m sitting with 3 good shocks and 2 dead shocks.

Before I call Koni and/or Tirerack up again, is this normal for a shock not to want to return to extension on its own or is it a big deal? If it is a big deal, I’m a little nervous as to how well they’ll hold up.


If anyone has some insight about this if this is normal, I would appreciate the advice, neither Koni nor Tirerack were very helpful or concerned. Now I’m possibly stuck with 2new bad shocks that will need to go back to the manufacturer before Tirerack will refund my money. I’m still down one shock, too!!!

[DimrBimmer]

Sorry I won’t be much help in your situation, but should you not be able to return the leftover set back to TR claiming it was defective? If they give you run around, just call your credit card. I have never had any issues returning items that were defective. I would also refuse to pay any shipping and have TR email you UPS or USPS prepaid label.

[SteveG66]

Dimr, I learned that’s not the way TR works from them which is why I needed to purchase the 5th shock so I could replace them next week. They informed me they’d have to send the defective one to Koni for evaluation before they could refund my money.

ill definitely think twice before I buy from them again, although I’ve had good luck before with them with tires.

I hadn’t thought of contacting my credit card company, I’ll reach out to TR first though.


Why me??.......

[rf900rkw]

You are trying a totally bogus test. Internal friction of unbedded seals vs the low pressure Koni uses means absolutely nothing. Put them on the car and be happy.

[SteveG66]

Thanks Randy, that is exactly the information I was hoping to get. Not knowing the internal workings of a shock, I didn’t know the legitimacy of the gas.

Ill go go ahead and install and enjoy!

[SteveG66]

Randy and Dimr,

im going to go ahead and install but want to make sure they’re on the same setting. For the life of me, I’ve searched also, how do you set the shocks?

I don’t feel the feet engage the adjustment part on the shock when I try extended or retracted. The shaft just rotates without hitting a stop. I’ve removed the plastic spacer to see if that matters and I do feel more resistance but still not feeling a stop signifying I’ve reached a full firm or soft setting.

Any help would be really appreciated!!

[rf900rkw]

They adjust fully compressed. You need to remove the rubber bumper that is currently hiding in the shroud.

[SteveG66]

Randy, that worked!!

Thank you for the assistance, I’ve scoured the net, YouTube, etc and nowhere is this mentioned. Thanks again.

They adjust fully compressed. You need to remove the rubber bumper that is currently hiding in the shroud.

[Grauc]

related question - just installed a set of GC coilovers and one of the rear shock "sags" lower than the other when the car is lifted off of the ground, resulting in a loose spring - is this a bad sign regarding the state of the shock?

thank you!