Koni Questions

[Marty Rogan]

I am working on the suspension on the '71 that I bought last year. Putting PU bushings and re-doing the tie rods, ball joints.

From the receipts I got with it, the PO put in some Koni red shocks, around 20+ years ago. I am wondering if they are still good. The car handles well and seems to ride fine.

I had a set on my first Z in the early '80's and recall something about being a "lifetime shock". Aren't they adjustable in some way as they get older?

I pushed the pistons down and they stayed there. Aren't they supposed to rebound back out? Also one of the rears seemed to have bubbles escaping next to the piston. I figured that couldn't be a good sign. Probably leaking?

LEt me know what you think.

Marty

[Gav240z]

If they are gas filled shocks you might be able to get them re-gassed. From the sounds of it one is leaking so it would be a good idea to rebuild them and replace the seals etc..

Same goes for the oil filled ones. They should be servicable however I'd do some research if might be cheaper to buy a new set.

[Gav240z]

oh and if they are oil filled you'll wanna replace the oil with the same weight oil that was originally in there.

[lvmy240z]

Don't Koni's have a lifetime guarantee? You might be able to get them repaired or replaced for free.

[Brett240]

No Shock will last a lifetime. as soon as you start using them they start wearing. Koni's (at least the ones i have) are rebuildable, but you wont get them rebuilt for free.

[Marty Rogan]

Anybody know where you could get Koni's rebuilt in the USA and how much it might cost?

I suspect that I would probably be better off just replacing them, but would like to explore my options. I was really hoping to stick with the Koni's.

Marty

[Zedrally]

This probably isn't the answer your looking for, however as I've just had a set of struts dropped off and am pondering about what to do, I can add that you may be better off without the Koni's.

They where a brilliant stut in there day, however a gas shock is infinately better.

I used them in the rally car and am dis-appointed with them, perhaps I've been badly advised? They certainly would perform better on a circuit car, so it really depends on the use you intend to put the car to!

Now, with your permission, as I have all the suspension specialists attraction.

A question...

I have just acquired a set of 2+2 struts from Zkid, [thanks Chris].

They appear to be perfectly functional, hence my reluctance [without good reason] to do an upgrade to KYB's.

How can I test them? [they are already stripped down less springs].

I know that the repair kit has been un-available for decades, has anyone succesfully serviced them when they have been in good condition or should I just put the KYB inserts in and save myself all the hastles?

TIA

[zr240]

Mike do you still have the koni's?

If so do you want to sell em?

Thanks

Ash

[Curtis240Z]

The "old style" Koni reds are hydraulic shocks made in Holland. They are adjustable by collasping them fully and turning the rod. They are a lot stiffer than the current gas shocks Koni sells (which do extend naturally). If the rod movement is still very dampened then you are probably ok. They will not automaticly extend because they are not gas shocks. You can't buy them anymore.

[Marty Rogan]

Curtis/All,

Thanks for the reply.

I spoke to tech support at Koni USA. He confirmed that not rebounding would be normal for an oil shock. He also said that the bubbling up may be normal. IF they are leaking, oil would be dripping down the side. He said there really isn't a way to test them without a special machine.

Having them rebuilt is $140 + parts. Incidentially, he said that they started making them for the 240Z again beginning last year. P/N's are: Front 861811 and Rear 861812, about $140/ea. Available from Classicgarage.com. So its actually cheaper to just buy new ones.

He also said that if they were built after May of 1980, that they would replace them under warranty, with a receipt or proof of the date of install. There is a 3 digit date code on them that they can decode if you call them with it.

You can contact Koni USA at (859) 586-4100.

I guess I'll pull one out of the tube and check the date code.

Marty

[Bambikiller240]

........ Incidentially, he said that they started making them for the 240Z again beginning last year. P/N's are: Front 861811 and Rear 861812, about $140/ea. Available from Classicgarage.com. So its actually cheaper to just buy new ones.

Great News! Thanks for posting that info. Now all I need is the $$$$ to buy them.

[Curtis240Z]

No offense, but for that price I'd go with the Tokico Illuminas because they are externally adjustable and can get just as firm. When I had the Konis they were great but I'm not going to take the suspension apart to adjust the shock. Plus the adjustment per the Koni instructions was for wear not tuneability.

In contrast, the newer gas Koni with the white adjustment knob could never get firm enough.