I was replacing both rear shocks and half way thru I noticed one of the new ones was considerably more stiff than the other. Has anyone ever had this issue? Should I replace the one that's not as stiff? They both seemed to be in working order but I was thrown by the uneven resistance.

I was under the car and pushed up with my right arm to compare. I was in the same position testing both and using the same arm.

They were purchased on the line through rock auto so getting a replacement will take time.

 

I would replace it.

 

This is the email response I received from RockAuto

Hello,

You reported a possible issue with your one of your shocks but, based upon your description, it is not indicative a defective part. Shocks are not designed to offer a certain level of resistance when moved by hand, they function as dampers. When they are charged with gas, they can develop different memory positions that they like to default to but generally are not defective unless leaking oil.

Thank you,

 

They're right, a hand push is no indication of performance or condition, as long as it's moving smoothly. If it's erratic, or doesn't even come back at all, then there's something wrong.

That being said, I understand it being disconcerting if they feel different. Let them settle in a vertical position and try again. Otherwise it sounds like rock auto doesn't want you to return it. Give it a try and if you can then seriously notice a difference then let them know again and see what they say.

What brand btw?

 

Monroe OESpectrum

 

You may have pockets of gas in piston chamber (this happens in storage)'. Try standing them upright and working the piston up and down it's full range about five times. Then let them stand there a few minutes and go again. This should work the gas back to outside chamber.

 

This.

However, even a shock "not coming back" doesn't mean there is a problem, either.

 

^Allegedly the gas getting trapped in the wrong place can cause that too.

 

When it's supposed to be a gas shock, yes it is supposed to. Or else there's no pressure to prevent cavitation because it all leaked out past the seal.

 

Thanks for your replies.

Since it does have resistance and not leaking oil I left it in. It feels much better than the old ones it had in there. It doesn't bounce around when I hit a bump going 80 mph through a curve on the freeway. That was scary when it did.