OEM shocks are NLA per MazdaComp. Is there a company that rebuilds OEM shocks and struts, particularly for the RX-7, and even more particularly for the R trim cars? My hazy memory seems to recall Showa was the OEM supplier for the R shocks. If that is the case, maybe Showa offers a rebuild kit or could supply the seals. May reach out to them tomorrow.

 

Unless they are rusted or leaking, they don't seem to wear out much.

Howard Coleman has dynoed quite a few stock shocks and says that even at 135k they were still in good form.

Howard Coleman Suspension advice

If not, Koni used to rebuild shocks once upon a time.

Vince

 

Never thought about it, there may be options out there. Also, it may just be easier/cheaper to track down some good used shocks.

May want to Google around for places that specialize in rebuilding shocks, they may be able to give you some quotes or tell you a shop that can do what you're looking to do. At the end of the day I have a feeling the components inside the shocks aren't anything too exotic, but it's hard to say if they are easily rebuilt with readily available parts or if Mazda/Showa used something weird.

Dale

 

The real question is WHY?

 

Called American Showa in Ohio. Not much help and the concept of rebuilding was unsurprisingly foreign. She was in accounting (that's where the general telephone extension transfers for some reason) so not giving up but need to confirm Showa was the OEM before digging further.

Called the main office of Koni in Kentucky but no answer. Google found one of their authorized rebuilders, Truechoice, which is a familiar name. Guy I spoke with said it's possible they could rebuild but would not know for sure until opened up. Cost to rebuild probably the same as a new set of shocks. Will send them a few measurements of piston diameter and length once I get to that point.

Originality is the reason. There are undoubtedly better shocks for the same money available at this point.

 

Shock are wear and tear, like brake pads. Would be cool if possible. But, no hurt in throwing some konis or bilsteins on there. You could probably piece a set of good OEM shocks together from the FS section. They're probably all a little long in the tooth, at this point, regardless of mileage.

 

I can see a set of KONI yellows in your future. They are great adjustable shocks.

Plus they look great wrapped in red springs.

 

Originality and properly functioning are often mutually exclusive. Especially as the miles accumulate.
If you have a low mileage, garage queen, future auction car, then the shocks are probably fine as is since they are quite durable.
If your OE shocks are worn out due to mileage and use, then replace with aftermarket or OEM shocks (if available). Keep the stock shocks if you think you'll have the need for originality.

Personally, I don't get originality at this level... what about the tires, brake pads, battery, fluids, wiper blades? Why does it matter on a wear component...

 

I threw away a set of oem 94 shocks a couple of months ago because nobody wanted them. They had 71K on them

 

Suspension parts wear out and become garbage.

I wonder if pre war collectors worry about suspension parts being matching OEM?
I think they are lucky to find a matching engine block to chassis number.

I bet the most valuable FD has its OEM oil, tires, brakes, shocks, clutch, antifreeze, motor (lol) and first tank of dealership fuel still in it.

BTW a stock OEM car sucks, sure its a spectacle, but by any other measure its lame and boring. GLWS if that's your end goal.