Weeping damper, is it a fail?

[Split_Pin]

Got some grime on one of the rear dampers, looks to be a historic leak of some sort.

 

It's a shortened item so the lowering spring stays put when jacked up, so the cheapest new one is 30 quid, and I'll want a pair.

 

I've seen such things only advised upon at MOT time, how bad does it have to be? It's only minor and must have happened ages ago as its dry. I will replace it but funds are limited to necessities only at the moment.

[hairnet]

mist or leak is phail

[lisbon_road]

Can't you clean it?

[Station]

Just clean it - the mot tester did know the shocks were dead on my Micra before he saw them leaking he said, but that might be typical mot tester gumf.

Changing them will -massively- improve the ride over dead ones so it's week worth 60 quid.

[forddeliveryboy]

"Slight misting but not a leak" iirc is an advise. A bit of dust stuck to the oll is proof it isn't leaking, I suppose. If there are a few grey areas on the car and no sign of recent maintenance, there's more of a chance it'll be failed.

[Split_Pin]

Cheers guys, ill give it a clean and pray! I'll buy new ones next again payday.

[Station]

Use carb cleaner to get rid of all the oil and then liberally apply some dust/mud from the back of your garage.

[hennabm]

If it is clear the seal has failed is a fail.

 

Misting/seeping is a pass and advise.

 

http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000701.htm

[alf892]

I always used this as a guide...........

 

misting/seep = slight sign of moisture with dust/mud stuck in it = Pass with advise (assuming non kwik fit type operation)

 

leak = as above but fluid loss sufficient to leave a clean line through the dust/mud

[Asimo]

No car part is better value than fresh dampers, from the improvement to cost point of view anyway. 

 

However, WD40 or similar sprayed over the whole suspension area, "for rust-proofing purposes" will disguise any trivial weapage.

 

I think dampers should be properly tested at MOT time as it is I believe, done in some national check systems.. I have twice had utterly failed dampers, and not a sign of leakage. Original fit dampers on some cars have had it by the time the first set of tyres is done.