Shock Tube Rubbing

[Wahugg]

Hey all!

I was out changing my brake fluid when I noticed this.


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It appears that something is rubbing the inner side of the shock tube. What ever it is has worn off the paint and is beginning to make score marks. I couldn't see anything in the vicinity that would rub up against this area, even when under compression.

Has anyone had his problem before? Or can someone check to see if this is normal? The fact that what ever is rubbing against the tube is causing score marks is concerning me.

My rear set up is stock length Blistening HD's with Z71 springs.

Thanks for any input!
-Wahugg

[drwfaulk]

It could be the shock sleeve rubbing when it compresses . It looks like the scores are vertical . Try to see if when the shock is compressed if it bends back in the middle to cause the rub.

[06MidnightBlue]

Confirmed. It is the shock "sleeve" as I like to call it. Seen it a million times at work. Also had it happen many-a-times on my TB

[v7guy]

How is the shock condom rubbing on the tube in just that one specific spot?

It's not bumping something while the axle is hanging is it?

[drwfaulk]

How is the shock condom rubbing on the tube in just that one specific spot?

look at the 2nd, pic you can see where the "condom" is touching on the side of the rub, and not on the other.That is most likely where (when compressed )it is rubbing because the shock is not straight.

[The Roadie]

The problem is where I put the arrow. Apply some teflon tape to the area, and tuck it up under the sleeve so it doesn't catch during compression. If this bothers you too much, you might want to readjust your threshold of carnage-annoyance.

[06MidnightBlue]

The problem is where I put the arrow. Apply some teflon tape to the area, and tuck it up under the sleeve so it doesn't catch during compression. If this bothers you too much, you might want to readjust your threshold of carnage-annoyance.

Skadoosh!!!

[Wahugg]

The problem is where I put the arrow. Apply some teflon tape to the area, and tuck it up under the sleeve so it doesn't catch during compression. If this bothers you too much, you might want to readjust your threshold of carnage-annoyance.

My carnage annoyance levels are right with my old busted radiator. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't abnormal or anything, so the teflon tap isn't gonna be necessary.

But thanks for pointing that sleeve out. I never thought something that soft could cause wear!

Thanks!
-Wahugg

[v7guy]

Crazy, nifty to see though.

[The Roadie]

I never thought something that soft could cause wear!

It's not exactly the plastic doing most of the wear - it's the sand and dust being scraped back and forth by the plastic that's acting as sandpaper. Same way that a plastic bracket can damage a power steering aluminum line or AC refrigerant tube or brake line. I've got a few little pieces of fuel line tywrapped various places to help protect tubing like that. It can get scary after 4-5 years, and the Roadiemobile is now 8 years old.

[Lauron]

Wahugg,
the rubbing may just be a boot misalignment but it could be the result of mounting the shocks too rigid in the mounts. If the shocks can't rotate with compression, they will be put in bending which could cause this contact. Did you mount the Bilstein's with extra washers to take up the space of the undersized ends? I am not sure which shocks you have.

See the discussion on Bilstein rear shocks.
http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3438