So I have been repeatedly told to watch out for leaking pulsation dampers. Upon learning their function and the threat they can pose, I was wondering why they are made of plastic and are there any alternatives to the stock plastic pulsation damper unit. Because they are made of plastic and prone to failure is it better to replace them before a problem erupts (assuming they have never been replaced)?

I looked for the answer on the larger forum. I found the subject but I couldn't seem to find the answer as to if they should be replaced before a problem develops or not

Anyways thanks for any info you guys might have to offer.

 

They aren't made of plastic. The diaphragm inside is rubber (which it has to be in order to flex), covered by a metal cover, then a decorative plastic cover is put on top.

If yours is leaking, the easiest thing to do is just replace it and then not worry about it for another 20 years. If it isn't leaking, it will likely be fine but is worth glancing at when you pop the hood to check oil, belts and hoses (which you do at every fill up anyway).

 

Banzai racing has a "how to" on deleting it. I replaced mine.