Last year I took the Stylus' front shocks back to the makers - Protech - for a re-build as the front suspension was clicking as the rocker arms changed direction. I was very impressed both with the service (both shocks re-built while I waited) & the price. As I'm messing with the rear suspension this year I arranged to take the rear pair in. I called them up "would you be able to service them this afternoon while I wait?" "yes sir I should think so". We agreed a price & I set off at lunch time, arriving at Melksham about 1:45.
I explained that I'd had to free off the adjusters as they were stuck & that they'd been set up for track use, so I wanted them re-valved to factory settings, then set off in search of coffee & cake.
Around 3:00ish the phone went with a message that the shocks were ready to pick up. I drove back to collect them & the chap said "We've had a bit of a 'mare with these, the adjusters were seized onto the brass valves which were seized into the bodies. We've sorted it all out, but we've had to put on all new bodies, adjusters, etc as well as all the seals & oil, so you've really got a new pair of shocks, only the top mounts & shaft are left"
I took a deep breath "OK, how much do I owe you then?"
"Oh there's no change to the price we agreed"
It's not often you get service like that. It's even rarer in the specialist car parts market.
Some years ago I replaced the factory Spax shocks on the Fury with a set of Protechs & immediately noticed a difference - I'm not the Stig & things really have to be noticeable for me to notice. Many people who passinged & followed that car commented on how it seemed to float on it's suspension - while still cornering like a bastard.
I was very pleased indeed when I found out the Stylus also had Protech shocks. So I was already impressed by the product, but on both occasions I've returned shocks for re-build, the service has been fantastic. I can't say fairer than that.
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