Shock Link Question
 

The weather was finally warm enough here in Upstate NY to finally start tackling a couple projects - one of them being the shock links. The condition of the ones already on the car was VERY loose as seen in the video. Upon disassembly found a broken spring once I was able to dig out all the parts from the assembly. Reassembly was a fun way to pass Saturday night as many who have done this in the past will confirm - a delicate balancing act between the right amount of tacky grease to keep the parts in place, without dropping anything.


Once reassembled - here was my question. While greasing I see grease coming out the bottom, but not the top. I pumped quite a bit and was wondering if either I tightened the screw too much (no longer wobbles) and if I should loosen the screw, pump the grease, then tighten. Wasn't sure how tight I need the top screw to be, and if it was affecting grease flow.


https://youtu.be/mhcSwTqkC9Y

Re: Shock Link Question
 

Looks like you need a new shock absorber, that arm should not
be moving side to side like that.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

Agree that the shock is probably worn out.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

I would replace both the shock and the link. Check others, might also need attention.

Good springs and shocks make all the difference in how you car will drive. There really isn’t a short cut.

Enjoy.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

[QUOTE=WHN;2114535Good springs and shocks make all the difference in how you car will drive.[/QUOTE]

The springs in my CCPU are so stiff I don't think the shocks make any difference.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

There are quite a few variations shown in the judging standards and restoration guidelines (57).
You have uncovered an issue with your cars' shocks. I would suggest you look at the other shocks on the car and see what you have function wise, and use the cover to ID each shock. I would even take some clear pictures of each shock.
You will then have a clearer perspective of your new problem.
One way to test each shock would be to pull the shock arm loose at the shock, and use a wrench to check the action of the shock.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

Quite simply put ................. it's very hard to get the grease pumped all the way up to the top of the link once it starts oozing out the bottom of the link. Always best to pack as much grease into the pieces as possible while assembling. This was a very poor design for lubrication. Even the early links with the fittings near the top of the link were deficient in this way. They were better, but still not perfect.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

On a new link, the screw only needs to go in sufficient to put in the cotter pin

Re: Shock Link Question
 

Thanks for all the advice. Once replaced the link is now firm, no wobble. Filled up the shocks and took it for a ride yesterday - less noisy as well as better ride.

Re: Shock Link Question
 

So what was causing all the movement in the shock arm?

Re: Shock Link Question
 

So the shock is fine?

Re: Shock Link Question
 

It definitely looked completely gone. That arm should never move that way.