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Post Info TOPIC: Tennis Balls
Grahame Readwin


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Just had the service on my Pathfinder and had them put in ventilated Bembo disc pads and new shockies on the rear. Told the mechanic I was considering putting balloons in the rear springs due to extra wear on the rear tyres. This, I'm sure, is caused by the heavy load of the van and the camber going out due to the independant suspension. He told me to hold off as the new shocks were stronger than the originals. If I was worried about it try putting tennis balls in the springs and see if it made a difference. He did stress that this should only be a temporary measure.

Has anyone else heard of this?



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Grahame
Nomad246


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Grahame Readwin wrote: ~~~ In Part ~~~

 If I was worried about it try putting tennis balls in the springs and see if it made a difference. He did stress that this should only be a temporary measure.

Sounds like 'balls' to me.

I don't know how you would get a tennis ball between the spring coils, without puncturing and deflating the ball.

If your comment "balloons" refers to airbags as in Polyair springs http://www.polyair.com.au/

I can recommend them as fantastic. I've had them on my Patrol for over 15 years and the result has been worth the cost.

At first I was convinced that they would puncture easily, however after 4 huge offroad treks and numerous short Vic treks the Polyairs are still on the 4WD and still operate perfectly.

Originally installed to tow a very heavy offroad trailer I've also used them for towing horses, boats, heavy tandems and have never used a WDH.

Just updating my old Patrol I should take them off for my new 4WD, but after the work they have faultlessly done I think I'll treat the new 4WD to it's own new set.

I'd advise, consider the Polyairs to assist your Pathfinders loose ass.

 

 



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ozjohn


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confusehmmno
Footballs are for Football.
Basketballs are for Basketball.
Tennis balls are for ??????



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Nomad246


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ozjohn wrote:

confusehmmno
Footballs are for Football.
Basketballs are for Basketball.
Tennis balls are for ??????

 And balloons are for parties, it's a wonder no-one has suggested inserting air filled condoms into the springs to cop a load.

 

Grahame, I should also mention that the advice of 'stronger shocks' will not do a thing to carry a load.

Cheers



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Grahame Readwin


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Thanks for the advice on the Polyairs. All this started at the recommendation of Cooper Tyres. My rear tyres always show more uneven wear than the fronts even though I regularly have realignments done. Apparently, It's common on Pathfinders and Pajaros due to the load altering the camber with the independant suspension. Cooper's suggestion is to fit airbags. My towing is fine. I use a WDH even though the back of the Pathy hardly moves when attaching the van. My mechanic simply suggested balls to test if air bags would help my problem. He would supply and fit the airbags if I wanted them, but didn't want to charge for something not neccessary.

I've looked on the net for other people using the tennis ball trick - you'd be surprised. A LeMans race team many years ago even used them for the whole 24 hour race! However, I think I'll leave the ball's for the likes of Macenroe (You can't be serious!). If, after my next big trip, I still have a problem I'll have the airbags fitted.

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Grahame
Nomad246


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Hi Grahame,

If you're keeping your Pathfinder long term for around $300 + fitting as I've previously advised I'd go the Polyairs.

If a short term keep, return on investment may be an issue.

Without ever weighing my offroad trailer I would have estimated it had a towball weight of around 300 to 400Kgs on the Patrol. Never used WDH and yet Patrol ride height was level. Did ride firm over bumps though.

All the best with your Pathfinder and van

Cheers



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justcruisin01


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Nomad246 wrote

 

Grahame, I should also mention that the advice of 'stronger shocks' will not do a thing to carry a load.

Cheers

 Totaly correct, shocks control rebound not carry load

JC.



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jimricho


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I've never heard of tennis balls. I've heard of tennis elbow.

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blaze


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The tennis balls will do as your mechanic sugested, it has been used as emergency for faled springs. Get the airbags fitted
cheers
blaze

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jimricho


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blaze wrote:

The tennis balls will do as your mechanic sugested, it has been used as emergency for faled springs. Get the airbags fitted
cheers
blaze

 I'm with blaze on this one. I've had air bags and after-market heavy duty suspension fitted to both the Pajero (in my avatar photo) and my previous vehicle.



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jimricho


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justcruisin01 wrote:
Nomad246 wrote

 

Grahame, I should also mention that the advice of 'stronger shocks' will not do a thing to carry a load.

Cheers

 Totaly correct, shocks control rebound not carry load

JC.

 At the risk of being one of the village pedants, it's interesting to note that the Americans refer to shock absorbers as dampers. Technically this is more correct as it's the springs that absorb the shock and the "dampers" that damp out the action of the springs as alluded to by Jim (JC01)

However as a mere mortal I'm happy to call them "shock absorbers", "shocks", "shockies" or whatever.



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Baz421


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Easy solution is higher rated springs.

I had a Pajero for 11 years with uprated ARB springs so back was level (ie original unladen weight height) when upder load. Solved the problem.

 



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