Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 18, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted October 18, 2022 Post '96 front suspesnsion https://caterhamparts.co.uk/dampers/684-front-springdamper-assembly-1996-onwards.html?search_query=Front+Damper&results=229, standard rear for the '96 car. Rear1) Caterham out of stock -according to my phone call.2) Caterham won't/don't supply dampers only complete assemblies. "That's how they come to us". How wasteful is that? I have the springs I want, I have the adjustable platforms, so the unit will have to be disassembled. Wasting time at their supplier (I assume directly from Bilstein) and money and time at mine. After all they are not going to build any more live axle cars are they?My reading of the number on the front damper is 75522. The rear is not in sight. Has anyone tried https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/? It seems to be a retail outlet, as Bilstein don't sell to the aftermarket.As my Seven is a 52 weeks of the year car, I would prefer not to have it off the road for a fortnight as Bilstein refurbish my current set. It may be the only sensible option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 I wouldn't go near them with someone else's money, in all honesty, if what I've found is the full story. Sourcefy Ltd is the company behind them, one director, a Canadian, Michael Lee Sung. Company founded 2019, never filed a P&L, negative Balance Sheet. Stated address is a gym. YMMV. Edit. I just searched for reviews on that Company. Seen nothing that changes my mind. Trip advisor reviews are obviously mixing this guy up with Bilstein themselves but there are comments about non existent chat lines, E mails etc. worth a look. There are some good reviews but generally before this company was formed..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Swap to Protech single adjustable? Without springs they'll probably not be much more than reburbishing the Bilsteins. I get on better with them than any of the other dampers I've used over the years. Mine came from ProComp who know a thing or two about building and setting up live axle (7 type) cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Or does anyone have a set you could borrow while yours refurbed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 18, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 18, 2022 Hi Scott, I have taken careful note. Thank you for your research. This is their registered office, quite possibly it's an accommodation address.Rkeywood - possibly but I have been happy with the Billies. I'll call ProComp but the car will be set up by Rob Morley.IanP, is the effort of a temporary installation worth it? It might be easier to borrow or hire a car for the days I need one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Or use the 21 :-0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 18, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 18, 2022 That was put on SORN at the end of September. I thought (hoped I suppose) that I could tuck it away for the winter for safe keeping. Bad timing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Stephen, have you tried the Bilstein UK Service Centre, located within the ThyssenKrupp Technical Centre? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 18, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 18, 2022 Hi James, thank you.I have spoken to them. They do service but not after-market sales. The service department says a one week turnaround, which is good. Once you allow for getting them off, despatched, allow for return, refitting and resetting the car, that's a fortnight. I'll get a price from them tomorrow now I have found the damper reference number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john g Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Stephen, word of warning, I had my set of Bilsteins rebuilt by Bilsteins, early this year. I was quoted 2 to 4 weeks, it was 6 weeks. Did a good job though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 19, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 19, 2022 Thanks for the warning John, this is why I had hoped to buy identical replacements, THEN get the service done. (It would seem such a simple idea.)Also why, with the 21 on SORN for the winter, I had already planned (hoped) to get the Billies done on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Another vote for Protech dampers with the internal valving set up to suit the Caterham by ProComp Motorsport Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 19, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 19, 2022 I'll talk to Rob about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 26, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 26, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 Should work out well. What springs do you use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 StephenI can do pairs of dampers - no need for a full set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 Another for Protech, they have a wealth of experience of Caterham's and are very helpful people to deal with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 27, 2022 Author Area Representative Share Posted October 27, 2022 Stephen I can do pairs of dampers - no need for a full set.Hi SimonThank you. All four have leaked, so all four need replacing. My remaining decision is whether to have the Billies refurbished and put into storage for possible future use.I confess that the Bilstein approach requiring separate adjustable collars looks very dated or basic in comparison with a shell with thread already in it but I suppose that is the difference between mass market and specialist supply.I doubt I will comment on how the car feels as I will be comparing new with old, which isn't fair. I reckon I was getting used to the failing dampers although I was blaming the terrible roads in rural Herts (which bear some blame for the dampers being pushed to their wear limit) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 Stephen,Are the new dampers on? How are they performing?Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted June 14, 2023 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 14, 2023 Ian, they are great, the car feels secure on the road.I will try a turning the valve down one stop, to compensate for the roughness of Hertfordshire's roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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