F15a shock absorbers

[Dave Schindel]

Hi guys, I am ready to install the front shocks on my cab 11 but am wondering if there is a way to open them up to check condition/repair ? I just don't want to bolt them on if they are no good.Is there a way to test them on the bench?

[Dave Schindel]

OK, did some research and got some info.Called Houdaille Hydraulic suspension.There is actually a lot of info on the interwebs. I think I can check 'em out.Still,if anyone has any tips I would be greatful.
Dave

[rob love]

I was always told that if they are not seized, leave them alone. It is a can of worms to avoid.

Good luck on them.

[Tony Smith]

Some info on how the shocks work in THIS THREAD.

[Dave Schindel]

Thanks Rob and Tony.If they work,leave "em alone. Not something you want to try to rebuild unless you are desperate!

[rob love]

Actually, those Houdaille style don't look that bad. It is the double piston type as found on the Fords and the M135 GMCs that I was warned about.

[Jacques Reed]

Originally Posted by Dave Schindel

Thanks Rob and Tony.If they work,leave "em alone. Not something you want to try to rebuild unless you are desperate!

Hi Dave,

I agree with Rob and Tony wholeheartedly. If they move, just work them a bit, flush them out, and replace the hydraulic oil.

If they are frozen and you cannot find some that move then you may have to try to tear then down.

I recreated the pictures below of how I got mine apart after Frank Curcio removed the arms for me with his puller and heat. As I said in an earlier post referred to here, to do it again I would try to do it myself first. I didn't have an oxy set in 2004 when I had mine rebuilt however.

Before removing the arm mark the arm and the shaft to make sure you get it back on the correct spline. Some are factory marked with a chisel mark. A centre punch mark will also do the job.

I used a strap wrench to remove the cover. I made a tool to remove the inner ring from a piece of steel with three bolts 120 degreees apart. In actuality it came out quite easily but I was expecting the worst. Gentle persuasion with a brass drift on the notches may be all that is needed in hindsight. In any event a tool as heavy as the one I made is not necessary. Once that ring is out the rest should just pull apart easily if not frozen with rust.

Hope this may be of some help.

Cheers,

[Harlé Sylvain]

Hello
Is there a seal that can leak on the schaft, my one are all free but all empty of oil?

Cheers

[Jacques Reed]

Hello Harle,

Yes, there is a seal at the wingshaft. In the Spare Parts List it is listed as CO1TS 18043 "Packing- wingshaft".

I just checked my old samples and as per attached photo the original packing is on the left, and an "O"ring that was used as a substitute by the rebuilder is on the right.

After 13 years since being rebuilt, there has been no leakage at the shaft so the "O"ring seems to be a good substitute for the packing.

Cheers,