Shock Question, 48

[Skirted]

I've have a bumping sound on rebound from the front suspension on rough roads. Assuming the shock probably needs replaced?
Any estimates on age of this shock based on pic?

Thanks!

[tfburke3]

I've have a bumping sound on rebound from the front suspension on rough roads. Assuming the shock probably needs replaced?
Any estimates on age of this shock based on pic?

Thanks!

Looks like original shock.Rubber bushings look shot.The new ones available,last time I purchased are in my opinion to soft,so take note of hardness when you replace.Once the shock is off you can tell if its working by puling apart and compressing.
Tom

[1950Panhead]

Your rubber bushings are probably shot, check with kiwi or local tire store for replacements.
Test shock off bike pushing and pulling rod.

[pisten-bully]

I thought some reproduction shocks did a decent job of copying the Monroe stampings, but that the repro shocks had different crimp marks at the top and bottom and were missing the trap door flaps (to give access to the nut inside) on the upper housing. If they're reproduction, likely they're made in Asia and could have failed. Can't see enough in your picture Skirted, to tell if it's a 1948 Monroe shock or a modern Chinese one?

[Skirted]

I thought some reproduction shocks did a decent job of copying the Monroe stampings, but that the repro shocks had different crimp marks at the top and bottom and were missing the trap door flaps (to give access to the nut inside) on the upper housing. If they're reproduction, likely they're made in Asia and could have failed. Can't see enough in your picture Skirted, to tell if it's a 1948 Monroe shock or a modern Chinese one?

Harry what do you mean by trap door flaps? I'm at work now so can't get another pic of ends at the moment. I noticed the bushings looked shot. Wasn't sure if Monroe was even around in 48. The last time anything like this would have been replaced would have been in the mid 80s when bike was last refreshed.

Thanks for the responses

[pisten-bully]

Jason, this is what I meant by "trap door", there are two of them opposite each other and I'm not certain reproduction shocks have them? Also the crimping on original shocks is many fine crimp marks whereas I've seen repro shocks with larger and fewer crimps. BTW.... I don't mean to say reproduction shocks are no good, only that if it is a repro shock it may have failed due to it not being made to original standards!

[1950Panhead]

only that if it is a repro shock it may have failed due to it not being made to original standards!

Harry,
Thats the same as saying reproduction shocks are no good.

[pisten-bully]

Harry,
Thats the same as saying reproduction shocks are no good.

Jerry, perhaps I can say "not AS good" ... but then there's likely someone who'd say reproduction shocks are better! So.... maybe I should have said..."In my humble opinion there exists the possibility that reproduction shocks might not be made as well as original shocks.... but maybe they're made better, you decide!"

(... and I certainly don't mean to diss any supplier of reproduction parts, we need 'em!)

[1950Panhead]

Perhaps I can say "not AS good" ... but then there's likely someone who'd say reproduction shocks are better! So.... maybe I should have said..."In my humble opinion there exists the possibility that reproduction shocks might not be made as well as original shocks.... but maybe they're made better, you decide!"
(... and I certainly don't mean to diss any supplier of reproduction parts, we need 'em!)

Harry,
Reproduction shocks are no good.

[Skirted]

Here are a couple more pics. Don't have the trap door bump-outs as shown above but still kinda looks like it could be an original?

[pisten-bully]

Here are a couple more pics. Don't have the trap door bump-outs as shown above but still kinda looks like it could be an original?

Jason, if I were you I'd pull that shock, or at least the top mounting bolt and see what happens when you compress and extend it, see if it has any dampening left in it, or if the bushings are so worn the mounting bolts are making the noise?

I didn't mean to wander away from the original question with ideas on whether your shock was original or not! I'd agree that with those crimp marks it's not a current reproduction, and the "trap doors" are usually on the sides right next to the springs and hard to see... they don't look like the photo I put up as they're more flush instead of raised, or bumped out.

[Skirted]

Thanks for responding back Harry - Hopefully I'll get to it this weekend. Had some great fall weather here but the extended riding season will be coming to end very soon.

[cdf6333]

I'm pretty sure that new Monroe shocks didn't have the "trap door". I think that was done when, and if, they were rebuilt to get at the internal nut, as mentioned. I have 2 shocks for my 46 and neither has "doors". I've had them both for at least 30 years.