Area Representative Bizzielizzie13 Posted May 30, 2015 Area Representative Share Posted May 30, 2015 Having returned from a 1,200 mile trip around northern Spain I find I have a leaking rear damper unit. My question is, should I replace with a standard unit (Bilstien I think) or 'upgrade' to say Nitron Street Series. Would that indeed be an upgrade? They look to offer good value.I don't do track days in this car & it's 3 years old. Thanks for comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisFeakes Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 Could it be repaired/reconditioned rather than replaced?Might be a cheaper option if anyone on here knows of someone or somewhere you could get that done.Just a thought...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 Bilstein will be able to refurb dampers. The contact details are below:http://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/bilstein-reconditioning-serviceThere's also been a thread on the Nitron Street Series:http://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/nitron-street-seriesSomeone needs to give them a bash and report back on how they get on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Slotter Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 Bilstein are doing mine at the moment. Send them the damper (ideally in pairs and you can leave the sping and platforms on if you want, they'll put them back together how they arrived) to the address on Vitruvius Way in Leicester (Google 'Bilstein UK') with a covering letter with your details. They will strip them, replace internal components and check them on a dyno. Current turn around time is about a week and a standard service is £80 per damper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 The Bilstein is the better option for the 7 IMHO. Valving is a good match for the spring rates used.# Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Bizzielizzie13 Posted May 31, 2015 Author Area Representative Share Posted May 31, 2015 Thank you for your comments & advice.Looks like a New Bilstein to minimise down time, then get the old unit 'done' to have a spare or do the other side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 1, 2015 Member Share Posted June 1, 2015 Simon: is there an age of shock absorber at which you'd always recommend changing both sides if you're changing one?ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 As I was always taught by my father and I have seen written many times always change in pairs.However having seen these dampers on the dyno and a very wide range of age and use I would "carefully" comment that age and useage have no correlation with the forces seen on the dyno.Now you can interpret this as you wish. Obviously you can understand why I am cautious about simply making a brash generalisation of a statement.They need to be tested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 1, 2015 Member Share Posted June 1, 2015 ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Bizzielizzie13 Posted June 1, 2015 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 1, 2015 Thanks Johnathan & Simon,I've got a new one on it's way, the 'last one' in stock!Tony at South said there have been changes to valving etc and the Damper is Vin specific.So at moment I will only be able to change one anyway, following Simon's guidance best move would be to refurb the displaced unit and then change the other side. If the refurb is only £80 it's less than half new price.I'm with you on component change, if in doubt, carry out a 'float test' and act accordingly!David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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