Shock was dented in shipping - still ok?

[Sukhoi]

Stupid Rock Auto packed my new shocks and struts horribly, and the shock was dented against the coil spring of the strut assembly. The dent goes in something like 1/16" to 1/8". I (obviously) bought a pair of shocks, and the dented and normal one feel the same when I extend and compress them. Is there anything I should be worried about for long term leakage? Would rather not have to deal with an RMA. Pic attached though it is kind of hard to see.

 

[LTC8K6]

I doubt it since parts have to slide smoothly in there.

 

[jlee]

If you can compress it fully and it feels the same as the other one, it's probably ok - I would want it replaced, though.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

What jlee said.

Dents mean potential structural weak points. They can work a long time, and then *boom*.

Get a replacement.

 

[Sukhoi]

Alrighty, thanks everyone. Will get a new one.

 

[herm0016]

Looks like its on the gas tube. i would replace. could damage a seal, could weaken the pressure vessel.

 

[JCH13]

It's a twin-tube shock, so the dent is just in the reserve gas area. Just hit a bump as *hard* as you can and the pressure spike will pop it back out.

Or get a new shock, I won't judge.

 

[Sukhoi]

Ah, good call. I did not realize they are twin-tube, but my research concurs with you. This dent should be no problem then.

 

[mindless1]

I would base replacement on your shipping cost/hassle versus its cost, since you don't want to pay a lot for something and have damage even if the damage is only cosmetic.

I would at least prep and paint the area where the factory paint came off so it isn't an early rust point... and I like to wax the bottom end (facing the road).

 

[Sukhoi]

Paint is a good idea. Need to see if my touch-up container of white exterior latex has dried out. At least I'm in CA, so little rusting.

 

[mindless1]

Wouldn't need to be white paint, put racing stripes on both of them.

Enamel would be better than latex.