Leaking Brand New Koni Yellow

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 10:39 AM

I want to try and save everybody purchasing Koni Yellows a little headache. When I received my shocks I noticed that my front driver side was leaking a little oil when adjusted. I just thought this must be normal for new shocks and did not give it any mind. So I rented a spring compressor and went about the long process of swapping in my shocks.

After they were installed I decided to do a little internet search on leaking Koni Yellows. It was then I discovered this was a very prevalent problem and not normal for new shocks. Initially, the shocks were amazing. But after a track weekend I noticed some strange handling sensations. And now, my driver side is downright squirrely. The front end now pogo sticks over bumps and when I stop.

Here is a photo of the offending shock. If you look closely at the little washer above the adjuster you will see that it is not flush. That is where the fluid is leaking from.

Here is a photo of my passenger side shock. As you can see, the washer is flush and there is no leaking.

I am not posting this thread to flame Koni. The Yellows are well regarded as amazing technology at an unbelievable price. Just make sure to compress the shocks and adjust the dampening before installing them. If they leak, even a little, contact Koni and get a replacement.

EDIT: My replacement shock arrived today free of charge.

fuct · 05-09-2012, 12:20 PM

wow, great post!
if not these shocks, what else out there can we try?

kenchan · 05-09-2012, 05:01 PM

there lies the problem.... no other option at this time.

fuct · 05-09-2012, 05:29 PM

hmmm.....

GaleForce · 05-09-2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

wow, great post!
if not these shocks, what else out there can we try?

The only other option is to spend a little bit more money and get a coil-over set-up.

Shame, perhaps it's a limited production run? I ran Koni yellows on my Civic years ago. They worked flawlessly.

Telephone · 05-09-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

wow, great post!
if not these shocks, what else out there can we try?

You still have not gotten Konis?

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 08:30 PM

Please understand that I am not posting this thread to say that Koni’s are crap. I know for a fact that Koni Yellows are a far superior shock at a great price. I got a bad shock. It is not the end of the world.

I just wanted to prevent someone from spending all the time installing them if the shock was leaking out of the box.

Please do not use this thread to assume that Koni Yellows are substandard.

azn370z · 05-09-2012, 08:33 PM

About how much do these shocks cost?

Telephone · 05-09-2012, 08:34 PM

ResIpsa,

I'll check on my Konis for leaks...thanks for the heads up. BTW, have you noticed any discrepancy with the ride height? Any side lower than the other?

Telephone · 05-09-2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

About how much do these shocks cost?

Got mine from Tire Rack
$861 shipped

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telephone

ResIpsa,

I'll check on my Konis for leaks...thanks for the heads up. BTW, have you noticed any discrepancy with the ride height? Any side lower than the other?

Yes. The leaking side is lower.

threeseventy · 05-09-2012, 09:28 PM

What is Koni going to do about it? Or is your recourse to go through TireRack? (I'm about to buy them)

fuct · 05-10-2012, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telephone

You still have not gotten Konis?

nope. ive barely put any miles on her since i made that thread about the konis. the factory shocks are still holding strong.

vjarnot · 05-10-2012, 11:50 AM

Sucks about your damper.

Are these valved for stock springs?

fuct · 05-10-2012, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjarnot

Sucks about your damper.

Are these valved for stock springs?

they say they are made for lowered springs...

05-09-2012, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	Leaking Brand New Koni Yellow I want to try and save everybody purchasing Koni Yellows a little headache. When I received my shocks I noticed that my front driver side was leaking a little oil when adjusted. I just thought this must be normal for new shocks and did not give it any mind. So I rented a spring compressor and went about the long process of swapping in my shocks. After they were installed I decided to do a little internet search on leaking Koni Yellows. It was then I discovered this was a very prevalent problem and not normal for new shocks. Initially, the shocks were amazing. But after a track weekend I noticed some strange handling sensations. And now, my driver side is downright squirrely. The front end now pogo sticks over bumps and when I stop. Here is a photo of the offending shock. If you look closely at the little washer above the adjuster you will see that it is not flush. That is where the fluid is leaking from. Here is a photo of my passenger side shock. As you can see, the washer is flush and there is no leaking. I am not posting this thread to flame Koni. The Yellows are well regarded as amazing technology at an unbelievable price. Just make sure to compress the shocks and adjust the dampening before installing them. If they leak, even a little, contact Koni and get a replacement. EDIT: My replacement shock arrived today free of charge. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/ Last edited by ResIpsa; 05-24-2012 at 09:27 AM. Reason: Contacted Koni Warranty Division

05-09-2012, 08:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	Please understand that I am not posting this thread to say that Koni’s are crap. I know for a fact that Koni Yellows are a far superior shock at a great price. I got a bad shock. It is not the end of the world. I just wanted to prevent someone from spending all the time installing them if the shock was leaking out of the box. Please do not use this thread to assume that Koni Yellows are substandard. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-09-2012, 08:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	About how much do these shocks cost? __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

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05-09-2012, 12:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	wow, great post! if not these shocks, what else out there can we try?

05-09-2012, 05:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	there lies the problem.... no other option at this time.

05-09-2012, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	hmmm.....

05-09-2012, 08:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
Telephone Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 297 Drives: 2012 Sport M6 Rep Power: 14	ResIpsa, I'll check on my Konis for leaks...thanks for the heads up. BTW, have you noticed any discrepancy with the ride height? Any side lower than the other?

05-09-2012, 09:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
threeseventy Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 600 Drives: Opinion Rep Power: 15	What is Koni going to do about it? Or is your recourse to go through TireRack? (I'm about to buy them)

05-10-2012, 11:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
vjarnot Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Mathews, AL Posts: 68 Drives: 2012 370Z Base SP M6 Rep Power: 13	Sucks about your damper. Are these valved for stock springs?