TC Kline shock failure, second time.

[mistico]

I'm posting this in the track forum since most people running the TCK/T2 spring combo are frequent track visitors.

When I purchased the shocks from TCK I ran them at the track once and the front driver's side shock developed a pretty bad leak. I paid TCK for a new one so I wouldn't have to wait 4+ weeks while they inspected the bad one. When they confirmed the shock was defective they gave me a refund, all good there.
Fast forward a couple of months, and yesterday I got the car ready for the NASA TT for tomorrow at thunderhill. This afternoon I pop the hood to check fluid levels and notice the new shock leaked a lot again, same side. I clean it up and pulled the car out of the garage for a wash. I then noticed a big spill on the garage floor, so I get close to look at it and it's shock oil. The shock is contantly spilling oil/bubbles from the rebound adjustment knob.
I'm not even sure if I should bother showing up at the track tomorrow with a blown shock. I'm pretty frustrated since getting the shock replaced is time consuming and the turnaround time is long unless I pay up front for a new one and then get a refund.
I'm not bashing TCK since I still think they make a good product, but I want people to be aware of this since I'm not the first person to have the same thing occur with these shocks. There is something obviosly wrong with the assembly or QC and it sucks for us, the consumer.

Here are some pics of a close up of where the oil is coming out and the puddle left on the floor.

[mistico]

pix

[ke0ki2k]

that really sucks figuring that out day before an event :/ thanks for the heads up though.

[dkmura]

I've been running the Koni DA product from TC this year and haven't seen any problems with them. Strange you would get the same failure of internal seals from the damper on that side.

I haven't heard of a LOT of other failures from this product. Can anyone else confirm this?

[jmark]

^ I know Rob had some issues when he ran those shocks. Now uses JRZ I think.

[GrandAm350]

TC Kline is a good guy. I know he won't be happy to find out that a second shock started leaking. He outsources those shocks to another company so anyone else using the same company could be having the same issue.

You've figured out by now that it's not worth running a track day with a bad shock.

Sorry to hear about it.

-Rich

[Gsedan35]

Originally Posted by GrandAm350

TC Kline is a good guy. I know he won't be happy to find out that a second shock started leaking. He outsources those shocks to another company so anyone else using the same company could be having the same issue.



-Rich

According to Pete at Tc Kline and Gordon at Koni, the shocks were a one time special run by Koni in Holland. IIRC they are based on the same shock as the OTS yellows, but with the double adjustablity and valved accordingly.

OTS yellows are known to leak from the same rebound adjustment blade spot, (I had one that did). Also sorry to hear he's having a issue.

[racerbob4]

We did run the TC Kline shock and had a leak on the right front, sent it back to TC and installed a new shock that ran all year. Next year we wanted to run a triple adjustablecanister shock and went to JRZ and havent had any problems after two years of use. TC is a good guy and stands back of all of his products, dont be too hard on him. The shock he sells is exceptionally good value for the money.

[ULLLOSE]

Do you have a pic that shows the top busings? "leaker's" have been a fairly common problem on the RX-8 Koni sport fronts. There seems to be a lot of side-loading on the shaft where it goes through the upper mount, this creates a leak around the adjuster over time.

[daveh]

It sounds like you're just an unlucky guy to have the same problem twice. My truechoice koni's had some leaking issues when they were new too. They fixed them right away no questions asked, and I haven't had a problem with them since.

[Axelerate]

My right front leaks slightly, but only while adjusting it.

I plan on getting it fixed this winter.

[mistico]

Spoke to TCK and they'll be sending me a new one. I still have to pay for one and get a refund when they determine that the current one is defective. They won't charge for freight though which is cool, so no money out of pocket besides freight to them. Not bad.

My right one leaks slightly when I adjust it but it's very very little and not worth changing unless it gets worse.

I ended up doing half a day with NASA anyway and was second in TTB by the time I left. No idea what times were run afterwards in the afternoon.

Thanks for the input, guys.

[RKnight]

I had this problem with my Koni Sports. Read this thttp://my350z.com/forum/brakes-suspension/317197-brand-new-koni-sports-leaking-oil.htmlread.

[Fletch69z]

That sucks. Sorry it ruined your track day.

[M-Workz]

Been through this a few times. Bottom line is I switched to Moton Clubsports and can not be happier. Pro parts in CA couldn't rebuild them fast enough or without leaking. Truechoice is the only choice for shock service. My Motons have been maintenance free since I got them in December last year. KW is pretty good as well.

[stuntman]

TC has a reputation for making good products.

+1 on Moton or KW. If you're looking for a different option, look into the KW V3s. Give Steve from M-WorkZ a call www.m-workz.net