Tokiko Illuminia rear 280ZX shocks

[pcs]

Hi Guys,

When I removed my rear Tokiko Illuminia shocks from my 280ZX , I accidently or unwisely pulled the lower end to release it from it's perch resulting in loss of some oil and gas from the shock at the seal where the shaft emerges from the body.

Illuminias are not in production (for 280ZX) any more and I want to get it serviced and restored to normal operation. Does anybody Know if this is possible and who can do it ?

pcs:bandit:

[zbane]

my only thought on that would be to contact Tokico, they may be the only ones who would touch it.

[Darrel]

Do you have a pic of what you did?

[240ZMan]

Just a thought: it's common to fill the space between the strut and the strut housing with oil to help with heat transfer. Perhaps the oil you saw was some of that being forced out?

Are you able to move the strut shaft in and out? Easily? If not, then maybe your strut is ok. Do you have another one out that you can compare it to?

[Darrel]

Just a thought: it's common to fill the space between the strut and the strut housing with oil to help with heat transfer. Perhaps the oil you saw was some of that being forced out?

Are you able to move the strut shaft in and out? Easily? If not, then maybe your strut is ok. Do you have another one out that you can compare it to?

Daniel, the 280zx rear struts are not cartidges. It's all one piece then you put the spring on.

[240ZMan]

Oops, sorry for the bad information.

I was thinking of the earlier thread by the guy who felt that sometimes the 280ZXs didn't get a fair shake on this site, so I took a shot at answering. Given all my experience is with the S30, I guess I need to be a little more careful about what applies to the ZXs.

[roger1357]

eBay had several sets of Tokiko Il's yesterday--you might have a gander at their selection. I bought a set of struts and springs there myself. NOS and in perfect shape.

[Darrel]

I was wondering how he pulled it apart and lost all the oil. Maybe I didn't look at the illuminas close enough but I don't think you could pull them apart like he seems he did. That's why I would like to see pics of what they look like.

[pcs]

Hi guys,

Sorry I forgot I posted this thread.

From memory I removed the top mounting nuts from the tower and removed the lower self locking nut and washer that holds the bottom onto the lower bracket. I guess the suspension didn't droop enough , because when I tried to release the lower end from the mounting by pulling the lower end towards the diff. I think the top end caught and by this action I heard gas escape from the top seal around the shaft and some oil squirted out.:stupid: Now when you compare both rear shocks, this one does not have the same gas pressure nor does it have the same damping properties. I was thinking that maybe I could talk to the guys that repressurize gas struts. Maybe they can help?

Being in The land down under it's a bit far to send it to Tokico but maybe they might have some suggestions if I emailed them.

Regards

pcs:stupid: