Hello Everyone. This post is a friendly reminder of the best methods for proper overhaul packaging. Poor damper packaging is unfortunately still happening to this day. Consumers are still reminded over the phone to pack up the damper/s well being sent in for the service as to avoid any missing, or in worst cases, damaged components.
Both images shown above were not sufficiently packed, allowing for the damper/s to move about during freight, more so seen on the top image as the box completely broke open and was just placed in a box by the USPS delivery driver.
Although not all consumers can be completely reached regarding this, we still try our best to inform them all. The best suggestion I can give to anyone sending in their damper/s for a service would be as follows:
–If the damper/s packed have some amount of movement inside, the damper will more than likely tear through the box. Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are your friends. Pack it to the point that the damper/s do not move around in the packaging. This would prevent the weight shifting back and forth as well as side to side which, with the weight of the dampers, can break through.
Packing peanuts are always a good way to fill in empty gaps in boxes.
–Sharp points on the damper/s should be padded to avoid bends or breaks and/or tearing through the box.
–Only send what is needed for service or inspection. Any unnecessary components such as springs, seat locks, spring seats, and/or upper mounts (unless you are looking to have them repaired or inspected) should be removed from the damper and/or packed along side the damper/s.
Seat locks and spring seats can be sent along with the damper for service but can also be removed.
–Compressing and tethering down the piston shaft can also be done to save package size as well as allowing for more dampers/ components to be added to the shipment. Keep in mind though when doing this to avoid at all cost scratching the piston shaft surface as it may get damaged requiring a replacement then be required.
OEM replacement struts and shocks commonly come packaged like the image above to both help with packaging in a smaller box as well as help in protecting the piston shaft as it would be compressed into the body.
–Package insurance is recommended. Should any product happen to be damaged during freight, the insurance would cover at least the declared cost. Please contact us if you need to determine the declared cost/value of an item. That way, should the damage be covered by the freight forwarder, you will have sufficient value to get a replacement.
Following these suggestions should at least give you the peace of mind that the damper/s being sent in for service will not incur any damage on its way to our facility. Unfortunately I cannot guarantee that the package and contents will be received in undamaged condition. There are times that the freight courier may not have the best consideration for care of packages being shipped. Avoid any of these headaches and take further consideration when packaging and sending in your damper/s for service.
