Coilovers: how often do you have to rebuild?

[Trigger T4R]

How often do you have to rebuild your coilovers?

Specifically 2.5 series King, Fox, Icon Dynamics etc., standard or extended travel.

Does having secondary reservoirs extend the life between rebuilds?

I have Icon Dynamics 2.5 Standard travel coilovers and I’m considering adding reservoirs with the hope that less pressure on the main body seals will extend time between rebuilds. I‘ve had to rebuild them about once every year +\- because they start leaking, is that normal? $400-$500 per rebuild isn’t exactly pocket change.

 

[Shakes355]

While I don't have personal experience with Icon, many coilover companies use special high temperature seals. They're specifically designed to withstand the extreme heat and cycling frequency that comes with competition and heavy use (think baja).

Most vehicles, however, never see this type of use. That means the internal temp never reaches the optimum level for the seals to do their job and tend to leak. I would speak with an Icon representative to discuss seal options as companies tend to have traditional seals available.

This is a very common situation for many people who switch to racing suspension. High performance parts are designed to operate under extreme conditions and be regularly maintained. Uniballs are great and much stronger than balljoints, yes, but if you don't regularly clean and maintain them, they will only offer a fraction of the service life.

Edit: using an external res gives the shock more room to displace oil and keeps the gas separated. So yes, that might extend the service time between rebuilds due to the lower pressure needed.

 

[Trigger T4R]

While I don't have personal experience with Icon, many coilover companies use special high temperature seals. They're specifically designed to withstand the extreme heat and cycling frequency that comes with competition and heavy use (think baja).

Most vehicles, however, never see this type of use. That means the internal temp never reaches the optimum level for the seals to do their job and tend to leak. I would speak with an Icon representative to discuss seal options as companies tend to have traditional seals available.

This is a very common situation for many people who switch to racing suspension. High performance parts are designed to operate under extreme conditions and be regularly maintained. Uniballs are great and much stronger than balljoints, yes, but if you don't regularly clean and maintain them, they will only offer a fraction of the service life.

Edit: using an external res gives the shock more room to displace oil and keeps the gas separated. So yes, that might extend the service time between rebuilds due to the lower pressure needed.

That makes sense, thanks for the feedback. I’ve just emailed icon about the traditional seals and for a quote on adding reservoirs. We’ll see if they offer something when they reply.

 

[Cort]

King requires very frequent servicing. They are top notch but if you are looking for low maintenance look elsewhere.