[blackfire_9]

Originally Posted by jinojohnt

Mine is Alto Lxi, August 2008 Model. In my User Manual Section 9-5, I saw the following text:
"Warning: The rear shock absorbers are filled with high pressure gas. Never attempt to disassemble it or throw it into a fire. Avoid storing it near a heater or heating device. When scrapping the absorber, the gas must be released from the absorber safely. Ask your dealer for assistance."

Maybe Maruti decided to improve at least one thing in the later models it seems, as most things including the plastic molding is different (worse) in newer Altos.

Drive safe.

[jinojohnt]

This makes me wonder, is it possible to buy a new set of rear 'gas' dampers (Alto Lxi) and replace the front 'oil' dampers with the new 'gas' ones? Has anybody tried this? I am more interested in a softer ride than a very good handling for my Alto because I rarely go beyond 60 km/hr.

[sgiitk]

I had replaced oil dampers with gas dampers ages ago in my FIAT (c.1985). Did improve the handling somewhat.

[blackfire_9]

Originally Posted by jinojohnt

This makes me wonder, is it possible to buy a new set of rear 'gas' dampers (Alto Lxi) and replace the front 'oil' dampers with the new 'gas' ones? Has anybody tried this? I am more interested in a softer ride than a very good handling for my Alto because I rarely go beyond 60 km/hr.

One of the front shocks in my car were replaced recently, but I think they were replaced with oil ones only at the MASS. I feel that there would be some differences in the front shocks & the rear shocks, however, if they are identical, you can surely go ahead & use them in the front. But in case you get a confirmed answer to your query, please let me know as well.

Since we are on the topic of comfort, personally loved the suspension (softiness) of the old Zen, & also of the Fiat Uno. I have been wondering if the shockers etc of the Zen (old) can be shifted to the Alto 800cc.

Drive safe.

[kapilvgupta]

am not sure if I am getting the topic wrong but if by Gas shock absorbers one is refering to Gas charged hydraulic shock absorbers, then....

Having been a part of the suspension development team I can confirm that most if not all new cars today come with Gas charged shock absorbers. These are twin tubed and they use the regular set of valves and oil for absorbing/damping the vibrations/shocks, they are also charged to a specific pressure with an inert gas (nitrogen).

Benifits of gas charging (in a twin tube shock absorber):

• The gas helps in minimizing the aeration of the hydraulic fluid - The creation of foam is prevented because the gas compresses air bubbles in the hydraulic fluid. Reduction of aeration enhances the working capacity of the shocks and gives smoother control in different types of road conditions.
• Gives more flexibility to the engineers to design the valves
• Heat may lead to the reduction of damping capability in the shock absorber however in gas charged shocks this is reduced to a considerable extent
• The handling is improved through roll reduction and the reduction of sway and dive

peace,
~kg

[drpullockaran]

Originally Posted by jinojohnt

This makes me wonder, is it possible to buy a new set of rear 'gas' dampers (Alto Lxi) and replace the front 'oil' dampers with the new 'gas' ones? Has anybody tried this? I am more interested in a softer ride than a very good handling for my Alto because I rarely go beyond 60 km/hr.

For a softer ride you would need to change the spring rating and along with it the damper values too. You just cannot mix and match springs and dampers without taking into consideration innumerable number of parameters. I would suggest stick to OEM or change the whole kit with a one thats designed specifically for your car.
Too many fly by night so called specialists tamper with stuff in our automobiles who know zilch about mechanicals. An example is the use of modified exhaust systems and air intakes. Millions go into designing and perfecting systems compatible with our cars. If you intend to put in some modification at least make sure the bloke has got a degree in his field of expertise.

There may be lone crusaders with superb ideas but have them show the benefits on their vehicles before subjecting your vehicle for their experiments.

Would you let a quack treat you or your family with wonder drugs thats not been tested and approved by the industry.

[Honda Monk]

My OHC was requiring rear damper replacement.
After much research through the forum I bought KYB Excel-G (Gas filled shocks) on sunday. Hoping to get better results over stock.
Have to tke the delivry today evening.
WIll post the reviews soon.

If the performance improves will replace front ones too.

[Skyline GT-R]

As kg has mentioned there is no GAS shock absorber.

It is Gas charged hydraulic & it has oil inside it.

Gas charged shock absorbers cannot be overhauled or filled with gas.

Amby/Jeep/Padmini owners around Palakkad will know Sujith who overhauls shock absorbers. He had tried to open a Gas charged shock absorber (not mine) long time back and it blew off with the top portion shooting the roof while i was in the shop.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by blackfire_9

Maybe Maruti decided to improve at least one thing in the later models it seems, as most things including the plastic molding is different (worse) in newer Altos.

Drive safe.

during the 1st servicing of my gypsy, the vehicle had been lifted up and I noticed that all shocks were Monroe. I could not find any plain oil shocks on the M website. does it mean Maruti has upgraded shocks to Gas on the gypsy?

Thanks

[KSM-Vtec]

Originally Posted by Ragul

during the 1st servicing of my gypsy, the vehicle had been lifted up and I noticed that all shocks were Monroe. I could not find any plain oil shocks on the M website. does it mean Maruti has upgraded shocks to Gas on the gypsy?

Thanks

Any updates on this? Are the Indian Monroe shocks available for the Gypsy gas filled?

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by KSM-Vtec

Any updates on this? Are the Indian Monroe shocks available for the Gypsy gas filled?

The Gypsy service manual says handle shocks with care as they are filled with pressurized gas ...

--R

[KSM-Vtec]

Originally Posted by Ragul

The Gypsy service manual says handle shocks with care as they are filled with pressurized gas ...

--R

Any idea where I can get them in Mumbai?

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by KSM-Vtec

Any idea where I can get them in Mumbai?

You can have mine if you want. I will be getting Bilsteins maybe in the next 15 days perhaps. Again not sure if thry are gas but the service manual seems to indicate so.
--R

[KSM-Vtec]

Originally Posted by Ragul

You can have mine if you want. I will be getting Bilsteins maybe in the next 15 days perhaps. Again not sure if thry are gas but the service manual seems to indicate so.
--R

Thanks a lot! Have you compared your ride quality with another gypsy?

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by KSM-Vtec

Thanks a lot! Have you compared your ride quality with another gypsy?

Compare the stock factory fitted shocks for a new Gypsy with what? An older Gypsy with even older shocks? Not sure I understood your question.

--R