Rattling rear shocks - did something fall off

[spt87a]

Hi,

Both rear shocks on my 1994 Mazda B4000 4x4 are loose on the bottom mount and rattling around (bolts are still there - but it is like some spacer or washer is missing on both).

I'm wondering if there was some extra piece that connected between the two mounts that fell off leaving these loose (like a a frame connector bar). Or is it just a coincidence that they both are missing a spacer/washer?

If I replace the shocks (they are probably original and ready to go anyway) I assume they will come with the spacers, etc. needed - but if some other part fell off I'll need to get that as well.

Can't find any pictures in either my Haynes manual or online that show any kind of connecter or additional pieces for the lower shock mounts.

Thanks,

 

[4x4junkie]

There's not much down there... The eyelet of the shock, a rubber (or urethane) bushing in the eyelet, and a steel sleeve in the center of the bushing. Tightening the bolt clamps the shock bracket on the axle against the steel sleeve so nothing's rattling around. Maybe someone put steel sleeves in there that are too short making it so the bolt can't be tightened correctly?

New shocks generally do come with all the necessary hardware (except for the bolts themselves).

 

[scotts90ranger]

the only thing I can think of that would rattle is if the dust boot was metal (many I've seen are) and worked it's way loose...

 

[footee]

I'd say the bushings fell out, if they're that old anyway. New shocks will come with them and sometimes a bunch of different sleeves that you don't need. (Just because they're for all different models.)

 

[spt87a]

Replaced shocks - problem solved

Thanks for the insights. I bought a set of shocks and installed yesterday and problem solved.

On the old shocks the rubber bushings on both were falling apart and thats why they were so loose.

Amazingly, I had no trouble getting any of the bolts off. Sprayed with WD-40 before trying, but even so I figured they would have been severly rusted on and been a major struggle.