Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks
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My rt frt shock is leaking on my 36 Master. I have tightened the nut 4 or 5 times and it still leaks, so I'm guessing it needs to be rebuilt. First, is this something that I can do? I see rebuild kits for around $250, and rebuild services from $900 up. Is this normal? Suggestions?
Thank you
Ken Albers
YouTube has several tutorials that might help you decide if diy is an option.
In addition to the YouTube tutorials, I would also read this thread from the old forum, it may further help you decide whether this is a project you'd like to attempt.
https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php/topics/112463/
Make special note of the discussion regarding worn shafts and replacing the needle bearings with bushings, both most likely, requiring machine shop service. Part way down the old thread it mentions this website http://www.antiqueautoarchive.com/folders/Restoration/kneeaction/kneeactionpdfcompressed.pdf While the information in this link was very detailed, and provided a great step by step process, the link no longer works. I do have a paper copy that i can scan and share if you decide to undertake the rebuild.
Also attached are images of Chevrolet Service Topics (5 pages) that describes the rebuild process for the Dubonnet type shocks. These pages are more focused disassembly and reassembly of the units with new parts which are no longer available.
After reading the information online and in the afore mentioned documents, i did disassemble and successly reseal the shocks in my 34 Master using a seal kit i found on eBay. Luckily, my shafts were not worn and both shocks had already been converted from needle bearings to bushings so no machine work was necessary. I did however have to fabricate a couple special tools to aid in the disassembly process.
Thanks, I'll check these out. Maybe I just need seals.
Ken
Look at my efforts: http://home.znet.com/r1937/Knees.htm You can try wrapping plumber string for a seal. Or take it apart and get modern seal TC12564 and were purchased from Consolidated Bearing Company.
I tried for years to get mine to stop leaking. I finally bit the bullet and had Apple Hydraulics in New York rebuild them. New bushings, bearings and seals. They now work great but be prepared...the price was staggering!
I had Apple Hydraulics rebuild my shocks as well, not cheap, but once done you take off your to do list forever.