leaky shocks

[89Industries]

All the points that guy with the long detailed description of s8e shocks is correct except they still leak a lot. Not as bad as axial shocks but they leak.

Also, if you use the long screw for the bleeder that they provide, it actually displaced enough oil to push the shaft out so you have to get shorter bleed screws.

The s8e are also the only shocks I've had that leaked out of the bleeder screws or cap area. Maybe the axials leaked out the shaft too fast to make it out of the cap.

Traxxas shocks don't leak unless you overfill them. They do have slightly more friction than others when new.

And like Jato said, it is definitely a lot to do with the tolerances. To make super low friction seals that don't leak at this size we all would not want to pay for it.

I'll take the bit of added friction to not have oil everywhere and constantly need to refill the shock.

 

[ktse]

There's a write up on FB about how to get the shocks to stop leaking. Some people like it and others say nothing stops the shocks from leaking.View attachment 507879


I've used Teflon tape before and it didn't seem to help at all. I think that was on Axial shocks with plastic caps and aluminum bodies, but I could be wrong about that. I think tolerances are everything when it comes to making a non-leaky shock.

I read that novel too a couple of days ago. It's a good read but my experience of having all the S8Es completely empty themselves on the workbench after a week of sitting on the truck before it's first run was a sign to just give in and get GTS takeoffs which still leak a bit, but only after many months of trail use. I really like elements shocks as well after I replaced the seals with associated x rings. Almost no leaks.

 

[JimrC]

I'm using a set of 100mm Axial shocks that I just rebuilt four days ago with new seals and have close to 5 hours of runtime so far with no signs of leakage Never had any issues from the top cap, just the bottom seals so far have caused probs. I haven't read of a shock brand in in this hobby that is 100% leak proof guaranteed, seems to depend on the individuals experience with a few exceptions with good reputations overall.

ps: my Axial shocks all were leaking out-the-box (discontinued model - scx10.3 Bronco) so I never really complained as for me ... they were old seals regardless of use (or am I fooling myself?). I just waited too long to replace the seals in my opinion.

What is the life-span of these little O-rings?

 

[hnoroian]

Leaking out of the box is just bad QC. Tolerances have been mentioned but remember even the slightest curve in the shaft, micro tear in a ring, etc leads to leaks. Even a slight roll over pushes the axle, suspension, links and shafts will lead to leaks.

 

[JimrC]

Leaking out of the box is just bad QC. Tolerances have been mentioned but remember even the slightest curve in the shaft, micro tear in a ring, etc leads to leaks. Even a slight roll over pushes the axle, suspension, links and shafts will lead to leaks.

I still think with it being an older discontinued stock model had something to do with it personally ... age gets us all and sitting idle has to be the worst thing. Not fooling myself with the quality of rc shocks though, don't expect miracles.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I'm using a set of 100mm Axial shocks that I just rebuilt four days ago with new seals and have close to 5 hours of runtime so far with no signs of leakage Never had any issues from the top cap, just the bottom seals so far have caused probs. I haven't read of a shock brand in in this hobby that is 100% leak proof guaranteed, seems to depend on the individuals experience with a few exceptions with good reputations overall.

ps: my Axial shocks all were leaking out-the-box (discontinued model - scx10.3 Bronco) so I never really complained as for me ... they were old seals regardless of use (or am I fooling myself?). I just waited too long to replace the seals in my opinion.

What is the life-span of these little O-rings?

Axial shocks that don't leak? What miracle did you discover?

Those O-rings should last years unless they get nicked or dry-rotted. Coating the O-rings in Noleen SF3 AKA "green slime" will help preserve them.

 

[JimrC]

Axial shocks that don't leak? What miracle did you discover?

Those O-rings should last years unless they get nicked or dry-rotted. Coating the O-rings in Noleen SF3 AKA "green slime" will help preserve them.

No miracles, just my word that says no leakage or seepage so far SRAM butter is what I use All I know is that the new seals have stopped my shocks leaking since fitting them but as also said ... I don't expect miracles either.

 

[Col_Sanders]

I still think with it being an older discontinued stock model had something to do with it personally ... age gets us all and sitting idle has to be the worst thing. Not fooling myself with the quality of rc shocks though, don't expect miracles.

Oh no they were most likely leaking from the minute oil was put in them lol.

 

[89Industries]

I'm going to also say that the gland design and o-ring selection on a lot of these shocks is not correct.

For example you do not use an o-ring with a 3mm id on a 3mm shaft. You need some stretch/interference between the o-ring and shaft. You can make the pocket surrounding the o-ring small to squeeze in the o-ring but this generally leads to bunching and causes leaks or failure on installation of the shaft. Axial didn't do this either.

But that is certainly what has been done on the axial shocks and likely many others. I don't know if it's in effort to reduce friction on such lightweight vehicles, too loose of tolerances or lack of knowledge on proper seal design.

I've tried as many alternative o-rings I could find that would fit somewhere close to what the axial shocks, plus different o-ring materials, different backup rings(the spacers between o-rings), tried swelling the o-rings in lubricant I know caused o-ring swell. None of it worked.

Traxxas GTS shocks and element shocks are the best solutions I have found. Admittedly I don't have enough data points to say this is 100% the only solution that works all the time.

 

[JimrC]

quick lil update folks - three weeks so far and no leaky shocks so far The last week the shocks have been well tested while I'm trying to find out what's causing the winch issues ... never played with the winch so much lol anyways, still leak free with the new seals fitted ... am not gonna start bashing the Axial shocks just yet Don't even mind if I need to rebuild twice a year